Virtual Public Meeting: Essen Haus Redevelopment 08/12/26

Lotus Company proposes to redevelop the Essen Haus / Come Back In site to build 202 units of affordable housing. The form factor will largely follow what was previously approved for this site, but replaces a hotel with apartments.

Image credit: Google Street View

Lotus Company proposes redeveloping the properties located at 134 S. Blair Street and 506-518 E. Wilson Street (aka the Essen Haus site). The existing buildings, parking lot, and accessory structures would be demolished, and two new, 100% affordable mixed-use buildings would be constructed: a six-story, 41-unit building fronting E. Wilson Street and an eight-story, 161-unit building fronting S. Blair Street, for a total of 202 units. The buildings would be comprised of commercial space on the ground floor and residential units on the floors above. Structured parking within the Blair Street building would provide approximately 120 vehicle stalls and dedicated bicycle parking.

A virtual neighborhood meeting to hear more about this redevelopment proposal is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 6pm. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone, or tablet, or you can participate via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at https://bit.ly/3TzEgQ8. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.

• Ald. Davy Mayer, District 6 ● district6@cityofmadison.com ● 608-419-7066
• Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4 ● district4@cityofmadison.com ● 608-576-4355

To request interpretation, translation or a disability-related accommodation at no cost to you, contact 608-266-4071 or council@cityofmadison.com.