The 400 block of West Washington Avenue and the 500 block of West Main Street could be the subjects of dramatic changes as early as this summer.
Architect John Sutton spoke to a crowd of concerned neighbors Thursday about his plans for a 25,000 square foot Capital Fitness Center on the 400 block of West Washington Avenue. The structure would stand nine stories tall and would be the largest building in the immediate neighborhood.
The fitness center would include an outdoor lap pool, basketball courts and space on the roof for yoga classes.
Capital Fitness Center Assistant Manager Chet Droessler said he hopes the structure would provide an alternative to the SERF for UW-Madison students.
In addition to the fitness center, the structure would incorporate a mix of apartments and space for commercial use. Sutton added that he planned to make six of the 40 apartment units inclusionary zoning units.
Many neighbors expressed concern with the size of the building and said it would damage the aesthetics of West Washington Avenue.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said he could not support this project under its current proposal, adding that
ine stories is just too high.""
""Height is always a concern,"" Sutton said. ""Madison is growing and downtown is growing up.""
John Koffel from Delta Properties also spoke about his plan to turn the structure at 551 West Main St. into a three-story office building with a penthouse and mezzanine atop the structure. Koffel hopes to start construction in September.
