1. Resources for the Madison Community

    Madison stands with the families of Abundant Life community. This page is dedicated to connecting victims and the broader community to resources and accurate information about the tragic events that happened on December 16.

Bartillon Shelter

October 16, 2024 Update

Live and time lapse images during the construction of Bartillon Shelter will be available on the construction site camera. 

View past project updates »

Project Details

  • Location

    • 1904 Bartillon Dr
      Madison, WI 53704
  • Project Type

  • Status

    Construction
  • Estimated Schedule

  • Alder District

    District 12

Project Information

Project Overview

Oct. 14, 2022: The City of Madison is collaborating with Dane County to plan for and design a purpose-built shelter facility that will serve primarily men in our community who experience homelessness. The facility, to be built at 1902 Bartillon Drive, will be Madison’s first purpose-built shelter. We are gathering feedback to ensure that it best meets the needs of those who will use it and the community more broadly. We know how important it is to engage folks with lived experience, service providers, and the neighborhood on shelter design and supportive service needs. The City will use this feedback to help inform decisions. In particular, this survey (closed Nov. 4, 2022) is designed to collect input from three specific groups:

  • Persons who have experienced homelessness and who are currently using overnight shelter services, have used shelter services in the past, or have chosen not to use shelter services.
  • Service providers and other community stakeholders who have, or do work with, unhoused populations and want to share their perspectives regarding the service needs they see in the community.
  • People who live, own, or operate businesses in or near the area where the shelter is planned to be built.

The survey was structured so that the questions it asks are different depending on which of the three groups you identify with. However, if you identify with more than one group (e.g. a service provider with lived experience) please consider taking the survey more than once so we can gather your feedback on all relevant questions.  

Rendering of Bartillon Shelter viewed from Bartillon Drive
Rendering of Bartillon Shelter viewed from Bartillon Drive
Rendering of Bartillon Shelter viewed from Stoughton Rd.
Rendering of Bartillon Shelter viewed from Stoughton Road.

For additional renderings of the interior and to watch the progress during construction please visit the Bartillon Shelter Flickr album.

January 13, 2023 Update
Dimension IV was selected as the architect for this project in mid-2022. Porchlight was selected as the shelter operator in late-2022 and is actively involved with the project’s design. The Project is currently in Pre Design until early March 2023. The team has completed a significant outreach effort and published a Trauma Informed Design Report. The team is currently working on finalizing the program and stacking/blocking diagrams. The program is being coordinated with the operating budget to ensure that the design is affordable and sustainable. We anticipate a public meeting about the project to occur in April 2023. Site and building imagery will be posted here ahead of the public meeting.

July 07, 2023 Update
We recently completed the Schematic Design Phase for this project and are starting Design Development in July.  A sample of the floor plan and site plan can be viewed HERE. The project is still tracking to be advertising for bids in early 2024 with construction starting soon thereafter and complete by mid 2025. Additional Bartillon FAQ's can be found HERE.

August 22, 2023 Update
The latest progress floor plan from our Design Development stage can be found HERE.  We will be presenting this at the public information meetings in September and to the Urban Design Commission.

Sept. 01, 2023 Update
As part of the design process for the Bartillon Homeless Shelter, a geothermal test bore and thermal conductivity test was completed between early August and early Sept 2023. This is one of the first steps required when designing a geothermal system for larger commercial buildings and provides the design team accurate information about ground conditions. The accurate ground information from both the bore and the conductivity test allow the design team to size the geothermal system. The bore is ~6 inches in diameter and 500 feet deep. It is installed in both the upper and lower aquifer, but outside of Unit Well 15’s Wellhead Protection Zone. A HDPE U-bend pipe was inserted into the bore and the space around the pipe was filled with grout that seals the bore space completely. Testing equipment, running from a generator, was connected to the ends of the pipe at the surface for ~72 hours. This bore will be re-used when the full system is installed as part of the future construction project, which will be permitted by the WI Dept of Natural Resources (WDNR) with input from the Madison Water Utility. We anticipate about 40 of these bores to be installed with the future construction project.  The final report can be found at this LINK.

