Chicago developer secures additional space to enlarge student housing project 

Chicago developer Core Spaces has purchased additional property to increase the size of a student housing project in downtown Madison, the Wisconsin State Journal reports. The project would be the first to make use of a new city law that allows for taller downtown buildings in exchange for provision of lower-cost units. 

Core Spaces had previously proposed demolition of a dozen buildings on the block to make room for a six-to-12-story structure on North Broom Street between West Gorham and West Johnson streets. The developer is now under contract to buy the 10-story La Ville apartments at 431 W. Gorham St. to expand its project site. 

The newly proposed 14-story project, called Johnson and Broom, would help address UW–Madison’s growing housing needs, with units ranging from studios to five-bedroom apartments; first-floor townhouses with individual entrances; and both indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. 

Core Spaces, which is currently pursuing multiple downtown projects, is expected to make an informational presentation on the expanded redevelopment to Madison’s Urban Design Commission tomorrow.