Moxy Madison Downtown

Moxy Madison Downtown opened in March 2024 on East Washington Avenue, the only Moxy in Wisconsin. It has 151 rooms, a lobby bar that doubles as the check-in desk and a rooftop restaurant, Atico. The project began in early 2020 and was delayed by the pandemic before opening.

The place

The hotel stands at 823 East Washington Avenue (some listings give 825), the corridor that connects the State Capitol to the east side of the isthmus. Breese Stevens Field, the historic outdoor stadium used for soccer and concerts, and The Sylvee, a concert hall, are within a short walk. The Capitol and the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus are also reachable on foot.

Lake Monona is visible from the rooftop level.

The concept

North Central Group, a hotel company based in Middleton, Wisconsin, developed the building through its NCG Hospitality arm, which also owns and operates it. Work began in early 2020, just before the pandemic, and the schedule slipped through supply problems and inflation. The hotel opened in March 2024. The Daily Reporter put the cost at $24.9 million.

The site is tight. The footprint is 10,900 square feet, and the contractor nicknamed the job the tight squeeze. The building has eight stories above ground by most accounts, though early reports spoke of nine, and it covers about 77,500 square feet. Gary Brink & Associates were the architects, Flick Mars did the interiors, and Tri-North Builders was general contractor. The team reused 110 tons of demolished concrete in a gabion wall.

Moxy is Marriott's younger, playful brand, and the Madison version follows its template. Guests check in at Bar Moxy and are handed a complimentary cocktail or mocktail with the key. The lobby works as a living room with foosball, air hockey and arcade games. Rooms swap the usual desk, closet and minibar for wall pegs, under-bed storage and bright colors. A seven-story column of color runs up the outside.

There are three themed suites, called Rockstar, Victorian and Mastermind. The hotel says it created more than 40 jobs. It is the only Moxy in Wisconsin.

Dining & wellness

Atico is the rooftop restaurant and bar, serving Latin American fusion dishes and cocktails with views over Lake Monona and Breese Stevens Field. Marriott's listing places it on the eighth floor, while earlier coverage said the ninth. Marriott's listing shows evening hours and a Sunday closure, so check before a visit.

Bar Moxy handles check-in and the lobby bar, and grab-and-go snacks are sold around the clock.