Commission approves Castle Rock site plan with condition for a pedestrian University Avenue entrance

The Middleton Planning Commission approved the Castle Rock redevelopment site plan for properties at 6404–6418 University Avenue and 2009 Lakeview Avenue on May 27, subject to fulfillment of staff‑listed conditions and an added requirement that a primary pedestrian entrance face University Avenue.

Staff noted concerns about a variable right‑of‑way and setbacks on University Avenue and asked that applicants address those items in final submissions. Commissioners praised efficient land use and the exterior design but pressed the applicant to ensure pedestrian access on the street frontage rather than relying solely on parking‑lot entries. "I think it's important for us to require us to have some pedestrian entrances on the street face," one commissioner said during discussion.

Applicants (GBA architecture) said they would explore reconfiguring the accessible parking or entry location to provide a direct street entrance where feasible and explained landscaping and a six‑foot fence would screen neighbors from garage levels. A motion to approve the site plan, conditioned on staff requirements and the added pedestrian‑entrance condition, passed unanimously by voice vote.

The commission’s action moves the Castle Rock project forward pending the applicant’s incorporation of the noted conditions and final plan checks by staff.