MADISON (WKOW) – Developers held an informational meeting to discuss the future of the Porta Bella Italian Restaurant site at 425 N. Frances Street and 450 W. Gilman Street in Madison. The meeting focused on a proposal to replace the restaurant with a high-rise apartment building.
Porta Bella Italian Restaurant, established in 1968, has been voted Madison's most romantic restaurant for 15 years.
The proposed development would introduce a high-rise apartment building where the restaurant currently stands. During a Zoom meeting, participants had the opportunity to ask developers questions, and some expressed opposition to the project.
"We don't need another massive luxury apartment building that none of us real students can afford," said a participant.
The project team responded to concerns by highlighting that their project would increase the number of apartments from eight to 115 units. They mentioned plans to include 10 to 12 lower-priced units and promised to provide more details about affordability as the project progresses. Other concerns raised included increased traffic in a pedestrian-heavy area and the loss of mixed-density buildings in the area.
The project is still in its early stages. Next, developers will submit their application for the demolition of the existing building.
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