MADISON, WIS. Madison Landmarks Commission has approved redevelopment plans for the Essen Haus block of Williamson Street. Final approval is still pending.
JCap Real Estate plans to build an eight story, 178 unit residential building on the site, while conserving the facade of the well-known Come Back Inn and preserve the historic structures of the Hotel Ruby Marie and its Up North Bar.
The developer would also create an alley or promenade between structures to serve as a “living street” for hotel, restaurant, and pub patrons.
Brian Munson, Principal Designer at Vandewalle & Associates, explained that the designers working on the plans for redevelopment tried to lean in a singular and complementary architectural style, but with a modern twist. This latest version has won widespread approval.