Moxy Madison Downtown

The Moxy Madison Downtown, an eight-story boutique hotel, has quickly become a sought-after destination in Wisconsin’s capital city.

The 77,500-square-foot structure at 823 E. Washington Ave. features 151 guestrooms designed with an urban loft aesthetic, including high ceilings, large windows, exposed pipes and eclectic furnishings. The hotel pays homage to Madison through flamingo motifs, “The W” hand gestures popular among UW-Madison students and music-themed decor throughout the property.
Construction faced significant challenges when the project broke ground in early 2020, just before the pandemic. The team navigated pandemic delays, supply chain disruptions and inflation while implementing comprehensive safety protocols.

The urban site presented additional challenges, earning the nickname “the tight squeeze” with its 10,900-square-foot footprint surrounded by other downtown buildings. This required innovative solutions, including rented laydown space from Madison Gas & Electric and just-in-time delivery coordination.

Sustainability was prioritized through locally sourced materials and labor, energy-saving lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures and recycling 110 tons of demolished concrete for a gabion wall on the property.

Since opening in March 2024, the Moxy has created over 40 jobs and serves as a catalyst for the ongoing renaissance of East Wash. The project also advanced workforce development by hosting tours for students through programs like AGC of Wisconsin‘s She Builds initiative, which encourages young women to pursue construction careers.

A striking six-story, 1,600-square-foot exterior mural by Chicago artist “Q” has become a landmark feature, helping the Moxy stand out while contributing to Madison’s vibrant urban landscape in a neighborhood that has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years.