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Bold, vibrant, and uncommon

CA Ventures,
Uncommon Madison
Madison, WI

Once the site of a neglected cardboard factory, Uncommon Madison brings a welcome injection of vibrant housing options to downtown Madison.

The 10-story building features multiple unit sizes, ranging from 400-sf studios to 1,400-sf four-bedroom suites. Some layouts incorporate bunk beds for two to share a room.

Uncommon Madison was the first project in a new zoning district intended to increase density in downtown. The building’s proximity to nearby University of Wisconsin – Madison makes it an ideal housing alternative for students—and for the city’s growing young professionals population. The highly developed streetscape features bold patina green siding and expanses of glass frontage, which adds color and vitality to the neighborhood’s main street

On-site vehicle parking was minimized to encourage the use of alternative transportation. Every unit has access to covered bicycle and moped spaces.
A cafe on the ground floor serves students, residents, and commuters. Large areas in the lobby provide additional display space for the University’s glass art studio.
Amenities include a health and fitness center, yoga room, business center, outdoor courtyard, and rooftop terrace with skyline views of the city.
Shepley Bulfinch worked closely with neighborhood groups and city planners throughout the life cycle of the project. We listened to their concerns and collaborated on matters such as design, color, and amenities.

Uncommon Madison’s street units feature front porches that mimic the existing neighborhood context. Recessed linear windows and various brick hues help bridge the design to adjacent historical buildings.