MADISON, Wis. – North Central Group (NCG) the owner and operator of the AC Hotel Madison Downtown by Marriott today announced the project has reached a major construction milestone. Roughly 12 months after construction began, the hotel development has reached the 10th and final floor, with finishing touches being put on the hotel's roof. NCG also unveiled an exciting local partnership that will bring to life the AC Hotel's craft cocktails, curated international wine list and European-inspired cuisine and the newest and most elevated dining option in downtown Madison starting in Spring 2017.

The 10-story AC Hotel Madison Downtown, located conveniently just one block from the heart of Madison's Capitol Square, will provide guests and visitors unparalleled views of downtown Madison, the Wisconsin State Capitol, Lake Mendota and Lake Monona throughout the hotel. Featuring a full restaurant and bar on its 10th floor, and an outdoor roof-top terrace on the 9th floor, the AC Hotel is designed to stimulate the senses through sights, delicious smells and impeccable flavors in a classically modern setting with inspiration drawn from the brand's Spanish roots.

During the design and construction process, North Central Group and AC Hotel leadership has taken special care to create a hotel, dining and lifestyle experience that takes into consideration what is important to guests and the community, and eliminating the things that aren't.

That attention to detail was especially important during the selection of a beverage and food partner for the hotel. The AC Hotel Downtown Madison sought a collaborator with a reputation for delivering exquisite craft cocktails, access to the best global wine selection in the region, delicious cuisine and a sophisticated, purposeful atmosphere to its 10th floor restaurant, 9th floor terrace, AC Lounge and AC Breakfast offerings.

"At our core, AC Hotel knows that small details have big potential," said Jeff Lenz, President and Chief Development officer at NCG. "With the selection of our beverage and dining partner, we understood the importance of partnering with a team that shares our focus on curating phenomenal experiences for our guests."

After careful consideration, North Central Group selected Eno Vino Wine Bar and Bistro as the beverage and food partner for the AC Hotel. Eno Vino has been honored with Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence every year since 2009, and was voted Best Wine Bar by Madison Magazine readers for five consecutive years.

"Eno Vino has enjoyed a very successful run for more than 10 years at our west Madison location," said Bruce Crass, owner of Eno Vino. "We felt the combination of partnership with the AC Hotel Madison Downtown and excellent timing made this a great opportunity to build on our current operation."

Eno Vino will keep its current operation at 601 Junction Rd. and both properties will be managed by Jose Granados, Managing Partner. "We felt this one of a kind space in Downtown Madison was a terrific complement for our second Madison restaurant." said John Smithe, Owner of Eno Vino.

AC Hotel Madison Downtown Reaches Construction Milestone

NCG this week also celebrated the topping-off of the AC Hotel Downtown Madison, marking the placement of the building's final beam atop the 10-story development. NCG celebrated this architectural tradition with partners at Madison-area based Kraemer Brothers LLC, the lead contractor on the project, Gary Brink & Associates, Inc, the lead architect on the project, and the many local design and construction team members.

"The topping-off of the AC Hotel Madison Downtown is a meaningful milestone in this project, and signifies the hard work and quality contributions of many stakeholders throughout the community," said Andrew Inman, Vice President of Development for NCG. "The construction progress has been tremendous and we're excited to see the finishing touches of construction come together over the coming months."

Until now, the new, spectacular views of the downtown Madison skyline and Lakes Mendota and Monona have been experienced primarily by the construction team.

The Marriott property, located at 1 North Webster Street on Madison's Capitol Square, will offer guests the chance to experience the beauty of classic modern designs, born from the signature vision of renowned hotelier Antonio Catalan, who founded the brand in 1998. The property will blend Midwestern charm with European style featuring breathtaking views of the city from the top floor restaurant and lounge, offering a new opportunity for guests living, working and visiting Madison.

The AC Hotel Downtown Madison, which is a brand within the Marriott International portfolio of hotels, is expected to open in Spring 2017.

About The North Central Group

Built on enduring principles and an unbridled passion for hospitality and real estate development, North Central Group is a Middleton, Wisconsin-based developer, owner and operator of hotels. The company currently operates 25+ hotels under the Hilton and Marriott franchise brands throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa and Arizona. To learn more about North Central Group and its hotels, visit ncghotels.com.

Ross Boettcher
608-556-6999
The North Central Group