Core Campus
Madison's Urban Design Commission gave initial approval for a massive student housing and retail complex on State Street in a 4-2 vote Wednesday evening.
The Hub is a nearly 500,000-square-foot project proposed by Core Campus Communities that would go up on the corner of State and Frances next to State Street Brats.
The project would provide more than 20,000 square feet of retail space on State Street. A taller step-back would include between 250 and 300 student residences and 160 parking spaces.
The commission was expected to give its final approval on the project, but members were concerned about elements of the proposed building, such as a corner facade that some thought appeared "too industrial" in the plan.
"It doesn't fit into State Street's grittiness," commission member John Harrington said at the meeting.
The proposed Hub has caused concern about how such a large commercial building would fit into the State Street area, and how it would affect businesses on the 500 block.
"This isn't just any street," Harrington said.
The Plan Commission will consider the project on July 22. The Urban Design Commission will hear it again at its July 24 meeting to approve design details. The Common Council is expected to consider the Hub" on Aug. 6.
