City officials approved plans Wednesday night for three building developments in the downtown area.
The Urban Design Commission granted final approval to Hovde Properties and architecture company Epstein for a multipurpose building at 309 West Johnson St., and approved initial proposals for two other apartment complexes.
The West Johnson Street building would be a 14-story multi-purpose complex containing apartments, commercial businesses and offices.
The development would have approximately 252 apartments and would house the new office space for the Madison Fire Department’s administrative sect.
Epstein Architecture worked closely with the city, including area neighborhood and business groups, in creating the final proposal, said Victor Villacrez, a commercial real estate associate with Hovde Properties.
“[Hovde Properties] challenged us to make one of the best apartment developments in Madison and we took it seriously,” said Epstein architect Steve Holzhauer.
The UDC also approved initial plans for two other downtown apartment structures.
A four-story, eight unit apartment at 125 North Bedford St. would target student residents and cost around $600 a bedroom.
“In my opinion what the Mifflin Street neighborhood needs is some newer housing stock that is going to be relatively affordable,” said property owner Todd Meinholz.
Construction would begin January or February 2013 and would finish by August 2013 provided the city approves the final proposal.
The commission also approved initial plans for an apartment high-rise that would be located on 306 West Main St.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said all three buildings would be positive incorporations for downtown.
“The [West Johnson Street and West Main Street apartments] will have more of a pricey rental structure that could be cost-prohibitive to many UW students, but nonetheless I’m sure there will still be UW students living in the buildings,” Verveer said.
All three buildings will require approval from the Plan Commission on Oct. 15th, and the City Council on Oct. 30th before construction can begin, Verveer said.
