Madison Reporter

The City of Madison has moved into the second phase of its State Street Campus Garage Mixed-Use Project. This development, a collaboration between the city and Mortenson Development, Inc., involves constructing housing units atop a new parking garage.

The project replaces the former Lake Street Parking Garage with a 410-stall parking facility, an intercity bus terminal owned by the city, and 213 student housing apartments. These apartments will provide 717 beds in total, with 100 designated as affordable for qualifying students. The development aims to achieve LEED Silver certification.

The City of Madison's involvement is a multi-departmental effort that includes contributions from the Department of Planning, Community and Economic Development, the Department of Transportation, and the Engineering Division. Mortenson Development was chosen as the housing partner following a competitive Request for Proposals process initiated in 2021.

Matt Wachter from the City of Madison's Department of Planning commented on the project's significance: “Through the partnership with Mortenson, we're seeing a rare opportunity come to fruition here in a perfect location for additional student housing and an intercity bus terminal to support improved regional travel choices – a high priority voiced by residents of the broader Madison community.”

Nate Gundrum from Mortenson Development expressed satisfaction with their role: "Mortenson is pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the City of Madison on this transformational community project."

Originally built in 1964, the old Lake Street parking garage had become costly to maintain. The redevelopment not only addresses these maintenance issues but also adds new facilities such as an intercity bus terminal and student housing near the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.

Jim Wolfe from City Engineering acknowledged partnerships essential to delivering this project: “City of Madison Engineering is grateful for the opportunity to work with its city partners, its architect consultant partner Eppstein Uhen Architects, Inc., and its public works partner Stevens Construction.”

Tom Lynch from City Transportation highlighted multiple benefits: “For Madison, this represents a win, win, win situation.”

Demolition began after closing down operations at Lake Street on December 27, 2023. Traffic flow changes include converting Hawthorne Court into a one-way street for better circulation.

Once completed, public parking will be accessible via Lake Street. The bus terminal will have entry through Hawthorne Court and exit onto Lake Street. Building residents will access underground parking separately.

Stevens Construction continues work on building services while Mortenson focuses on completing eleven floors of housing above and adjacent to existing structures. Both phases are expected to be ready by June 2026.

The city's Percent for Art ordinance applies here; thus a public process regarding art installations is ongoing.