The Rifken Group

The Rifken Group is a Commercial Real Estate company offering a wide range of services.  From historic renovations, new development, brokerage, and consulting, The Rifken Group will help the client in all aspects of commercial real estate.

Brokerage Services.  For more than 50 years, Marty Rifken has been active in representing clients in the purchase and/or sale of commercial and residential income properties, develop-able vacant land, mixed-use developments and business opportunities.  His in-house contacts, as well as networking with other commercial brokers, State of Wisconsin agencies, the University of Wisconsin and potential buyers, sellers and tenants, result in prompt and favorable outcomes for all parties.  The wide range of knowledge and practical experience possessed by Marty ensures the fitting match of clients needs to service site design and building.

Renovation.  Initially, Marty's developments involved new construction of apartment buildings.  Later, TRG began restoration of existing housing units.  Beginning in 1978, TRG entered the field of office restoration, concentrating its efforts in and around the Capitol Square in downtown Madison.  The one hundred block of King Street and the old Baron’s Department Store located at 14 W. Mifflin Street are just two examples of TRG’s vision.  TRG found its niche by acquiring historic vacant warehouses and retail stores and converting them into mixed-use retail and office buildings for the 21st century. 

In 2008, TRG restored Harvester Plaza, a three-story building built in 1898 that originally served as a warehouse for the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company and, later, the International Harvester Company.  Once considered the “King of Implement Row,” the structure is considered a landmark property by the City of Madison as it represents one of the last structures dedicated to the national farm implement dealers that once dominated Madison near-east side.  Special care was taken to restore the vintage elements within the building while adding the modern features necessary to attract today’s tenants.  The result of this development balancing act is a building that has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. 

Development.   While known primarily for renovation of older buildings, TRG also has developed more than 300,000 square feet of new construction.  As one if its earliest projects, TRG completed development of the 21-acre Kinsman Business Park, a fully improved commercial park with tenants such as Federal Express, Airborne Express, the Sports Pub, McDonalds, Gardner Bakery Distribution and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

TRG is also the developer of Corben Business Campus, an 18-acre mixed-used commercial park located at the entrance to the Dane County Regional Airport.  The site is designed for corporate offices, retail, office/warehouse and manufacturing/industrial space.  The project is expected to contain over 250,000 square feet of space and cost well over $14 million.  Superior visibility, access, on-site parking and lush landscaping will ensure an attractive park-like setting for tenants of this newest development.  Newest Tenants on this land are Lakeland University, MSA and the Ale Asylum.

Consulting.   TRG has often been called upon to help with other construction properties here in Madison as well in other areas of the State of Wisconsin.  The Design Mart on Verona Road being just one example.

In summary, all of TRG’s projects have reflected Marty's commitment to quality in design and use.  TRG offers clients a full range of real estate services – development, brokerage, consulting and space planning.  As TRG approaches each new project, it augments in-house expertise with outside consultants.  The resulting base of knowledge results in exceptional developments.