In an effort to reduce the cost to the public, developers are looking at ways to scale down initial plans for the Judge Doyle Square makeover of two city blocks in downtown Madison. This past summer, the Board of Estimates rejected a massive $174.2 million plan that included $47.2 million in public funds for a new full-service hotel as well as new housing, retail, a bike center, and parking.
The Judge Doyle Square project is being eyed for two city blocks that now include the Madison Municipal Building and the Government East parking ramp. The Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau has long argued for another nearby hotel (in addition to the Hilton) to help attract more and larger meetings and conventions to the city.
Rather than offering a full-service, 311-room hotel like a Hilton, the city and its partner, JDS Development, are looking at an alternative urban mixed-use brand, such as Aloft or Radisson Blue, which would offer between 200 and 250 rooms. Meeting and civic space typically found in a full-service hotel would be nearly eliminated, but the planned housing, retail, bike center, and parking — with the exception of a large loading dock — would remain.
Urban mixed-use hotels focus on style and technology and usually have active gathering spaces with dining and night life.
More details, including on finances, will be presented at a Nov. 3 meeting.
