Bartillon Shelter
July 7, 2025 Update
Quarter 3 2025 Update
Construction work in Quarter 2 2025 included finishing the air and weather barrier systems on the exterior of the building along with the majority of windows/masonry/metal siding. The geothermal borefield horizontal piping connections were completed. The stormwater cistern was installed. The west facing porch element steel was erected. And rough ins for most interior finishes are well underway. Activities in Q3 2025 will include completing interior rough ins as well as establishing permanent power to the facility. Construction substantial completion is currently tracking for mid December 2025.
Live and time lapse images during the construction of Bartillon Shelter are available on the construction site camera. Visit the project's Flickr page for photo updates during construction.
View past project updates »Project Details
Project Information
Project Overview
Oct. 14, 2022: The City of Madison is collaborating with Dane County to plan for and design a purpose-built shelter facility that will serve primarily men in our community who experience homelessness. The facility, to be built at 1902 Bartillon Drive, will be Madison’s first purpose-built shelter. We are gathering feedback to ensure that it best meets the needs of those who will use it and the community more broadly. We know how important it is to engage folks with lived experience, service providers, and the neighborhood on shelter design and supportive service needs. The City will use this feedback to help inform decisions. In particular, this survey, which closed Nov. 4, 2022, is designed to collect input from three specific groups:
- Persons who have experienced homelessness and who are currently using overnight shelter services, have used shelter services in the past, or have chosen not to use shelter services.
- Service providers and other community stakeholders who have, or do work with, unhoused populations and want to share their perspectives regarding the service needs they see in the community.
- People who live, own, or operate businesses in or near the area where the shelter is planned to be built.
The survey was structured so that the questions it asks are different depending on which of the three groups you identify with. However, if you identify with more than one group (e.g. a service provider with lived experience) please consider taking the survey more than once so we can gather your feedback on all relevant questions.
For additional renderings of the interior and to watch the progress during construction please visit the Bartillon Shelter Flickr album.
January 13, 2023 Update
Dimension IV was selected as the architect for this project in mid-2022. Porchlight was selected as the shelter operator in late-2022 and is actively involved with the project’s design. The Project is currently in Pre Design until early March 2023. The team has completed a significant outreach effort and published a Trauma Informed Design Report. The team is currently working on finalizing the program and stacking/blocking diagrams. The program is being coordinated with the operating budget to ensure that the design is affordable and sustainable. We anticipate a public meeting about the project to occur in April 2023. Site and building imagery will be posted here ahead of the public meeting.
July 07, 2023 Update
We recently completed the Schematic Design Phase for this project and are starting Design Development in July. A sample of the floor plan and site plan can be seen on Bartillon Schematic Design Drawings. The project is still tracking to be advertising for bids in early 2024 with construction starting soon thereafter and complete by mid 2025. See Additional Bartillon FAQ's for more information.
August 22, 2023 Update
The latest progress floor plan can be seen on Bartillon Design Development plans. We will be presenting this at the public information meetings in September and to the Urban Design Commission.
Sept. 01, 2023 Update
As part of the design process for the Bartillon Homeless Shelter, a geothermal test bore and thermal conductivity test was completed between early August and early Sept 2023. This is one of the first steps required when designing a geothermal system for larger commercial buildings and provides the design team accurate information about ground conditions. The accurate ground information from both the bore and the conductivity test allow the design team to size the geothermal system. The bore is ~6 inches in diameter and 500 feet deep. It is installed in both the upper and lower aquifer, but outside of Unit Well 15’s Wellhead Protection Zone. A HDPE U-bend pipe was inserted into the bore and the space around the pipe was filled with grout that seals the bore space completely. Testing equipment, running from a generator, was connected to the ends of the pipe at the surface for ~72 hours. This bore will be re-used when the full system is installed as part of the future construction project, which will be permitted by the WI Dept of Natural Resources (WDNR) with input from the Madison Water Utility. We anticipate about 40 of these bores to be installed with the future construction project. See the final GRTI Report for Bartillon Shelter.
