Westgate Mall Redevelopment
Executive Overview
JT Klein, Inc. engaged Urban Assets to assist with predevelopment, community engagement, and City approvals for the redevelopment of the Westgate Mall.
Opened in 1969, Westgate was Madison’s first mall with tenants such as the J.C. Penney and Montgomery Ward department stores and the S.S. Kresge grocery store.
Impact:
Redevelopment of an underutilized and largely vacant mall into to a mixed-use development with over 460 units of housing, including market rate, senior affordable, and workforce as well as a future commercial office or medical clinic.
Location:
Madison, WI 53711
Construction will begin in Spring 2021 with Phase One completion expected in 2022.
Our Role:
Neighborhood engagement, municipal approvals
Others on The Development Team:
- JT Klein, Inc. – Developer
- Knothe & Bruce Architects – Architecture and Design
- Donofrio Kottke & Associates – Civil Engineering
- Olson Toon Landscaping – Landscape Architect
*Schematic Credit: KBA
The Story:
Westgate had been in decline for many years and, with increasing vacancies and an expanse of parking devoid of landscaping, was considered an eyesore.
The project is zoned Planned Development (PD) and will be constructed in phases. The first three phases contain a mix of housing types including market rate, senior affordable, and workforce housing in four to five story buildings. A future phase, located at the corner of Tokay Boulevard, will include a three to eight story office, medical office or clinic. The transit oriented high-density development responds to the accessibility of multiple modes of transportation in including the adjacent Metro West Transfer Point, future East/West Bus Rapid Transit Route, and the Beltline.
Urban Assets provided strategic guidance on the project design, financing (TIF), and City approval process. Neighborhood engagement began prior to COVID 19. As Madison locked down in response to the pandemic, Urban Assets transitioned the engagement process online using Zoom for neighborhood meetings, a website for project materials (including annotated presentations and meeting recordings), and posting plans at the vacant mall where neighbors could view them while socially distancing.
Westgate Mall Redevelopment In the News
“The Westgate redevelopment brings a broad spectrum of housing offerings to a premier west side location,” said Madison Ald. Zachary Henak, who represents the neighborhood. “The proximity to amenities combined with a major transportation corridor and high walkability make this location a recipe for success. Diversifying the housing options provided in this neighborhood will prove to be an asset to residents as well as the surrounding community.”
Barry Adams, Wisconsin State Journal, February 9, 2021
Project Visuals
Please explore Westgate Mall Redevelopment’s visual impact through project renderings, floor plans, drawings, or photos.
Our Work
Urban Assets believes planning and development are inherently collaborative. We target projects that meet community needs, promote equity, and further healthy, sustainable growth.
How can we help you?
We deliver planning and strategic project management for community-oriented projects. How can we help?