First Hospitality selected to manage downtown Madison’s Historian Hotel, a tribute portfolio hotel

First Hospitality, a leading national hotel operations and development firm, has been selected by Hovde Properties and Mountain Shore Properties to manage the Historian Hotel in Madison, WI. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027, the property marks First Hospitality’s debut in the Madison market and its eleventh property in Wisconsin. The 81-key hotel’s ground floor will feature a new culinary concept led by acclaimed Milwaukee chef Dan Jacobs.

The Historian Hotel will breathe new life into the 111-year-old Churchill Building. Noted as Madison’s first skyscraper, this nine-story Beaux-Arts landmark is located at 16 N. Carroll Street, directly across from the Wisconsin State Capitol. The hotel will operate within Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio. The building’s revitalization is being led by local architecture firm Angus Young.

With interior design by Parts & Labor, the renovation will meticulously restore original features, including the Beaux-Arts façade, intricate interior staircases, and mosaic tilework. Each floor will be dedicated to a person or group that shaped Madison’s history, creating a meaningful narrative connection for guests.

The selection of First Hospitality underscores a shared commitment to the lifestyle hotel category. The management team will work alongside the developers to deliver an elevated experience that blends authentic storytelling with modern hospitality. This unique narrative and brand identity were developed by B&Co.

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Randy Guenther, President of Hovde Properties added, “With its historic landmark setting, thoughtful design and exceptional management with First Hospitality this hotel will be the best in Madison while honoring its place in history. To achieve our high standards for best-in-class guest experiences, the partners must align, and First Hospitality’s fluency in the lifestyle category and track record of owner satisfaction made them the clear choice. They share our vision for what this property can be, and we’re building it together as trusted partners.”

“The Historian Hotel is an incredible asset in an exceptional location across from Madison’s State Capitol,” said Stephen Wendell, CEO of Mountain Shore Properties. “We are proud to partner with Hovde Properties and First Hospitality on this landmark project that restores turn-of-the-century charm and shepherds the property into a new era for discerning guests.”

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with Hovde Properties and Mountain Shore Properties on the Historian Hotel. This project reflects the power of shared vision, trust, and true collaboration,” said David Duncan, President and CEO of First Hospitality. “Strong owner relationships are central to our approach, and we look forward to this new partnership while continuing to grow our lifestyle portfolio and expand our relationship with Marriott’s soft-branded collection.”