Sept. 28, 2023 Update
Baumann Consulting has completed energy modeling of the shelter facility and the report can be downloaded HERE. The energy model accounts for all systems and uses of the building and provides guidance on what can be improved. The facility is currently projected to use 48 kBtu/square-foot/year, which is ~25% better than a code minimum facility. In dollars this is $1.60/yr combined gas and electric or ~$67,000/yr. Some of this utility expense (~$22,000 or ~33%) will be offset with a ~200 kW solar PV system installed with the project. As a point of comparison to a similar city facility type, a Fire Station, that has kitchen, sleeping and offices, uses between 20-60 kBtu/square-foot/year.

Oct. 18, 2023 Update
The design team for the project recently completed a detailed analysis of LEED status based on the Design Development plan set. You can view the Report and the LEED Checklist. LEED is a widely used green building rating system that is certified by a third party – see https://www.usgbc.org/leed for more details about the certification process.

Bartillon Geothermal Test Bore
Geothermal Test Bores - See Sept. 01, 2023 update above

Project Schedule

City User Agency: Community Development Division (CDD)
RFP for Architectural Design Services Advertisement: April 20, 2022
RFP for Architectural Design Services Due Date: May 19, 2022 @ 2:00 p.m.
RFP documents can be found on Vendor Net and DemandStar

Planning and Design: 2022-2023

  • Pre Design: Q1 2023
  • Schematic Design: Q2 2023
  • Design Development: Q3 2023
  • Construction Documents: Q4 2023

1st Advertisement of Bid: March 15, 2024 available only on Bid Express

Contractor's Bid Talk (Virtual): Thurs. March 28, 2024 @ 2:00 pm.
Bid Talk: Bartillon Shelter 3/28/2024 Recording
Bid Talk: Bartillon Shelter 3/28/2024 Presentation Slides

SBE Pre-Bid Meeting (Virtual): May 1, 2023 @ 2:00 pm.  
Preregistration required at SBE Pre-Bid Meetings

Bid Due Date: Thursday, May 23, 2024 @ 2:00 pm.

Construction Start Date: July 1, 2024
Expected Completion Date: Oct. 31, 2025

"All information regarding dates/times/locations are informational and should be verified with official bidding documents posted on Bid Express."

Public Involvement

There are a number of points of contact during this project where the public is encouraged to give feedback as part of public information meetings and public hearings. Dates, times and locations are indicated below:

Public Information Meetings

Sept. 27, 2023 Public Information Meeting Recording
Sept. 13th, 20th, 21st & 27th, 2023 Public Information Meeting PowerPoint Presentation
Sept. 13, 2023 Public Information Meeting Recording

May 17, 2023 Public Information Meeting PowerPoint Presentation

May 11, 2023 Public Information Meeting PowerPoint Presentation

May 9, 2023 Public Information Meeting PowerPoint Presentation
May 9, 2023 Public Information Meeting Recording

March 29, 2023 Northeast Area Plan Open House

Apr. 18, 2022 Neighborhood Virtual Meeting Recording

City Process Meetings

July 02, 2024 Common Council File #83678
June 26, 2024 Board of Public Works File #83678
June 24, 2024 Finance Committee File #83678
Awarding Public Works Contract No. 9358, Bartillon Shelter (District 12) and amending the 2024 Adopted Capital and Operating Budgets of the Community Development Division to provide funding needed to complete the project.

March 19, 2024 Common Council File #82250
March 06, 2024 Board of Public Works File #82250
A resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to amend an existing competitively selected service contract with Dimension IV Madison LLC for architectural and engineering services for the Bartillon Homeless Shelter at 1904 Bartillon Drive

Jan. 10, 2024 Urban Design Commission File#78514
1904 Bartillon Drive - Public Building, City of Madison and Dane County Men's Homeless Shelter

Dec. 05, 2023 Common Council File #80752
Nov. 20, 2023 Board of Public WorksFile #80752
Approving plans and specifications and authorizing the Board of Public Works to advertise and receive bids for 1904 Bartillon Drive Homeless Shelter project

Nov. 8, 2023 Urban Design Commission File #78514
1904 Bartillon Drive - Public Building, City of Madison and Dane County Men's Homeless Shelter.

April 25, 2023 Common Council Legistar #77248
Authorizing the City’s execution of a Purchase and Sale Agreement between the City of Madison and McDonald’s USA, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company or their successors and assigns, for the purchase of the property located at 3709 Kinsman Blvd in the City of Madison to provide the City with both short and long-term options for uses that are compatible with the planned construction at the adjacent property of a facility to provide shelter services for men experiencing homelessness

Oct. 11, 2022 Common Council File #73502
Approving the selection of Porchlight, Inc. as the operator of a new facility, to be constructed by the City, to provide emergency shelter and supportive services primarily to male-identifying persons in Madison and Dane County that experience homelessness, and to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into any agreements and contracts with Porchlight, Inc. necessary to fulfill that purpose.

