Madison's Urban Design Commission reviewed plans Wednesday for a new condominium on the corner of Bassett and Johnson Streets where Casa Bianca, 333 N. Bassett St. and Milio's, 454 W. Johnson St. are currently located.
Architect Gary Brink showed the commission the blueprints of ""454 West"" and the majority of the members approved of the design. However, some worried how well individually owned condos will do in a student-centered market.
""454 West is being geared towards a younger population,"" said Justin Harder, the Project Manager of Brink's team. ""The interior design, floor plans and technology are geared more towards students.""
454 West will be built across from The Aberdeen, a popular student high rise at 437 W. Gorham St. The ground floor is designated for commercial use and a health club and lap pool are planned for the second level.
The rest of the 11 floors will be residential, with the top floor featuring three bedroom penthouses.
Board members said the building would be attractive to buyers looking to live downtown.
""The advantage to this building is that it is not marketed to students,"" Brink said.
Not everyone at the meeting was as enthusiastic about the proposed design, however. Mike Barrett commented on the lack of other tall buildings between the Johnson Street area and other southeast neighborhoods.
""By having no transitional buildings, we are dooming the neighborhood southeast of us with the strong Victorian presence to this fate,"" Barrett said.
Another concern with the proposed location is the demolition of Casa Bianca, Milio's and a student rented house. Still, supporters of the plan said the financial gain brought to the neighborhood would counterbalance the loss of important businesses.
Several commission members were also concerned with architectural details of 454 West. The top floors are slated to be a lighter color than the rest of the building, which is a trend in metro areas. Most committee members claimed the design does not work in cities.
Brink and his team will have to return to the Urban Design Commission with revisions of 454 West after addressing the committee's concerns.
Still, it has the general support of the city officials who viewed blueprints Wednesday night.
""This building brings a [new] component to the city,"" Harder said. ""It brings condos to a younger demographic that they can actually afford.""
