Experience It
Historic Hotel, Redefined
Madison’s Place for the last 75 years.
The Edgewater first opened its doors in 1948 and quickly became recognized as a prominent part of the Madison community and culture.
Sitting in the heart of the city, next door to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and steps from the State Capitol, The Edgewater served as the place to stay for Madison visitors and the city’s favorite place for waterfront relaxation, fine dining, dancing, and important meetings for more than 65 years.
Throughout the decades, The Edgewater has hosted an array of celebrities, including Elvis Presley, Elton John, Bob Hope, Bob Marley, and the Dalai Lama, to name a few.
The Edgewater renovation opened in September 2014, ushering in the next chapter of our history. Owned and operated by a team that lives in, and loves, their city, no effort was spared to showcase the property’s breathtaking views, offer unique amenities and focus on re-establishing their long-standing relationship – the city and its finest hotel.
Then & Now
A walk through our 75 years of history.
Fun Facts About The Edgewater
The Edgewater has hosted an array of celebrities, including Elton John, Elvis Presley, Bob Hope, Bob Marley, Joni Mitchell, and the Dalai Lama, to name a few. Since the restoration, we proudly present over 100 photos of celebrities enjoying their stays at the historic property in a multi-media presentation in order to provide our guests with a “living history” of the Edgewater and the City.
The King’s Blissful Retreat
In 1977, Elvis rented out two entire floors of the hotel during his stay. One floor was for himself and his entourage and the other was kept empty to serve as a buffer from curious fans. The King even kept an Edgewater clothes hanger as a souvenir, which is on display at Graceland
Inspiration Washes over Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper was inspired by the view from her hotel room and wrote the song, “Water’s Edge” while staying at The Edgewater in 1999 during a US tour with Cher.
The view from The Edgewater is inspiring!
(Literally)
The Langdon Building: An Art Moderne Masterpiece
The original tower, now called The Langdon Building was designed by architect Lawrence Monberg, of Chicago. Art Moderne is similar to the more familiar Art Deco style but is less organized—it emphasizes curved forms, long horizontal lines, and occasionally, nautical elements.
The Edgewater’s Langdon Building is a prime example of Art Moderne—its original concept rendering featured rounded edges, round windows, long lines, and design elements that made the building look like a steamship on the ocean.
Construction costs changed during the war, and materials became more expensive. As a result, some of the ornate features of the hotel were cut including the grand entry, the glass bar/restaurant at the lakefront, and the top level of the hotel.
During the 2014 renovation, these features from the original plan were incorporated into the hotel.
The Wisconsin Building: A Nod to the Past
The Wisconsin Building was designed by architect David Manfredi, principal at Elkus Manfredi, to complement and give a “nod” to the original Art Moderne Langdon Building. The facade’s ship-like prow presides over Lake Mendota and provides stunning views year-round. The circular windows of the Langdon Building are echoed in the railings, the interior light fixtures and doorways.
The Wisconsin Tower added 202 rooms with custom art modern-style furniture, two presidential suites, two ballrooms, The Statehouse Restaurant, Augie’s Tavern, and a stunning lobby.
2014 Restoration: A Love Letter to the City
The Edgewater has been Madison’s Place since 1948—and the renovations were designed to give the people who live, work and play here more access to the lake. Opening the waterfront and creating a public space at the terminus of Wisconsin Avenue was part of the Nolan Plan – the city’s original planning document – and an important part of bringing the vision of The Edgewater Hotel to completion.
The project reopened the street end of Lake Mendota and increased public access to the waterfront via a staircase to the lake, a public pier, and a boat launch. The Lakeside Addition’s top level was removed to create The Grand Plaza, where The Edgewater hosts concerts, ice skating, and many other special events in Madison.
The renovation restored damage that the Langdon Building had sustained since 1948 and also incorporated the architectural features that were not added during the 1940s due to wartime materials shortages and costs. The renovation also included the interior of the building, which has been redecorated with details that evoke the Art Modern era.
The renovation also added ten studios with kitchenettes, a two-story, 10,000-square-foot spa featuring luxurious treatment rooms, a large fitness center, two group fitness rooms, a relaxation pool, The Boathouse restaurant, and The Icehouse restaurant.
Celebrating the people who made it possible.
Quisling Brothers
Original owners
Lawrence Monberg
Architect of original 1940’s hotel
Augie Faulkner
Original General Manager
Scott Faulkner
General Manager from 1980s-2014
David Manfredi
Architects of 2014 Renovation & Expansion
(Elkus Manfredi)
The place for everything Madison,
then & now.
From monthly walking tours that explore the history, architecture, and personalities behind The Edgewater and its neighborhood to special events all year long — we’re splashing out on celebrating! Join us and become part of The Edgewater’s story.
Bourbon + Bones
October 18
The Edgewater is celebrating Halloween with our Annual Bourbon + Bones culinary event. Join us for a strolling reception with five stations featuring delectable beef and bourbon pairings.
