Cardinal Hotel

Ferdinand Kronenberg, Architect

— 1908-1909 —

Cardinal Hotel Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, October 7, 2014

1. Cardinal Hotel Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The Cardinal Hotel, designed by prolific Madison architect Ferdinand Kronenberg, is significant for its association with east Madison's commercial and railway corridor. Conceived primarily to serve rail passengers, when constructed the hotel towered over its neighbors and became a visual landmark for travelers arriving by both car and train at the two nearby depots. Of note is the intact first floor tavern, unique for its design in the Craftsman style with high wainscoted walls, paneled doors, leaded windows and lighted glass panels designed by the architect.

Designated October 25, 1993

Erected 2014 by the Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 107.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Madison Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 25, 1878.

Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 43° 4.551′ N, 89°

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22.619′ W. Marker was in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker was at the intersection of South Franklin Street and East Wilson Street, on the left when traveling north on South Franklin Street. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 418 E Wilson St, Madison WI 53703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Tragedy of War (within shouting distance of this marker); Johann and Elsbeth Reiner Tree (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Machinery Row (about 500 feet away); Wisconsin Wagon Company Factory (about 500 feet away); Emily Thompson House (about 600 feet away); Nelson House (about 600 feet away); St. Patrick's Church (about 600 feet away); Mattermore - Malaney House (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding Cardinal Hotel. From the Madison Landmarks Commission: "Built directly across Wilson Street from the Milwaukee and Chicago Railroad depot and a block away from the Chicago and Northwestern depot, both of which stimulated the development of the area with their construction in the 1860s, the Cardinal Hotel was the last and the largest of Madison's railroad hotels. It is a good example of neo-classical design, in transition from Victorian to the Craftsman style. Kronenberg, a local architect and German immigrant, designed the original building with three stories. Two additional stories

Photographed By William J. Toman, October 7, 2014

2. Cardinal Hotel Marker

The marker is to the right of the main entrance on the corner.

were built the following year. The hotel opened in 1908."

Cardinal Hotel Marker is missing. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jim Schaettle, July 11, 2020

3. Cardinal Hotel Marker is missing.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2014, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 564 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 7, 2014, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on July 11, 2020, by Jim Schaettle of Madison, Wisconsin.