A city committee expressed concern Monday for a new apartment complex potentially being built on the corner of North Brooks and Dayton Street.
The Joint Southeast Campus Area Committee, a city planning group with members of both city and university officials, discussed plans for the five-story private student housing project set for North Brooks Street and Dayton Street.
John Chadima, the former senior associate athletic director who resigned after allegedly sexually assaulting a student, served on the committee but has since been removed from the roster.
Ald. Scott Resnick, District 8, said Chadima's position is currently vacant and will be filled by an appointment from the university with approval from the mayor's office.
Joe McCormick, the owner of the property for over ten years, said he would like to redevelop the property to avoid an empty building.
According to Joe Lee, project architect, the apartment complex is geared toward students with two-, three- and four- bedroom units, bicycle and moped parking, and a modern design.
While McCormick and Lee presented their proposal to Urban Design Commission with little criticism, Joint Southeast Campus Area Committee members felt the planned apartment may conflict with other university and city rules.
The apartment complex is affected by guidelines set by the city and university, which determine what types of buildings can be constructed.
According to UW Facilities Planning and Management Director, Gary Brown, the campus and neighborhood plan requires room for green space and buildings with the purpose of academic research and does not include housing.
"At this point, [the university is] not talking about adding any housing," Brown said. "But there continues to be a market for private housing close to and on campus."
The plans for the complex are similar to other high-rises in the area, like the Equinox and Grand Central buildings, and Resnick said he agrees the "dilapidated" area needs to be updated.
"From the aesthetic look to the neighborhood to the other amenities in this building, I do not have any concerns," Resnick said.
The Plan Commission is scheduled to hear the apartment plans on Feb. 20.
