Living the High Life

Get a glimpse of everything condominium living has to offer at the 2006 Parade of Condos, July 29-August 6

By Kim Dearth

Ten years ago, the phrase “high rise” was barely in the Madison vocabulary. In 1996, the inaugural Madison Area Builders Association Parade of Condos debuted, with a handful of sites costing an average of $150,000. What a difference a decade makes!

Anyone who has visited downtown Madison lately has surely been amazed by the simultaneous sprouting of myriad condominium projects. This year’s Parade of Condos will feature 34 of them, including several in the downtown area. Prices in 2006 range from $139,000 to $1.75 million.

But what may be even more interesting is that condos are sprouting all over Dane County. Projects in this year’s Parade are located in areas as diverse as Waunakee, Sun Prairie, DeForest, Prairie du Sac and,

of course, Madison. They include everything from single family, ranch-style condos to multi-story buildings.

Why such a huge growth in condominium living?
“It’s not just a local phenomenon,” says Steve Holzhauer, managing principal at Eppstein Uhen Architects, the architect firm on the Nolen Shore project in Madison. “The baby boomers are wanting condos. This way they don’t have to spend time on the upkeep of their home, which gives them time to do what they like, which is basically everything. In general, they are very active people.”

Jody Schumacher, director of sales and marketing for Tuscany Custom Homes, developer of Tuscan Ridge Condominium Homes in DeForest, agrees. She notes, however, that she is seeing interest from an age group she wasn’t expecting to hear from. “I’m getting calls from younger professionals who have the same needs the older population has [concerning home care]. They like to travel and don’t want to have to deal with lawn care and other maintenance issues when they are away.”

The lure of the city
While condos are being built everywhere, some of the more dramatic projects are certainly in downtown Madison. Like the general growth of condos, the growth of downtown living is not just a local occurrence.

“Across the nation, the trend is to come back to cities, to the metropolitan lifestyle,” says Jim Walker of Keller Williams Realty, an exclusive listing agent for Metropolitan Place. “A few years ago, all downtown Madison had was empty buildings and students. Although it’s not the only factor, the Overture Center is a huge driving force behind the revitalization of downtown. It’s a wonderful center of culture, and people want to be close to it.”

Walker says downtown condos attract a diverse mix of buyers, including young single professionals, young couples who don’t plan to have children, baby boomers, empty nesters and alternative lifestyles couples. “This is still Wisconsin, however,” says Walker. “Most families with children opt for rural or suburban living.”

For those seeking it, downtown offers a vibe that can’t be found anywhere else. “There’s an incredible energy downtown,” Walker continues. “I tell people they’re not buying a condo, they’re buying a lifestyle.”

While Walker notes that all the downtown condo projects are notable for their own personalized touches, he is quick to point out some of Metropolitan Place’s selling points. “We have the most central location. We’re two minutes from Overture, three minutes from State Street, five minutes from the Capitol and nine minutes from the campus.”

Designed in the Beaux Art-Neoclassical style of the grand urban apartment blocks built in New York City prior to WWII, Metropolitan Place offers something for everyone, from one-bedroom, 500-square-foot units starting under $150,000 to penthouses that can be customized for up to $1.4 million. When completed, Metropolitan Place will offer a total acre of green space five stories up, express elevators and an on-site grocery store.

Another selling point? A private, 20' x one-city-block, on-site dog run and a pet-friendly policy. “We allow two cats or two dogs or one of each,” says Walker. “But most important is that we have no size restriction on dogs. Dogs simply must be social with other dogs and people.”

Nolen Shore also capitalizes on its location, offering 360-degree views of the Capitol and the isthmus.

“A lot of buildings in Madison have tiny little patios,” says Holzhauer. “Ours are 10' by 15' to allow better use and to take advantage of the views.”

“Everything is very upscale,” stresses Holzhauer. Standouts include a waterfall enhanced with mosaic glass and a community room complete with a flat-screen TV and bar. “You could have a 200-person event there if youd the patio doors.

“For those who visit longer, we offer a small apartment like a hotel suite, which we rent out for guests,” Holzhauer adds.

Off the beaten path
While Madison does seem to get all the glory, there are plenty of awe-inspiring condos outside the city limits. One such place is Blue Ridge Condominium in Waunakee. Vice President Joanne Tierney describes the allure: “We are really part of a neighborhood. Our average resident is in his or her 40s to 70s. Many have grandchildren. They love to take them to the park because it’s part of a neighborhood, and there are other children there playing.”

She mentions the swimming pool and walking/biking trail through the local arboretum as other draws. Her husband, Don Tierney, who is president of the company, notes construction details that attract buyers looking for a solid-built home that’s also comfortable. “We have heavy insulation which is very good for controlling heating and cooling costs, and we even have 2" styrofoam around the garage to keep out the cold. All lower levels have elevated floors so you’re not walking on a hard surface, as well as radiant heat.”

Tuscan Ridge is located in DeForest, which offers the lure of small town living and the convenience of being near Madison.

“We’re a community within a community in the village of DeForest, yet we’re only minutes from the east side and right off the interstate,” says Schumacher.

Tuscan Ridge is backed up to the Yahara River Conservancy and offers a walking/biking trail for residents who enjoy the great outdoors. Also popular are Tuscan Ridge’s comfortable porches.

“All units have screened-in porches, which was also a big feature in single family homes at this year’s Parade of Homes,” Schumacher notes.

Whether you prefer urban, suburban or even rural living, chances are there is a condominium community catering to your choice of lifestyle. And what better place to get a taste of it all than at the 2006 Parade of Condos?

The Parade of Condos runs July 29-August 6, from 3-8 p.m., Monday-Friday, and from 12-6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults; children under 12 are free. To learn more visit www.maba.org.