Capitol Lakes breaks ground on $45 million Bassett Place expansion in downtown Madison

Capitol Lakes has started a $45 million expansion called Bassett Place at its downtown Madison campus, adding 49 independent living apartments and new amenities for older adults. The project is scheduled to begin construction this summer and open in Fall 2027, with care capacity shifting during demolition to avoid any lapse in service.

Why it matters: - Bassett Place expands urban senior living in the heart of Madison’s downtown core. - The project adds 49 independent living apartments as demand grows for city-based senior housing. - Capitol Lakes says the expansion is designed to let older adults stay close to the Capitol Square, the Overture Center and the UW campus. - The project also preserves the community’s full continuum of care during construction.

What happened: - Capitol Lakes held a ceremonial groundbreaking for Bassett Place at its campus at 333 W. Main Street in Madison. - More than 300 people attended, including community leaders, future residents, project partners and organizational leadership. - The expansion carries a $45 million price tag. - Construction is scheduled to begin this summer. - The project is expected to open in Fall 2027.

The details: - Bassett Place will replace a previous three-story assisted living building with a four-story residential hub. - The new building will include 49 independent living apartments. - Apartment sizes will range from 1,060 to 1,830 square feet. - Some ground-floor residences will have private entrances and fenced yards. - The addition will total 132,000 square feet. - An underground garage will add 60 parking spaces and EV charging stations. - Planned amenities include an art studio, a music and flexible performance space and a rooftop lounge with views of the Madison skyline. - Residents will also have access to Capitol Lakes’ existing amenities, including three indoor pools, a wellness and aquatic center and two on-campus restaurants. - Before demolition, Capitol Lakes will renovate an unoccupied floor of its nearby skilled nursing building into 30 assisted living apartments. - The renovation is designed to avoid any lapse in the community’s care services.

Between the lines: - The project signals continued investment in downtown Madison as a place to age in place with services close by. - The new apartments and shared spaces appear aimed at residents who want a more urban lifestyle without giving up campus-style support. - The temporary care transition suggests Capitol Lakes is trying to keep operations stable while the expansion moves ahead.

What's next: - Capitol Lakes will start construction this summer. - The organization will complete the care-space renovation ahead of demolition. - Bassett Place is slated to open in Fall 2027. - The downtown campus will then add a new residential option alongside its existing care and amenity offerings.

The bottom line: - Bassett Place is a major downtown Madison expansion that pairs new independent living housing with amenities, transit access and continuity of care.