More proposals coming for Judge Doyle Square development

The two development teams vying for the chance to redevelop the two-block area known as Judge Doyle Square in downtown Madison are about to propose their plans, both of which add a hotel to serve Monona Terrace. They will make formal presentations in October, and a special committee is expected to make a recommendation to the City Council by the end of November. The council could make its decision in January.

Journeyman Group, Marcus Hotels & Resorts, and LZ Ventures are proposing a $178.8 million mixed-use plan that, among other things, keeps city offices in the Municipal Building but adds a 352-room Marriott Hotel directly behind. The hotel would include 18,200 sq. ft. of event space and a street-level restaurant and bar.

On the adjacent block that currently holds the Government East parking garage, the plan would add 11,680 sq. ft. of retail space, a 3,000-sq.-ft. bike center, 52,190 sq. ft. of Class A office space, and 134 residential units with 598 underground and 402 above-ground parking spaces. The Journeyman plan would include a request for $46.7 million in tax incremental financing.

JDS Development (Hammes Co. and Majestic Realty Co.) forwarded two plans but believes its strongest is a $158.1 million mixed-use project that would incorporate the Madison Municipal Building as part of a new 308-room hotel with a tower behind. The proposed hotel would include up to 15,000 sq. ft. of event space, 20,000 sq. ft. of dining space, and a food emporium. Also on the block would be wellness and fitness facilities and 315 parking spaces.

The Government East block would include an 80,000-sq.-ft. building, potentially for city offices; a 3,000-sq.-ft. bike center; retail; dining space; a mixed-use residential or office tower; and 596 parking spaces. The project would require about $50.9 million in financial aid from the city and come with a tax incremental financing request of $16.8 million.