The Urban Design Commission on Wednesday showed a mixed response to Madison developer LZ Ventures’ proposed eight-story building at 521 E. Washington Ave., according to the Wisconsin State Journal.
The plans include an office space and 70 studio apartments for nonprofit Porchlight Inc., the largest Dane County provider of housing and services for the homeless. The proposal is part of a partnership that would ultimately see the developer replace an existing Porchlight facility on North Brooks Street with a 15-story student housing project.
The East Washington Street proposal received preliminary approval from the commission, but LZ Ventures was directed to make substantial changes to the building’s design along the corner and at the ground level, as well as refine its plan for a pedestrian plaza outside. Commissioners were in general agreement that the current design shows improvement from the original version presented in May.
The plan is set to go before the Plan Commission on July 8 and the City Council on July 16.
