We Are Mad for The Madison Hotel, Proxy Properties’ Latest Oak Cliff Restoration

A.J. Ramler sees beauty and possibility where others see only dilapidation and devastation. His company, Proxy Properties’ latest project is The Madison Hotel. It is another example of his company’s continuing core mission of redevelopment and adaptive reuse projects that contribute to the community.

Ramler’s Proxy Properties is quite honestly changing the face of Oak Cliff with well over a dozen commercial and residential projects to date. Through their diligent dedication to historic preservation, he and his team are providing inspiration and education for all of us. 

The Madison is a boutique hotel at 1159 Madison Avenue, just across from Methodist Hospital and right between Bishop Arts and Lake Cliff, so a pretty perfect location. Oddly enough, it was originally built as a hotel and boarding house in 1926. Called the Wesley Inn, undoubtedly for John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist church, it served families traveling in for appointments and probably boarders working on the hospital, which was finished in 1927.

The Wesley Inn was built by Helen Anderson and her brother George Thomas Kean Sr., who also owned the Kean Lumber Company at 1106 S. Beckley.

It’s interesting to note the Wesley Inn was owned by a woman and managed by women throughout its history. Alice Charter was notable for creating a safe space for single women to stay. The inn originally had a kitchen and served guests breakfast daily.

It always takes a village when you begin a journey of historic restoration, and Ramler has surrounded himself with some of the best in the business. David Cervantes of Elyse Build was the contractor on the project. He can problem-solve issues others may consider impossible and is known for quality craftsmanship and the nuances involved in historic restoration.

Jen Stevens, owner of Fonde Interiors, was the design visionary for The Madison. “When we walked the property, it had been abandoned, and there had been a fire,” Stevens said. There were still original remnants of wallpaper, but what I noticed was the light. It was stunning.”

As the restoration journey began, Cervantes focused on fixing the foundation and the roof, while the designer Stevens embarked on a tour with the Proxy team to gather inspiration from some of Ramler’s favorite clubs and restaurants. The goal was to bring the hotel’s design into the current era while maintaining its historical charm. Ramler had only one request — monkey wallpaper, which can now be seen in the Parlor sitting room.

Stevens installed over 300 pieces of found art, researched historic color palettes, and created the beautiful moody vibe that resonates throughout The Madison Hotel.

Proxy Properties did a fantastic job yet again, and now Oak Cliff has one of the most charming boutique hotels in Dallas. The 27-room Madison Hotel, at 1159 N. Madison Ave., has been submitted for state and federal historic landmark status, and we wish them every success.