The Plan Commission on Dec. 1 forwarded a rezoning and conditional‑use approvals for a proposed five‑story, 42‑unit multifamily building at 501 North Whitney Way. The applicant sought to rezone the site from Neighborhood Mixed Use (NMX) to Traditional Shopping Street (TSS) because NMX limits multifamily buildings to 36 units; the proposed project would include enclosed parking and stepped massing to reduce apparent bulk.

Architect Kevin Burrow presented the design, noting the building sits on a half‑acre parcel with substantial topography that permits at‑grade access to two levels of enclosed parking. "The building does step inward and all exposed sides step to reduce the overall mass and scale along the street," Burrow said, pointing to materials and a masonry base intended to anchor the corner. Neighbors who live across Whitney Way supported facade refinements and asked staff and the applicant to minimize glare and bright exterior lighting facing nearby bedrooms; the applicant said exterior luminaires will comply with Madison’s dark‑sky rules and be downcast only.

Staff recommended approval subject to refining the fifth‑floor facade treatment along the northern and western elevations to reduce perceived mass and improve proportion. The commission forwarded the rezoning and conditional‑use items to the Common Council with a recommendation for approval and approved the certified survey map to consolidate lots for development.

What’s next: The rezoning, conditional use and CSM will go to Common Council for final action; final building permits and site‑plan review will follow. Staff will require facade refinements and ensure lighting complies with the dark‑sky standards before permits are issued.