Recap of Essen Haus / Lotus Public Meeting

Last Wednesday, August 12, we held a Zoom meeting to discuss Lotus Company's development proposal for the Essen Haus / Come Back In site. This proposal would be quite similar to the recent one that was fully-approved (but ultimately was canceled) -- however this version would differ in that instead of a hotel, it would be completely made up of affordable housing.

You can watch a recording of the meeting here.

The proposal includes:

• An eight-story building on Blair with 157 units
• A six-story building on Wilson with 41 units and ground floor retail, space for a restaurant
• Total of 198 units:
  • 51 studios
  • 78 1bd/1ba
  • 55 2bd/2ba
  • 14 3bd/2ba
• 120 parking stalls for cars, 220 for bikes (residents would not be eligible for residential parking permits)

The Hotel Ruby Marie and Up North Bar are not affected by this proposal and would remain.

Eligibility for apartments would range from 30-80% AMI (area median income), averaging 60%.

This proposal would go through the full city process:

• Landmarks Commission
  Approves a certified survey map. Reviews buildings proposed for demolition for historic value per MGO section 41.28 (this is a new process since the previous proposal was approved in 2024).
• Urban Design Commission
  Parcels are UMX so no zoning change is needed. UDC makes recommendation to Plan Commission.
• Plan Commission
  Approves Conditional Use.
• Common Council
  Final approval

There will be opportunities for public comment at all four of these bodies, but your input will mean the most at the first three. First Settlement Neighborhood (a district of Capitol Neighborhoods, Inc.) will also make their own recommendations.

If all goes according to their plan, the developer would break ground in July 2027 and aim for completion in July 2029.

Updates and Notices

• August Student Move Out: On the August Student Move Out page, you will find information on the student move out area map, student move time frame, and more!

Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings

Note: This is not a complete list of meetings for this upcoming week. All meetings and their details can be found at the Meeting Schedule page.

• Urban Design Commission: The Urban Design Commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, August 19, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include informational presentations on mixed-use buildings in District 14 and District 19.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online

If you would like more information about becoming a member of the City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.

Public Information Meetings (PIMs)

• Capital Avenue Reconstruction (Virtual), Tuesday, August 18: The City is planning a reconstruction project on Capital Avenue (University Avenue to Lake Mendota Drive). A public information meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m., Aug. 18, 2026, via Zoom. Registration prior is required.
• Terrace.

Announcements and News Releases

• The 2026 Brush Collection Season is Ending Soon: All Madison residents have at least one remaining set-out date for brush collection in 2026.Once your final collection opportunity for the year passes, scheduled brush pickup for your neighborhood will be over until the start of the brush pickup…[posted August 14, 2026]
• Virginia Terrace Closure for Underground Utility Work: Parisi Construction has closed Virginia Terrace between Regent Street and Rowley Avenue to construct underground utilities as part of the City of Madison's Virginia Terrace, Norwood Place, Rugby Row and Hillington Way construction project. [posted August 12, 2026]
• Shape Downtown Streets: Alder Will Ochowicz to Host Traffic Safety Meeting: Join Alder Will Ochowicz of District 2 for an in-person discussion about traffic safety in the downtown area. This meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 25, in Room 215 of the Madison Municipal Building, from 6 to 8 PM. [posted August 12, 2026]
• Lane Closures on Fish Hatchery Road for Cannonball Path Extension Project: Beginning Monday, August 17, motorists traveling on Fish Hatchery Road can expect lane closures as construction begins on the Cannonball Path extension project. [posted August 12, 2026]
• Thank You for Voting & Provisional Voting Reminder : Thank you to everyone who participated in yesterday's election. [posted August 12, 2026]
• 2026 Fall Leaf & Yard Waste Schedule Now Available; Collection Begins in October: The set out dates for the fall 2026 leaf and yard waste schedule are now available on the Streets Division website. Each neighborhood has three assigned dates to set out leaves and yard waste. The exact dates when you should set out your leaves will… [posted August 12, 2026]
• Aug. 10 update from Chief Patterson: I continue to check in with the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) daily. On Monday, DCI publicly identified the officer involved during last month's incident on Madison's near east side. [posted August 10, 2026]

Please visit the City news webpage to find additional news and announcements and to subscribe to receive notification of news releases as they are posted.

Events

• Live at The Glen | Vets on Frets, Thursday, August 20: Spend an easygoing evening with Vets on Frets(external), an acoustic guitar group made up of talented military veterans who bring stories, camaraderie, and classic tunes to every performance. 
• Live at The Glen | Louka & Co., Friday, August 21: Get ready for an unforgettable evening on the Glen Patio with Louka & Co(external), a dynamic group known for their eclectic blend of bluegrass and beyond. 
• Volunteer at The Glen, Saturday, August 22: We seek passionate individuals and groups committed to giving back to the community and connecting with the City of Madison golf courses. Gain experience, foster personal growth, and build relationships within the community.  
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Edna Taylor, Saturday, August 22: Nature Journaling ~ Join Naturalist Sheila Knerr to explore easy nature trails on this free family friendly walk. Come and learn the basics of nature journaling as a way to slow down and look at your surroundings in a new way. Bring a pen and paper for writing or sketching.

Parks Alive Dates!

Parks Alive builds stronger neighborhoods and connects neighbors to their parks through fun, family-friendly activities, music and free food. Events are held in parks across the city and throughout the summer. Connect with your neighbors and engage with your community at a Parks Alive event near you! Events start at 5:00 p.m.

• Parks Alive | Sandburg Park, Tuesday, August 18
• Parks Alive | Hammersley Park, Wednesday, August 19
• Parks Alive | Owl Creek Park, Thursday, August 20

Interested in volunteering for Parks Alive? Volunteers Welcome! Learn more and register online!

Movie in the Park Dates!

• Movie in the Park | Hamilton, Saturday, August 22

Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.