Spark by Hilton
Celebrates Grand Opening
For Immediate Release:
KOTHE REAL ESTATE PARTNERS AND GREAT LAKES MANAGEMENT GROUP CELEBRATED GRAND OPENING OF SPARK BY HILTON MADISON CENTRAL NEAR ALLIANT ENERGY CENTER
MADISON, WI – September 26, 2025 – Great Lakes Management Group (GLMG) and Kothe Real Estate Partners (KREP) recently hosted a grand opening celebration for Spark by Hilton Madison Central on September 24 at 102 E. Rusk Avenue. The property, which underwent a full renovation completed by Madison-based general contractor Ideal Builders.
The event welcomed key leaders from the Greater Madison community, including representatives from state and local government, Hilton brand, local business associations, and regional tourism organizations. Attendees joined development partners, architects, and construction leaders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tour, and networking reception, underscoring the hotel’s role as a new gateway for visitors to the Alliant Energy Center campus.
Directly connected to the Alliant Energy Center (AEC) campus, Spark by Hilton Madison Central now features modern amenities including a pool, fitness facilities, meeting spaces, and a patio with firepits. Guests also enjoy complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour business center. The 140 room hotel is expected to to attract visitors attending conventions, concerts, trade shows, community events, and business gatherings, further strengthening Madison’s hospitality offerings.
Supporting Dane County’s Future
Spark by Hilton contributes to the ongoing redevelopment of the Alliant Energy Center campus. The County’s long-term plan outlines a strategic transformation to expand its role as a regional hub for conventions, events, and tourism. Spark by Hilton not only provides lodging but also plays a role in strengthening the AEC’s position as a leading Midwestern convention and event destination. Its location and features directly align with Dane County’s redevelopment vision to create a connected, welcoming campus for both regional visitors and local residents.
“Our confidence in the future of the AEC is what led us to move forward with this project. We anticipate this will be the first of many developments in the area that will grow into a world-class destination. We see Spark as a unique gateway to both the AEC and downtown Madison, offering our hotel guests an ideal location to enjoy the city for work and leisure,” says Josh Wilcox, Partner, Kothe Real Estate Partners.
Local Partner Collaboration
Angus Young and GLMG/KREP partnered with Ideal Builders as the general contractor to deliver the renovation. Ideal Builders managed an aggressive construction timeline while maintaining quality and budget.
“ We are appreciative of the opportunity to work with Angus-Young and GLMG/KREP on this pivotal project in the proposed redevelopment of the Alliant Energy Center,” said Jason Bollig, President and CEO of Ideal Builders.
About Kothe Real Estate Partners
Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, Kothe Real Estate Partners is a diversified commercial real estate firm. The principals at Kothe Real Estate Partners bring more than 100 years of combined development experience and have completed over $650 million in commercial development projects. Their work spans multi-family, hotels, mixed-use, land development, office, industrial, and lab space, in addition to tenant representation and leasing activity. In recent years, Kothe has partnered with KP Property Development, Great Lakes Management Group, and Roost Development to develop and manage a portfolio of hotels within the Hilton, IHG, and Marriott families.
About Great Lakes Management Group
Great Lakes Management Group is a Wisconsin-based property development and management firm with more than 30 years of experience. The company specializes in comprehensive hotel operations, including staffing, service contract negotiations, marketing, and overall management, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and strong results for owners and investors.
About Ideal Builders
Founded in 2002, Ideal Builders is a Madison-based commercial construction firm built on a people-first approach. With expertise across hospitality, industrial, science and technology, office, healthcare, and community projects, Ideal Builders combines preconstruction insight, self-perform capabilities, and a commitment to quality to deliver exceptional results. The company’s reputation for collaboration, craftsmanship, and integrity has made it a trusted partner for clients throughout Dane County and across Wisconsin.
About Spark by Hilton
Spark by Hilton is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else, and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where they can check in, choose their room, and access their room using Digital Key.
