Multi-Family

The Compass

The Compass is a 58-unit contemporary residential development in Madison's Tobacco Warehouse District where a restrained brick and metal exterior, rooftop community amenities, and carefully detailed unit interiors come together to create a boutique urban living experience at the edge of the Capitol City Trail and Lake Monona.

Owner

Walter Wayne Development, Inc

Completion

2020

Location

622 W. Wilson St, Madison, WI

Project Type

Multi-Family

Project Overview

The Compass is a 58-unit residential development in downtown Madison, situated within the Tobacco Warehouse District at the convergence of the city's urban core and the Capital City Trail. The building continues the redevelopment of this evolving district, contributing a five-story contemporary mid-rise that responds to the neighborhood's mix of historic industrial architecture and modern infill development. Its position on the Madison Isthmus offers residents immediate access to both the energy of downtown and the natural amenities of Lake Monona and Brittingham Park.

The building's exterior is clad in a combination of brick and metal siding, with a clean and restrained architectural expression that complements the warehouse character of the surrounding district without mimicking it. The street-facing façade is clearly organized around a central pedestrian lobby, with three additional entries along W. Wilson Street providing direct unit access and reinforcing an active, walkable ground-floor presence. Large windows and private balconies and patios extend the interior living spaces outward, capturing views of the lake and park while animating the building's exterior elevations.

The Compass is programmed to support a full range of resident needs within a compact urban footprint. The top floor is anchored by an enclosed community room with an integrated fireplace and full kitchen, opening onto a rooftop sun deck with a fire pit and grilling stations. Ground-level amenities include a secured parking structure with EV charging, an indoor bike repair facility, a fitness studio, and a dog washing station. Unit interiors are finished with luxury vinyl plank flooring, island kitchens with custom cabinetry, and walk-in closets with custom storage, a cohesive interior palette that prioritizes durability, functionality, and a clean contemporary aesthetic.

Size: 5 Stories - 78,020 sq.ft

Units: 58 Units

Amenities:

  • Fitness Center
  • Rooftop Terrace
  • Community Room
  • Grilling Station
  • Firepit
  • Bike Repair Facility
  • Pet Washing Station
Awards: