The University Square development plan took a key step toward approval Wednesday when the City of Madison Urban Design Commission gave final endorsement to the General Development Plan, or GDP, for the space.
"[The development would include] private apartments," said Eric Lawson of architectural firm Potter Lawson, which has been contracted to design the structure. "Two floors are retail and the student activity center home to the 600-plus student organizations."
The University Square GDP, which passed Design Commission unanimously with one abstention, has already been approved by the Plan Commission, and will now go to the Common Council for final approval.
"I think it's a very exciting plan and will be one of the most important buildings on campus when it's done," Ald. Austin King, District 8, whose district includes University Square, said. King indicated he would vote for approval at the Common Council meeting.
The Urban Design Commission meeting involved a presentation by the architects working on the plan of what the building would look like when done. The commission members then questioned several aspects of the design.
"I continue to be very concerned by what is going on at the ground level," said Michael Barrett, a citizen member of the commission.
Lawson proceeded to address some of the concerns while noting that many of the issues would be resolved later in the design process.
Additionally, Lawson indicated if the Council approved the GDP, they would then seek approval of a Specific Implementation Plan some time early next year.
Even though the development is nearing approval, King conceded the building would not be completed in time for current students to enjoy it.
The Urban Design Commission also heard an application for initial approval of the GDP for the East Washington Avenue-Union Corners development. The Commission complimented the developers for their project, which was formerly a battery factory, but referred the request for more information after hearing concerns from numerous members of the community.
Most of the complaints centered on the proposed change in orientation for the French Battery Building and the fate of two trees.