Sept. 28, 2023 Update
Baumann Consulting has completed the report for the energy modeling of the shelter facility. The energy model accounts for all systems and uses of the building and provides guidance on what can be improved. The facility is currently projected to use 48 kBtu/square-foot/year, which is ~25% better than a code minimum facility. In dollars this is $1.60/yr combined gas and electric or ~$67,000/yr. Some of this utility expense (~$22,000 or ~33%) will be offset with a ~200 kW solar PV system installed with the project. As a point of comparison to a similar city facility type, a Fire Station, that has kitchen, sleeping and offices, uses between 20-60 kBtu/square-foot/year.
Oct. 18, 2023 Update
The design team for the project recently completed a detailed analysis of LEED status based on the Design Development plan set. You can view the Report and the LEED Checklist. LEED is a widely used green building rating system that is certified by a third party.
Project Schedule
City User Agency: Community Development Division (CDD)
RFP for Architectural Design Services Advertisement: April 20, 2022
RFP for Architectural Design Services Due Date: May 19, 2022 @ 2:00 p.m.
RFP documents can be found on Vendor Net and DemandStar
Planning and Design: 2022-2023
- Pre Design: Quarter 1 2023
- Schematic Design: Quarter 2 2023
- Design Development: Quarter 3 2023
- Construction Documents: Quarter 4 2023
1st Advertisement of Bid: March 15, 2024 available only on Bid Express
Contractor's Bid Talk (Virtual): Thurs. March 28, 2024 at 2:00 pm.
Bid Talk: Bartillon Shelter 3/28/2024 Recording
Bid Talk: Bartillon Shelter 3/28/2024 Presentation Slides
SBE Pre-Bid Meeting (Virtual): May 1, 2023 at 2:00 pm.
Preregistration required at SBE Pre-Bid Meetings
Bid Due Date: Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 2:00 pm.
Construction Start Date: July 1, 2024
Expected Completion Date: January 2026
"All information regarding dates/times/locations are informational and should be verified with official bidding documents posted on Bid Express."
Public Involvement
There are a number of points of contact during this project where the public is encouraged to give feedback as part of public information meetings and public hearings. Dates, times and locations are indicated below:
Public Information Meetings
Sept. 27, 2023 Public Information Meeting Recording
Sept. 13th, 20th, 21st & 27th, 2023 Public Information Meeting PowerPoint Presentation
Sept. 13, 2023 Public Information Meeting Recording
May 17, 2023 Public Information Meeting PowerPoint Presentation
May 11, 2023 Public Information Meeting PowerPoint Presentation
May 9, 2023 Public Information Meeting PowerPoint Presentation
May 9, 2023 Public Information Meeting Recording
March 29, 2023 Northeast Area Plan Open House
Apr. 18, 2022 Neighborhood Virtual Meeting Recording
City Process Meetings
July 02, 2024 Common Council File #83678
June 26, 2024 Board of Public Works File #83678
June 24, 2024 Finance Committee File #83678
Awarding Public Works Contract No. 9358, Bartillon Shelter (District 12) and amending the 2024 Adopted Capital and Operating Budgets of the Community Development Division to provide funding needed to complete the project.
March 19, 2024 Common Council File #82250
March 06, 2024 Board of Public Works File #82250
A resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to amend an existing competitively selected service contract with Dimension IV Madison LLC for architectural and engineering services for the Bartillon Homeless Shelter at 1904 Bartillon Drive
Jan. 10, 2024 Urban Design Commission File#78514
1904 Bartillon Drive - Public Building, City of Madison and Dane County Men's Homeless Shelter
Dec. 05, 2023 Common Council File #80752
Nov. 20, 2023 Board of Public WorksFile #80752
Approving plans and specifications and authorizing the Board of Public Works to advertise and receive bids for 1904 Bartillon Drive Homeless Shelter project
Nov. 8, 2023 Urban Design Commission File #78514
1904 Bartillon Drive - Public Building, City of Madison and Dane County Men's Homeless Shelter.
April 25, 2023 Common Council Legistar #77248
Authorizing the City’s execution of a Purchase and Sale Agreement between the City of Madison and McDonald’s USA, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company or their successors and assigns, for the purchase of the property located at 3709 Kinsman Blvd in the City of Madison to provide the City with both short and long-term options for uses that are compatible with the planned construction at the adjacent property of a facility to provide shelter services for men experiencing homelessness
Oct. 11, 2022 Common Council File #73502
Approving the selection of Porchlight, Inc. as the operator of a new facility, to be constructed by the City, to provide emergency shelter and supportive services primarily to male-identifying persons in Madison and Dane County that experience homelessness, and to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into any agreements and contracts with Porchlight, Inc. necessary to fulfill that purpose.
