Housing Initiatives and Projects

The Indiana Economic Development Authority has recently shared four key strategies Indiana municipalities can implement to help alleviate our housing needs state-wide. These four strategies are listed below, and our team at the City of Madison has actively worked to incorporate each element into our city-planning and development:

  • Partnering with Employers; 
  • Rethinking Zoning;
  • Using Data to Drive Demand;
  • Building Across Boundaries.

The City of Madison has implemented a comprehensive housing strategy focused on expanding access to quality housing at all levels. Key initiatives include the PACE (Preservation and Community Enhancement) Grant program, aggressive blight elimination efforts, and an updated policy to address vacant and abandoned properties. The city is also taking a targeted approach to identify underutilized parcels of land and reposition them for their highest and best use. This includes supporting new housing developments that range from affordable entry-level to mid-level+ homes, as well as market-rate rental options, with the goal of strengthening neighborhoods and meeting the growing demand for diverse housing options.

In 2024, the City of Madison hired Club 720 Solutions to conduct a housing survey. View the study HERE.

CURRENT PROJECTS

Residences at Sunrise Crossing (Under Construction)

    • Partners: City of Madison, Winterwood Property Management, Kersey and Kersey Architects 
    • Developer/Contractor: Winterwood Property Management
    • Location: Directly behind the Shoppes at Sunrise Crossing on Michigan Road
    • Project Summary: Totaling at 192 units, this new workforce housing development (AMI-based rent) will include a playground, bike and pedestrian access, public art, and site lighting. Currently, monthly rent will be: $850 to $1400, depending on the apartment size. This project also includes a stormwater detention basin that will help to mitigate flooding in the Crooked Creek watershed affecting downtown Madison. 
    • Anticipated Project Schedule: The project will be completed in two phases, with 96 apartments being built during each phase. Construction will begin in spring of 2025 with estimated completion of Phase I in spring of 2026. Phase II will begin construction in late 2026. 
    • Estimated Costs:  $36,500,000
    • Funding Sources: RDC has committed to the purchase and resale of land, the funding of the expansion of the boulevard and traffic light addition on Michigan Road, and the extended sewer line in support of the overall project. 

      Residences at Sunrise Rendering

PROPOSED FUTURE PROJECTS

The City of Madison is considering the creation of a new zoning district to be known as the Riverfront District. This district is intended to create a vibrant mixed-use district that capitalizes on the City's location along the Ohio River to serve residents with parks and recreation, and living options while also supporting tourism and local events within Madison.

Current Riverfront Zoning MapProposed Riverfront Zoning Map

District Location: The proposed district, covering three riverfront blocks, will run along the north side of Vaughn Drive from Jefferson Street to St. Michaels Avenue.    

Steps to Rezone: The proposal must first be reviewed by the City Plan Commission. The Plan Commission can give a favorable, unfavorable, or no recommendation to the City Council. The City Council will then consider the proposal on two readings at which public comments can be made. The meeting dates are advertised on the City of Madison calendar.    

Housing Proposal: If the area is approved for rezoning, the City of Madison is exploring the potential development of a three-story, 53-unit market-rate apartment complex on city-owned property at the corner of Jefferson Street and Vaughn Drive. While the concept includes offering a portion of the units at a lower rental rate and features elevated construction with parking underneath to keep all units outside the floodplain, many steps remain in the process. This includes required review and approval by the Historic District Board of Review, among other necessary evaluations and approvals by other public boards and commissions.

Review the proposal presentation HERE. 

Watch the Plan Commission meeting HERE.

COMPLETED PROJECTS

Habitat for Humanity Subdivision - Clifty Woods (City Portion Completed)

    • Partners: Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County, City of Madison, JTL Engineering 
    • Location: A new subdivision off Beech Grove Street and Green Road 
    • Project Summary: The City of Madison Redevelopment Commission entered into an EDA on June 6, 2022. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority stated that Jefferson County is 300 units short in all income levels, this led us into this agreement with the nonprofit to build six homes no smaller than 1,200 SF. The developer will complete three homes on Green Rd with paved driveways, and at the time of completion, the city will mill and pave Beech Grove St and replace and repair existing sidewalks. 
    • Anticipated Project Schedule: Bid infrastructure by February 2023. Completion of infrastructure in late summer of 2023; Completion of 6 homes by June 30, 2025.
      • Redevelopment Commission Commitment: $240,000 (Infrastructure only)

Oak Hill Neighborhood (Completed)

    • Project Summary: The Oakhill neighborhood had little to no maintenance since it was built over 40 years ago. This project includes complete sidewalk, curb and gutter replacements, ADA accessible ramps on all sidewalks and streets will be milled and re-paved. In addition, all driveways will have new approaches for improved drainage and access for residents. See "Recent News" tab below for project updates.
    • Project Completed: Infrastructure completed by the fall of 2022
    • Funding Sources/Partners: State of Indiana (match funding)