The city of Madison is reforming its zoning code to a new business model for downtown hotels, the Wisconsin State Journal reports. The so-called “aparthotels” — part apartment, part hotel — and other extended-stay properties are on the rise to meet travelers’ and professionals’ growing demand for flexibility.
An example of this business model can be seen at newly-opened aparthotel The Dylin, at 611 E. Dayton St. Current city restrictions are impeding the development of these types of properties, but in the coming weeks, the City Council and other commissions will consider key changes.
The city’s zoning code, at present, bans guests from hotel stays exceeding 30 days. Motels do not carry the same restriction. Earlier this month, however, downtown Ald. Mike Verveer proposed an overhaul of the city’s hotel ordinance that would allow hotels to rent up to half of their rooms for over-30-day stays.
The ordinance would be limited to licensed hotels, ensuring that other businesses will still be required to have the tenant protections and pay park impact fees required of typical housing developments.
