First Hospitality, a national hotel operations and development firm, has been selected by Hovde Properties and Mountain Shore Properties to manage the Historian Hotel in Madison, Wis. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027, the property marks First Hospitality’s debut in the Madison market and its 11th property in Wisconsin.
The 111-year-old Churchill Building at 16 N. Carroll Street, directly across from the Wisconsin State Capitol, will house the 81-key hotel. Noted as Madison’s first skyscraper, the nine-story Beaux-Arts landmark will operate within Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio. The building’s revitalization is being led by local architecture firm Angus Young.
Interior design firm Parts & Labor will oversee a renovation restoring 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. B&Co. developed the hotel’s narrative and brand identity. The ground floor will feature a new culinary concept led by Milwaukee chef Dan Jacobs.
“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,” said Randy Guenther, president of Hovde Properties. “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.”