Aug. 02, 2022 Common Council File #72631
July 20, 2022 Board of Public Works File #72631 Approving the selection of Dimension IV - Madison, LLC to provide architectural and engineering design services, and construction administrative services, to the City of Madison associated with the development of a homeless shelter facility at 1902 Bartillon Drive (12th AD), and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a contract with Dimension IV - Madison, LLC to perform those services.

Apr. 19, 2022 Common Council File #70582
Approving the selection of the property located at 1902 Bartillon Drive as the site for a permanent shelter facility serving men experiencing homelessness, authorizing the City’s Engineering Division to undertake a competitive process to select an entity to provide architectural and engineering design services, subject to Common Council approval, and authorizing the City’s Community Development Division to undertake a similar effort to select an operator for the facility, again, subject to Council approval.

Oct. 05, 2021 File #67405
Authorizing the City’s execution of a Purchase and Sale Agreement between the City of Madison and Danlilly, LLC, or their successors and assigns, for the purchase of the property located at 1902 Bartillon Drive in the City of Madison to provide the City with both short-term and long-term options to address homelessness.

In the News

July 11, 2024 Channel 3000
Miron Construction to start building Madison's first purpose-built men's shelter this summer

July 8, 2024 The Cap Times
Construction of Madison’s new homeless shelter to begin this month

July 8, 2024 WMTV15News.com
City of Madison chooses construction company to build men’s shelter

July 8, 2024 WKOW.com
City of Madison selects construction firm for men's homeless shelter on Bartillon Drive

July 8, 2024 City of Madison News Release
Construction partner chosen for Madison's first purpose-built men’s shelter

June 18, 2024 Wisconsin State Journal
With bid for men's shelter $2 million over budget, Madison could use dwindling COVID stimulus

Nov. 20, 2023 WKOW.com
Madison homeless shelter proposal will go to bid in early 2024, construction to start mid-year

Oct. 05, 2023 Isthmus
Kitchen, backup generator and more day space stay in plan for Madison men’s shelter

Sept. 25, 2023 WKOW.com
County Executive announces $1.5 million more for emergency men’s shelter

Sept. 25, 2023 Wisconsin State Journal
Dane County to chip in another $1.5M for new homeless shelter

Sept. 25, 2023 WKOW.com
Another $1.5 million invested into Madison's first permanent homeless shelter for men

Sept. 25, 2023 Fox47.com
Dane County executive proposes additional $1.5 M in funding for homeless shelter

Sept. 20, 2023 Channel 3000
Project leaders share updated designs for East Madison permanent men's shelter

Sept. 20, 2023 Wisconsin State Journal
Here's how to give your input on new homeless shelter as Madison, Dane County refine vision

July 19, 2023 Isthmus
Inflation, supply chain issues may force design tweaks for Madison’s permanent men’s shelter

June 29, 2023 Wisconsin State Journal
Preliminary design emerges for $21 million homeless men's shelter on Far East Side

May 17, 2023 WKOW.com
Madison's first permanent shelter for homeless men expected to be built on Bartillon Drive

May 11, 2023 Channel 3000
Officials share early designs for permanent men's homeless shelter on Madison's east side

May 10, 2023 WORTFM.org
City Officials Share First Details Of Proposed Men’s Shelter

April 27, 2023 City of Madison News and Updates
Get Involved: City’s First Purpose-Built Shelter Engagement Process Kicks Off

April 18, 2023 WORTFM.org
City Looks To Buy Shuttered McDonalds Next To Future Permanent Men’s Shelter

March 27, 2023 Mayor's Office - Blog
Open House for Upcoming Plans in Northeast Area

Oct. 06, 2022 Isthmus
Permanent Madison men’s homeless shelter is on track

August 30, 2022 City of Madison
Press Release City and County Announce Additional $9 million Investment in Men’s Homeless Shelter 
Press Conference: News Conference: City & County Announce $9 million for Men's Shelter

August 30, 2022 The Cap Times
Madison, Dane County add $9 million to men’s homeless shelter from 2023 budgets

