City considers proposal to convert hotel to affordable housing

Gorman & Co. and Lutheran Social Services have proposed a $23 million project that would convert a hotel near East Towne to affordable housing, according to a Wisconsin State Journal report. The project aims to use $2 million in city funds to convert the Madison Plaza Hotel at 3841 E. Washington Ave. into lower-cost housing, including some units for residents with extremely low incomes. The two-story, 197-room hotel would be revamped into 105 units restricted to those making no more than 60% of the median income in Dane County, or $55,680 for a family of three. Twenty-one units would be set aside for those making less than 30% of the county median income, or $27,900 for a family of three. Services for residents in need of support such as seniors or disabled persons are also included in the plan.