Student Housing Development at University of Wisconsin-Madison Breaks Ground

Ground was recently broken for a new student housing facility near the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. VERVE Madison will stand 12 stories and contain 142 units for a total capacity of 536 residents among rooms ranging from one to five beds. Subtext and Stevens Construction Corp., partnered with architecture firm ESG for the building’s design. The facility is scheduled for completion in fall 2024.

The press release notes that each unit comes fully furnished with amenities like private bedrooms and bathrooms; Internet; laundry facilities; secured access; and design elements like stainless steel appliances, black accents, and private balconies in certain units.

The facility itself also offers 19,000 square feet of luxury amenity space including a rooftop pool and sun shelf, outdoor terrace, 24-hour fitness center and sauna, coffee bar, large and small group study lounges, a food market, and a pet spa.

“With record-breaking enrollment and shortage of highly amenitized housing near campus, we saw an opportunity to bring a VERVE project to Madison, giving students a community for both academic success and lifelong memories,” said Subtext Founder & CEO Brandt Stiles. University enrollment hit 49,886 for the fall 2022 semester, up almost 2,000 students from fall 2021.

“Contributing to the communities we love, live, and work in is an incredible honor,” said Mark Rudnicki, CEO and President of Stevens Construction Corp. “Partnering with Subtext and ESG to build a student living community that focuses on the well-being of its inhabitants is something we are very proud to be a part of.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Moline-Coal Valley School District to Consolidate Two Schools into New Facility

    The Moline-Coal Valley School District in Moline, Ill., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff from two existing schools, according to local news. Robert Ontiveros Elementary School will serve as the new home for Lincoln-Irving Elementary School and Willard Elementary School.

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • Pitzer College

    Designing for Change in Higher Ed Learning Environments

    Higher education will continue to evolve, and learning environments must evolve with it. By prioritizing adaptable infrastructure, thoughtful reuse, strong energy performance, and wellness-centered design, campuses can create spaces that support learning today while remaining flexible for the future.

  • Cal Poly Humboldt Starts Construction on Healthcare Education Hub

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in Arcata, Calif., recently announced that work has begun on a renovation project that will turn the Stewart Building into a new Healthcare Education Hub, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Sundt Construction Inc. for construction services.