Aug. 02, 2022 Common Council File #72631
July 20, 2022 Board of Public Works File #72631 Approving the selection of Dimension IV - Madison, LLC to provide architectural and engineering design services, and construction administrative services, to the City of Madison associated with the development of a homeless shelter facility at 1902 Bartillon Drive (12th AD), and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a contract with Dimension IV - Madison, LLC to perform those services.
Apr. 19, 2022 Common Council File #70582
Approving the selection of the property located at 1902 Bartillon Drive as the site for a permanent shelter facility serving men experiencing homelessness, authorizing the City’s Engineering Division to undertake a competitive process to select an entity to provide architectural and engineering design services, subject to Common Council approval, and authorizing the City’s Community Development Division to undertake a similar effort to select an operator for the facility, again, subject to Council approval.
Oct. 05, 2021 File #67405
Authorizing the City’s execution of a Purchase and Sale Agreement between the City of Madison and Danlilly, LLC, or their successors and assigns, for the purchase of the property located at 1902 Bartillon Drive in the City of Madison to provide the City with both short-term and long-term options to address homelessness.
In the News
July 11, 2024 Channel 3000
Miron Construction to start building Madison's first purpose-built men's shelter this summer
July 8, 2024 The Cap Times
Construction of Madison’s new homeless shelter to begin this month
July 8, 2024 WMTV15News.com
City of Madison chooses construction company to build men’s shelter
July 8, 2024 WKOW.com
City of Madison selects construction firm for men's homeless shelter on Bartillon Drive
July 8, 2024 City of Madison News Release
Construction partner chosen for Madison's first purpose-built men’s shelter
June 18, 2024 Wisconsin State Journal
With bid for men's shelter $2 million over budget, Madison could use dwindling COVID stimulus
Nov. 20, 2023 WKOW.com
Madison homeless shelter proposal will go to bid in early 2024, construction to start mid-year
Oct. 05, 2023 Isthmus
Kitchen, backup generator and more day space stay in plan for Madison men’s shelter
Sept. 25, 2023 WKOW.com
County Executive announces $1.5 million more for emergency men’s shelter
Sept. 25, 2023 Wisconsin State Journal
Dane County to chip in another $1.5M for new homeless shelter
Sept. 25, 2023 WKOW.com
Another $1.5 million invested into Madison's first permanent homeless shelter for men
Sept. 25, 2023 Fox47.com
Dane County executive proposes additional $1.5 M in funding for homeless shelter
Sept. 20, 2023 Channel 3000
Project leaders share updated designs for East Madison permanent men's shelter
Sept. 20, 2023 Wisconsin State Journal
Here's how to give your input on new homeless shelter as Madison, Dane County refine vision
July 19, 2023 Isthmus
Inflation, supply chain issues may force design tweaks for Madison’s permanent men’s shelter
June 29, 2023 Wisconsin State Journal
Preliminary design emerges for $21 million homeless men's shelter on Far East Side
May 17, 2023 WKOW.com
Madison's first permanent shelter for homeless men expected to be built on Bartillon Drive
May 11, 2023 Channel 3000
Officials share early designs for permanent men's homeless shelter on Madison's east side
May 10, 2023 WORTFM.org
City Officials Share First Details Of Proposed Men’s Shelter
April 27, 2023 City of Madison News and Updates
Get Involved: City’s First Purpose-Built Shelter Engagement Process Kicks Off
April 18, 2023 WORTFM.org
City Looks To Buy Shuttered McDonalds Next To Future Permanent Men’s Shelter
March 27, 2023 Mayor's Office - Blog
Open House for Upcoming Plans in Northeast Area
Oct. 06, 2022 Isthmus
Permanent Madison men’s homeless shelter is on track
August 30, 2022 City of Madison
Press Release City and County Announce Additional $9 million Investment in Men’s Homeless Shelter
