The Bassett Neighborhood Steering Committee met with area residents last night to discuss the proposal of an eight-floor development project featuring 2,000 square feet of retail space, a new Capital Fitness workout facility and three floors of apartments.
The proposed complex will be an environmentally friendly facility, according to designers.
\This will come together to create a healthy building concept,"" developer Michael Quigley said.
The complex would integrate a pedestrian-friendly streetscape, 81 interior bike stalls and a pilot program where non-resident bikers could leave their bikes at the complex for no charge, all in an effort to create healthier lifestyles. According to Madison Environmental Group consultant Sonya Newenhouse, the construction will involve an environmentally friendly recycling program as well.
The complex would feature another program where one can sign up for a ""green lease.""
Those who opt to sign up for this program would make a commitment to live a healthier lifestyle and would receive regular visits from Madison Environmental Group to get advice on healthy living.
The plan has one major setback. Due to its location at 425 W. Washington St., its eight-story height may not adhere to the Bassett Neighborhood Plan.
""This project may violate our city master plan and may require an amendment to get this project underway,"" Ald. Mike Verveer, District 8, said.
Some residents said they did not want to see the complex go up.
""This is a quality building, but it is too big and out of place,"" Steering committee member Rosemary Lee said.
The Bassett Neighborhood Plan does not allow for buildings taller than three stories. Even though many of the dissenting residents like the overall idea, many feel it is too big and an eyesore for a residential neighborhood.
Still, many residents and the development team said they feel it may revitalize the neighborhood.
""The complex may bring in young professionals and recent college graduates to downtown Madison when many of them are moving to the suburbs,"" Quigley said. According to the development team, the hope of this project is to create a new lifestyle for downtown Madison.
The proposal has been formally submitted to City Hall and will face its first test at the Urban Design Commission meeting Oct. 19.
