A city staff team released a comprehensive analysis of two proposals for the development of a two-block area known as Judge Doyle Square, which could include a full-purpose hotel, residential and parking units and a bike service center.
Judge Doyle Square is located on the north side of the Capitol and south of Doty Street.
The proposal presents a comparison of proposals from two groups, one of which is the JourneymanGroup of Austin, Texas. The second group is JDS Development, LLC, a Madison-based company.
The analysis outlines three criteria for the ideal Judge Doyle Square proposal, including that the new infrastructure utilizes mixed-use spaces, integrate urban design with the surrounding buildings and support alternative transportation.
According to the report, the JourneymanGroup’s overall design was “uninspiring,” and it was “unclear how the project will fully unlock the development potential of the area.”
JDS Development proposed two possible options for its plan. In its first option, the group proposed converting the Madison Municipal Building into a hotel. The second option would preserve the Madison Municipal Building as government offices and include construction of a new hotel.
City Engineering Facilities & Sustainability Manager Jeanne Hoffman said the primary issues the committee needs to address are the future of the Madison Municipal Building and what policy makers want to see on the square.
According to Hoffman, the committee will decide on a plan at a future meeting. The report projects the committee will decide by the end of 2013.
