After receiving initial approval from the Urban Design Commission, representatives of the Edgewater Hotel expansion project faced off with the Plan Commission Monday night in hopes of receiving approval for the redevelopment and construction on the Edgewater.
Developer Robert Dunn of Hammes Co. said the company has continued to make changes to the plans in terms of height and overall size. Dunn said the current plans include the building being nine stories tall instead of the previously proposed eight stories. According to Dunn, this would better screen the penthouse.
John Martens, a Madison resident, said he opposes the plans to renovate the Edgewater.
""The project is not compatible with the scale of that neighborhood,"" he said.
Architect Ken Saiki disagreed.
""This space could be one of those great spaces and really complete the John Nolen plan for Madison by putting this great open space on the lakefront,"" he said.
Concerns about noise and light pollution were brought up by some residents of the Mansion Hill area who oppose the plans. Other residents against the plans said the renovated building would not be compatible with the historic nature of Mansion Hill.
Ald. Bridget Maniaci, District 2, said the project could revitalize the area.
""The project has the potential to bring people back into the neighborhood,"" she said.
Earlier in the meeting, a proposed amendment on the creation of a new Gordon Commons and park area was approved with little debate. The project would involve the demolition of the existing Gordon Commons.
The new Gordon Commons and open green space will be constructed at 717 W. Johnson St., the previous site of Ogg Residence Hall.
Gary Brown, director of the Office of Planning and Landscape Architecture at UW-Madison Facilities Planning and Management, gave an overview of the project at the meeting specifying the location and various design features of the new facility.
""We have tried to enhance the overall design of the current space,"" Brown said.
