**Hilton Milwaukee Embarks on $40 Million Renovation to Reinvent Its Historic Legacy**
**MILWAUKEE** – The iconic Hilton Milwaukee, the city’s largest hotel, has announced an ambitious $40 million renovation project aimed at solidifying its reputation as Milwaukee’s premier destination for meetings and conventions. Scheduled for completion by summer 2025, this extensive transformation will be the most significant in the history of Marcus Hotels & Resorts, encompassing updates to its guest rooms, 34,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces, and its grand lobby.
“The Hilton Milwaukee has been a cornerstone of the city since 1928, and we are excited to usher in a new era that respects its timeless elegance while introducing modern enhancements,” said Michael Evans, president of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. “This renovation will elevate the guest experience and reimagine this historic landmark as a contemporary hotel. With the expanded Baird Center just across the street, we look forward to welcoming visitors and locals alike to experience the best of Milwaukee.”
As part of this transformation, the hotel has officially rebranded itself as “Hilton Milwaukee,” shedding its former name, Hilton Milwaukee City Center, to align with its widely recognized identity.
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### **Revitalized Guest Rooms with Modern Elegance**
The redesigned guest rooms will blend the hotel’s 1920s art deco charm with contemporary design and luxury. Featuring a warm color palette with wood and gold accents, the rooms will be outfitted with new furnishings, lighting, and custom-designed carpets and draperies. Vibrant artwork will add a modern touch, complementing the neutral wall tones.
Bathrooms will undergo a complete overhaul, featuring newly tiled showers, marble countertops, and high-end finishes, including fixtures from Wisconsin-based Kohler Co. Guests will also enjoy modern conveniences such as motion-sensor lighting, Nespresso machines, and steamers. Additionally, all rooms will benefit from upgraded heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
The hotel’s corridors will also reflect the updated aesthetic, with new wall coverings, light woodwork, and custom carpeting in shades of gold and blue. Art deco-inspired light fixtures will illuminate the hallways, creating a seamless blend of historic and modern design.
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### **Milwaukee’s Largest Meeting and Event Spaces**
The Hilton Milwaukee’s meeting and event spaces, including its three ballrooms, pre-function areas, and meeting rooms, will be extensively renovated. These spaces, dating back to the early 20th century, feature high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, antique mirrors, and gold-leaf accents. The renovation will restore these historic elements to their original grandeur while introducing modern functionality.
Upgrades will include new carpeting, draperies, and wall coverings, as well as a state-of-the-art sound system, updated HVAC and lighting controls, and digital signage. With flexible spaces accommodating groups from 20 to 1,000, the hotel will continue to serve as Milwaukee’s premier venue for weddings, meetings, and special events. A dedicated on-site events team will ensure seamless execution of all gatherings.
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### **A Grand Lobby Restored to Its 1920s Splendor**
The hotel’s two-story lobby will transport guests back to the glamour of the 1920s, with its art deco design, elegant chandeliers, and rich woodwork accenting marble pillars and floors. The Monarch Lounge, the hotel’s original lobby bar, will remain a welcoming space for guests and locals to relax, work, or socialize. The lounge’s original stone and metal fireplace will continue to serve as a centerpiece of this historic space.
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### **Strategic Renovation Decisions**
The renovation will focus on the hotel’s 554 guest rooms within its historic footprint, while the 175 rooms in the west tower will be removed from inventory. This decision was made after careful consideration of market conditions, projected room demand, and the challenges posed by new hotel developments requiring public subsidies. The smaller footprint aligns with Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ investment strategy and ensures a sustainable future for the property.
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### **A Storied History**
Originally built in 1928 as the Schroeder Hotel, the Hilton Milwaukee is an architectural masterpiece designed by Holabird and Roche, the same architects behind Chicago’s Palmer House. Known for its grandeur, the hotel quickly became a Milwaukee landmark. Many of its original features remain intact, celebrating its rich history.
As a member of Historic Hotels of America since 2011, the Hilton Milwaukee continues to be a hub for visitors and locals alike. Its prime location connects guests to the newly expanded Baird Center, Milwaukee’s Theater District, the lakefront, Summerfest grounds, Fiserv Forum, the Deer District, and the Historic Third Ward.
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### **About Marcus Hotels & Resorts**
Marcus Hotels & Resorts owns and manages 16 properties across the United States, including city-center hotels, upscale resorts, and historic landmarks. As a leader in the hospitality industry since 1962, the company specializes in hotel management, development, and repositioning. Marcus Hotels & Resorts is known for its innovative food and beverage concepts, including Mason Street Grill, ARIA Restaurant, Milwaukee ChopHouse, Miller Time® Pub & Grill, and SafeHouse® Restaurant.
For more information about Hilton Milwaukee, visit [www.HiltonMilwaukee.com](http://www.HiltonMilwaukee.com) or follow the hotel on [Facebook](http://facebook.com/hiltonmilwaukee) and [Instagram](http://instagram.com/hiltonmilwaukee) (@HiltonMilwaukee). To learn more about Marcus Hotels & Resorts, visit [www.marcushotels.com](http://www.marcushotels.com) and follow the company on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/MarcusHotels/), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/marcus_hotels/), and [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/marcus-hotels-&-resorts/).
Source: businesswire.com