Vicino

Vicino is a five-story, 50-unit workforce housing development at 1235 Regent Street in Madison's historic Greenbush neighborhood, developed by Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp. on a 0.33-acre urban infill site that previously housed a vacant automotive shop. The building's name, "Vicino," Italian for neighbor, is a direct and intentional reference to the neighborhood's deep Italian immigrant heritage, and that cultural thread runs through every layer of the project, from its architectural concept to the historic imagery woven into its common area interiors. At 62,000 square feet, the development maximizes its compact footprint through a mixed-use ground floor with 1,450 square feet of commercial space that activates the Regent Street sidewalk, supported by a precast concrete underground parking structure with EV charging and dedicated bicycle storage below grade.

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Residential floors above offer studio, one-,and two-bedroom units organized around open-concept floor plans with floor-to-ceiling windows that fill each unit with natural light. Private balconies punctuate the facade at multiple levels, adding architectural depth to the street-facing elevations while extending individual living spaces outward. The fifth floor steps back from the building's primary mass to accommodate a shared community room that opens directly onto a rooftop terrace, offering residents an elevated outdoor gathering space with views across the surrounding neighborhood.

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Interior common spaces were developed in collaboration with Destree Design Architects, balancing Greenbush's historical context with a bold contemporary aesthetic. Expressive art and vibrant color are layered against warm, tactile finishes, creating interiors that feel genuinely rooted in the neighborhood's identity without retreating into nostalgia. Situated near landmarks like the Italian Workmen's Club, Vicino contributes a dense, architecturally considered addition to one of Madison's most historically significant residential corridors.

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