Madison Reporter

Residents of South Madison had their first opportunity to view the proposed master plan for the Park Badger redevelopment site on Monday. The project was presented during two public meetings, one held virtually in the afternoon and another in person in the evening. Dozens of community members attended to hear about the initial plans and share their thoughts.

The development team has focused on three main goals: increasing housing opportunities, using environmentally friendly construction, and incorporating community feedback throughout the planning process.

"That's why we've had these meetings, that's why we have a team that's been out talking to the community, to hear feedback to help affect what this project is going to be," said Community Development Authority (CDA) Executive Director Matt Wachter.

The redevelopment project is located on land owned by the City of Madison between Hughes Place, Park Street, and Badger Road. It will be completed in phases over several years. Once finished, it will include a new Madison Fire Department station, consolidated offices for Public Health of Madison & Dane County (PHMDC), and hundreds of mixed-income homes across three buildings.

The master plan shows a seven-floor building along Park Street with housing on top of the new PHMDC location. A five-story building and a two-story fire station bay would blend into the neighborhood.

Each of the 180 homes in the largest building along Park Street would be reserved for people making between 30% to 70% of Dane County’s Area Median Income (AMI). An individual earning up to $61,740 per year or a family of three earning up to $79,380 would be eligible for units in that building. Rent would be capped at 30% of their income.

The second building would include 60 homes for older adults. A third building in a later phase could include approximately 120 additional homes.

This later phase depends on relocating the Madison Police Department's South District station. The proposed number of homes reflects community feedback while addressing citywide affordable housing needs.

Madison currently has a vacancy rate under 3%, one of the tightest rental markets nationwide. About 35,000 households are considered "housing cost-burdened," spending more than 30% of their income on housing. Around 20,000 people are severely cost-burdened, paying more than half their income on housing.

With CDA as the developer, the City aims to keep homes at Park Badger affordable—meaning rents at 30% of monthly income—for generations. Local management will ensure safety and foster community among residents.

Architects from Potter Lawson designed shared paths and green spaces linking buildings based on early community feedback. These spaces include areas for events and gatherings.

Detailed design work remains ahead. At Monday night's meeting, residents suggested ideas for greenspaces and rooftops including seating areas for all ages and abilities, ample lighting, youth activities not available locally, rooftop gardens, natural landscaping, and play spaces.