Making their rounds to several city committees, officials with the St. Paul Catholic Student Center and Residential College at UW-Madison presented plans for the proposed redevelopment of the center to the Plan Commission Monday.
The plans for the proposed $45 million center would include the redevelopment of the current center at 723 State Street. The proposed 14-story space would include a residence hall for up to 175 people and would include a chapel that could seat up to 500 worshippers.
Father Eric Nielsen, St. Paul's director, said he hopes the center will be a place where students can develop friendships.
One of the project's architects, Matthew Alderman said he aims to have the building's architecture reflect the program while relating well to the neighborhood.
""The building would contribute to the urbanism of the neighborhood surrounding it,"" Alderman said.
Attorney Ron Trachtenberg, who also represents the project, said the proposed plans for the building would serve as a unique institution in the upper Midwest and help re-create Madison.
Committee member Tim Gruber said he personally likes and supports tall buildings, which are a better use of the land. He also said this may be a significant issue the officials may face as they seek approval of the plans.
The committee members also approved to amend the Kohl Center's planned unit development, which would allow construction for the new UW-Madison ice hockey and swimming facility.
The La Bahn Arena, named after UW-Madison alumnus Charles La Bahn, will serve as a practice facility for the men's and women's hockey teams. The $27.9 million arena will also host the women's hockey team's home games.
Ald. Mike Verveer, Dist. 4, said the project has received approvals all the way along the city process and does not predict the project should face problems getting final approval.
""The UW Athletic Department has openly talked about their desire to build such a facility for well over a decade,"" Verveer said.
The plan will be up for final approval from the city at Common Council on Nov. 30.