Press Conference: News Conference: City & County Announce $9 million for Men's Shelter
August 30, 2022 The Cap Times
Madison, Dane County add $9 million to men’s homeless shelter from 2023 budgets
August 30, 2022 Madison.com
Watch Now: Madison, Dane County want to spend extra $9 million on homeless shelter
August 30, 2022 Channel 3000
Bartillon Drive homeless shelter plan gets $9 million boost
August 30, 2022 NBC15.com
Dane County, City of Madison set aside millions for east side homeless shelter
August 30, 2022 WKOW.com
Additional $9M invested into Madison men's homeless shelter
July 20, 2022 The Cap Times
Seeking Shelter: Service gaps remain in Madison's help for homeless
June 07, 2022 Wisconsin State Journal
Mayor stays committed to new homeless men's shelter with cost now seen at $21 million
April 24, 2022 The Daily Cardinal
Madison Common Council approves plans to establish a permanent men’s homeless shelter
April 21, 2022 City of Madison Mayor's Office Blog
Unanimous Approval of Site for Men’s Homeless Shelter
April 20, 2022 Channel3000.com
Madison Common Council unanimously approves men’s homeless shelter site
April 20, 2022 WKOW.com
Madison Common Council unanimously approves permanent men's homeless shelter
April 18, 2022 WKOW.com
Alders host meeting to discuss permanent men's homeless shelter
March 22, 2022 Channel3000.com
Incoming Madison men’s homeless shelter to get extra $2M in federal funds
March 22, 2022 WKOW.com
$2 million in federal funding for men's homeless shelter in Madison
March 22, 2022 The Daily Cardinal
Madison’s search for a homeless shelter, explained
March 22, 2022 Madison.com
Rep. Mark Pocan announces $2 million for permanent homeless men's shelter on Madison
March 20, 2022 The Badger Herald
Some alderpersons say mayor excluded them from homeless shelter location discussion
March 17, 2022 Madison.com
Get it done to help the homeless in Madison
March 11, 2022 The Badger Herald
Local government officials announce location for permanent men’s homeless shelter
March 10, 2022 Channel3000.com
Alders insist they support homeless shelter site, but continue to voice concern over mayor’s process
March 10, 2022 NBC15.com
Alders ask Madison mayor to improve communication with plans to build men’s shelter
March 9, 2022 WKOW.com
Rhodes-Conway, Parisi unveil initial plan for new men's homeless shelter
March 9, 2022 Channel3000.com
Two city alders accuse Madison mayor of ‘cutting them out’ of men’s homeless shelter process
March 9, 2022 WORTFM.org
Satya’s Plan For Homeless Shelter Location Could Face Hurdles
March 9, 2022 The Cap Times
Madison, Dane County pick permanent men’s homeless shelter site
March 9, 2022 Wisconsin State Journal
Madison, Dane County pick permanent homeless men's shelter site on Far East Side
March 9, 2022 City of Madison News Updates
City and County Announce Location of Permanent Men’s Shelter
March 9, 2022 Wisconsin Public Radio
'This is the missing piece': Madison, Dane County pick site for men's homeless shelter
March 9, 2022 Channel 3000.com
‘We don’t have anything like it’: Madison announces plans for purpose-built men’s homeless shelter
March 9, 2022 NBC15.com
Madison, Dane Co. reveal spot for new men’s homeless shelter
November 18, 2021 City of Madison - Fire
Bartillon Drive Training Burn A Chance To Practice Key Firefighting Skills
Oct. 5, 2021 NBC15.com
Madison Common Council votes to buy 2 properties for possible homeless shelters
Oct. 5, 2021 WKOW.com
Madison's Common Council approves purchase of two buildings to help support homeless population
Sept. 28, 2021 The Cap Times
Madison Finance Committee recommends buying two properties for homeless services
Sept. 27, 2021 NBC15.com
Finance Committee passes resolutions to move forward with two east side homeless shelter locations
Sept. 23, 2021 Ag Update
City again seeks to buy building near East Towne Mall for homeless men's shelter
Sept. 22, 2021 The Daily Cardinal
City council to discuss proposals to purchase properties for homeless shelters