Exciting Truman-Olson Project Moves Full Steam Ahead

Spring is in the air! And while early-stage work has been underway at the Truman-Olson project site for several months, warmer weather means construction is moving full steam ahead.

This project combines 150 affordable housing units with a 24,600 square foot space for a grocery store. The City of Madison is in negotiations with a grocery operator that is looking forward to occupying the grocery store space. The apartments will include 30 supportive units, the most affordable and most accessible apartments designated for people with disabilities or veterans. In addition, the project will include 161 structured parking spaces, and amenities for tenants including a community room, fitness center, and areas for youth to play and study.

Rule Enterprises and Movin’ Out carefully selected our construction team based on our shared values of equity and integrity. Together with our general contractor, Wisconsin-based Catalyst Construction, and with help from our consultant, Wisconsin-based and Black-woman-owned Cross Management Services, we are meeting or exceeding City of Madison and WHEDA minimum requirements for Emerging Business Enterprises and new local hires: 

  • EBE subcontractors comprise 28% of the project, exceeding the 25% requirement, and participating largely in mid- to later-stages of construction.

  • To date, there are 12-13 new local hires, meeting/exceeding the required minimum of 12.

  • Additionally, 17 Madison-area subcontractor scopes represent approximately 22% of the project cost, and 13 union subcontractor scopes represent about 21% of the project cost. 

District 13 Alder Tag Evers recently expressed his support stating, “It’s great to see the progress on this important project for South Madison. The Rule Enterprises and Movin’ Out team are on track to successfully meet the City’s requirements for EBEs and new local hires.”

District 14 Alder Sheri Carter echoed Evers enthusiasm, commenting on the “excitement in seeing this major development for our community well underway.” She added that the City is making progress on the grocery store selection. 

We look forward to more exciting progress in the weeks and months ahead. Watch for frequent updates now that construction is moving ahead! 

Kathryne Auerback