Project Team
Architect: Antunovich Associates and Myefski Architects
Builder: J.H. Findorff & Son
Interior Designer: Studio K Creative
Developer: Core Spaces
Land Planner: Vandewalle & Associates
College life has changed in recent years: The days of cramped dorm rooms and dingy hallways are gone. Increased demand for luxury amenities and high-end design has created student housing developments that rival the look and feel of a luxury resort.
A prime example is Hub Madison, a new student apartment building near the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which was named the Platinum winner for Student Housing in this year’s Best in American Living Awards.
The complex caters to the plush tastes of today’s students and sets a new standard for campus living. From private study rooms equipped with the latest technology to a rooftop infinity pool, Hub Madison offers students the college living experience of their dreams.
Overlooking State Street, the building’s rooftop deck offers panoramic views of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, downtown Madison and Lake Mendota. Designed to create the ultimate unwinding experience, the deck boasts an infinity-edge pool surrounded by cabanas and hot tubs. This exclusive space thrives in the summer months, coaxing residents outside to enjoy the sunshine.
The building features an outdoor courtyard on the second floor that serves as the epicenter for activity and socialization. Its sand volleyball court, which converts to an ice-rink in colder months, gives residents the option for outdoor activity without leaving the property. A 20-foot LED screen and ample seating also make the courtyard great for tuning into a game.
Inside, Hub Madison’s club room offers a wide variety of social activities including billiards, foosball, ping-pong and arcade games. The inventive décor juxtaposed with brick, stone, and reclaimed wood creates a hip, contemporary atmosphere throughout, making this a perfect space for parties and other events.
While it’s no secret that college students love to socialize and relax, studying should always come first. Hub Madison makes writing papers and studying for exams easier than ever with private study rooms, video-conference spaces and dedicated quiet and scholarly floors. The computer lab features a crisp, clean design, making it easy to focus on work while also breaking away from the monotony of the library.
The music practice room and performance space gives residents a dedicated area to let their hair down and rock out without disturbing others. Just outside of the practice space, a charming garden patio preserves a feeling of serenity for those who want to get lost in a good book.
The lobby, designed to mimic a boutique hotel, greets residents with soaring ceilings and a 20-foot wood-plank wall emblazoned with UW’s badger mascot. The combination of industrial and natural materials coupled with contemporary finishes appeals to both undergraduates and young professionals alike.
With nine-foot plus ceilings, units come fully furnished and include an open living room and kitchen. The apartments also feature upscale stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops and walk-in closets, further elevating the traditional college living experience.
Massing design and graduation in height keeps Hub Madison in sync with the surrounding neighborhood. One corner the building—at State and Frances Street—features an exposed structure made of oversized blackened steel beams, providing a distinct coolness while breaking up the mass of the building. Retail space on the first floor of the building enhances and celebrates the bustling State Street atmosphere.
All in all, Hub Madison flourishes by providing living space that makes college students feel a bit more like adults, while still enjoying their youth, thus satisfying both the needs and the wants of millennials.
The original article, written by John Myefski, was featured in the Summer 2016 Issue of Best in American Living.
