Four-story project hits snag due to density of development
By Dave Fidlin
Plans to convert a highly visible property from a funeral home to a four-story apartment building are on hold into the foreseeable future as city officials discuss zoning-related issues.
Last month, developer Ryan Hughes proposed Campus Edge, a multi-tenant residential site that, under his proposal, would contain 22 five-bedroom units and house up to 110 tenants.
Because of its close proximity to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Campus Edge, 1014 W. Main St., has been aimed at college students throughout the conceptual phase. The Olsen Funeral Home previously occupied the site.
Hughes’ plans went through a preliminary discussion phase last month, but a rezoning of the property – from multifamily residential to a planned development designation – would be necessary before any dirt is pushed to make way for the building.
With a 2-5 vote, the city’s Plan and Architectural Review Commission on July 14 voted against rezoning, citing concerns about the density of the development. A day later, the Common Council did not take any action, but echoed many of the concerns raised by commissioners.
The Campus Edge parcel was discussed during the city’s extensive zoning rewrite project that wrapped recently. With the intent of fostering a higher density project, a zoning designation known as an overlay district has been proposed for the site.
“The goal of these overlay districts is to be a pilot,” council President Patrick Singer said. “It’s about looking at how we can increase density without turning the faucet on full blast.”
During the council’s deliberations last week, none of the officials felt comfortable pinpointing a specific number of units to illustrate how dense Campus Edge should be to remain compatible with the surrounding area.
But a consensus among the seven-member body was Hughes’ plan did not meet the threshold.
“There is a sweet spot here, but I don’t think you have the sweet spot,” council member Ken Kidd said to Hughes. “But our ordinance isn’t the sweet spot either.”
In addition to the sheer magnitude of the 40,900-square-foot building, city officials have cited other concerns, including parking. Hughes’ proposal calls for 11 parking spaces on a surface lot, in addition to 56 underground spots.
Overall, the council heaped praise on Hughes for his vision and foresight into the dormant parcel.
“I think there’s been a lot of interest expressed in the general concept,” council member Lynn Binnie said. “I, myself, hope (Hughes) continues working on this project.”
Council member Sarah Bregant, who is a UW-Whitewater student, said the proposal has been well received around campus.
“It’s an excellent location,” she said. “Obviously, students want to live close to campus.”
Hughes had little to say as he came before the council. He said he was willing to take in the feedback and sought a common understanding of where the project should proceed.
“I didn’t feel like I left with a whole lot of direction,” Hughes said of the July 14 meeting with commissioners. “I’m looking for comments to see what would fit on this site.”
While a firm consensus was not reached on what exactly would fit on the site, city officials and Hughes expressed a willingness to continue hashing over the issue.
