Subtext, Harrison Street and architecture firm ESG Architecture & Design celebrated the grand opening of VERVE Madison, a 12-story student housing community just two blocks from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The development, at 506 W. Johnson St., benefited from several development team partners local to Madison, Wisconsin, including Stevens Construction Corp., general contractor; JSD Professional Services, civil engineer; and Damon Farber, landscape architect. Harrison Street served as the lead investor for the development and Old National Bank acted as the lender.
The 278,143-square-foot community features fully furnished one-, two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom apartments, totaling 536 beds across 142 units. The development offers 100% bed/bath parity, a uniquely competitive offering in the market, and 10,000 square feet of amenities, as well as ample vehicle, scooter and bike parking for residents.
Apartment features include high-speed internet, controlled access, and designer finishes such as modern black accents, energy efficient stainless-steel appliances, and quartz counters with tile backsplashes. Select premium units include features such as closet upgrades, signature lighting enhancements, and private patios with hot tubs.
Just a few blocks from the edge of campus at the corner of Johnson and Bassett, the development made efficient use of the 0.67-acre site by creating a distinct V-shaped high-rise that is placed up against the streetscape. The base is grounded with sculptural corner columns and a glassy street-facing façade while the upper floor brings contrast through a contextual light-colored masonry and a contemporary dark metal panel form.
The rooftop features a pool, hot tub, cabanas, nearly 360-degree views of Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, and over 6,500 square feet of intensive prairie-style green roof pollinator gardens. The building is Fitwel certified, which means the residents’ health and wellbeing are a high priority in the design and practices of the community. Other VERVE Madison amenities include a multi-purpose turf and game zone, a state-of-the-art fitness center with sauna, a second-floor terrace courtyard with outdoor grilling and fire pit lounging, as well as ample study areas crafted for concentration and collaboration. VERVE Madison is 100% leased and reached its pre-leasing goal for the 2024-2025 academic year early in the lease-up.
