Madison’s City Council unanimously approved two downtown development projects Wednesday, marking the final step before developers can begin construction.
Developer Mike Slavish has proposed to demolish two buildings at 305-325 W. Johnson St. and the current Madison Fire Department Administrative Building to pave the way for construction of a mixed-use building, featuring 250 apartments in addition to retail and office space.
The large, 14-story mixed-used development on West Johnson Street will include new MFD administrative space, according to Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4.
Common Council also approved a proposal for an 11-story, 176-unit apartment building at 306 W. Main St., which completes the Capitol West master development that was started in 2004, according to developer Joe Alexander.
“We are excited to be underway,” Alexander said.
While Alexander said many neighbors support the project, neighborhood resident Tony Michaels spoke in opposition to the development because of over-capacity concerns regarding the parking garage included in the proposal.
“My concern is that [the garage] simply won’t be adequate to accommodate all the new cars that will be using the entrance to the garage,” Michaels said.
Overall, Verveer said these two proposals are a positive addition to Madison’s downtown.
“Each of the two proposals will be excellent additions to the downtown landscape,” Verveer said.
Both the West Johnson and Main Street developments are scheduled to break ground in early 2013, according to Verveer.
Two additional downtown development projects on North Bassett and West Dayton Streets and North Frances Street were formally introduced at the meeting.
Developer Scott Faust has proposed demolishing four existing buildings at 202-222 N. Bassett St. and 510-520 W. Dayton St. to build a five-story, 71-unit apartment building geared toward students.
Faust has also proposed demolishing two buildings at 313 and 315 N. Frances St. to make way for a 12-story student-oriented apartment building, featuring 42 apartments and 91 bike stalls.
Community members will hear presentations on these two proposals at a neighborhood meeting Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Double Tree Hotel, 525 W. Johnson St.