August 30, 2022 Madison.com
Watch Now: Madison, Dane County want to spend extra $9 million on homeless shelter

August 30, 2022 Channel 3000
Bartillon Drive homeless shelter plan gets $9 million boost

August 30, 2022 NBC15.com
Dane County, City of Madison set aside millions for east side homeless shelter

August 30, 2022 WKOW.com
Additional $9M invested into Madison men's homeless shelter

July 20, 2022 The Cap Times
Seeking Shelter: Service gaps remain in Madison's help for homeless

June 07, 2022 Wisconsin State Journal
Mayor stays committed to new homeless men's shelter with cost now seen at $21 million

April 24, 2022 The Daily Cardinal
Madison Common Council approves plans to establish a permanent men’s homeless shelter

April 21, 2022 City of Madison Mayor's Office Blog
Unanimous Approval of Site for Men’s Homeless Shelter

April 20, 2022 Channel3000.com
Madison Common Council unanimously approves men’s homeless shelter site

April 20, 2022 WKOW.com
Madison Common Council unanimously approves permanent men's homeless shelter

April 18, 2022 WKOW.com
Alders host meeting to discuss permanent men's homeless shelter

March 22, 2022 Channel3000.com
Incoming Madison men’s homeless shelter to get extra $2M in federal funds

March 22, 2022 WKOW.com
$2 million in federal funding for men's homeless shelter in Madison

March 22, 2022 The Daily Cardinal
Madison’s search for a homeless shelter, explained

March 22, 2022 Madison.com
Rep. Mark Pocan announces $2 million for permanent homeless men's shelter on Madison

March 20, 2022 The Badger Herald
Some alderpersons say mayor excluded them from homeless shelter location discussion

March 17, 2022 Madison.com
Get it done to help the homeless in Madison

March 11, 2022 The Badger Herald
Local government officials announce location for permanent men’s homeless shelter

March 10, 2022 Channel3000.com
Alders insist they support homeless shelter site, but continue to voice concern over mayor’s process

March 10, 2022 NBC15.com
Alders ask Madison mayor to improve communication with plans to build men’s shelter

March 9, 2022 WKOW.com
Rhodes-Conway, Parisi unveil initial plan for new men's homeless shelter

March 9, 2022 Channel3000.com
Two city alders accuse Madison mayor of ‘cutting them out’ of men’s homeless shelter process

March 9, 2022 WORTFM.org
Satya’s Plan For Homeless Shelter Location Could Face Hurdles

March 9, 2022 The Cap Times
Madison, Dane County pick permanent men’s homeless shelter site

March 9, 2022 Wisconsin State Journal
Madison, Dane County pick permanent homeless men's shelter site on Far East Side

March 9, 2022 City of Madison News Updates
City and County Announce Location of Permanent Men’s Shelter

March 9, 2022 Wisconsin Public Radio
'This is the missing piece': Madison, Dane County pick site for men's homeless shelter

March 9, 2022 Channel 3000.com
‘We don’t have anything like it’: Madison announces plans for purpose-built men’s homeless shelter

March 9, 2022 NBC15.com
Madison, Dane Co. reveal spot for new men’s homeless shelter

November 18, 2021 City of Madison - Fire
Bartillon Drive Training Burn A Chance To Practice Key Firefighting Skills

Oct. 5, 2021 NBC15.com
Madison Common Council votes to buy 2 properties for possible homeless shelters

Oct. 5, 2021 WKOW.com
Madison's Common Council approves purchase of two buildings to help support homeless population

Sept. 28, 2021 The Cap Times
Madison Finance Committee recommends buying two properties for homeless services

Sept. 27, 2021 NBC15.com
Finance Committee passes resolutions to move forward with two east side homeless shelter locations

Sept. 23, 2021 Ag Update
City again seeks to buy building near East Towne Mall for homeless men's shelter

Sept. 22, 2021 The Daily Cardinal
City council to discuss proposals to purchase properties for homeless shelters

Project Updates

October 16, 2024 Update

Live and time lapse images during the construction of Bartillon Shelter will be available on the construction site camera. 

September 30, 2024 Update

Quarter 4 Update:
Construction has commenced as of July 15, 2024.  Construction activities include demolition of existing site elements, the geothermal borefield, and excavation for footings and foundations.  These activities will proceed through the end of 2024.  It is anticipated that structure will start to be assembled in early 2025.

August 6, 2024 Update

On July 2, 2024, Madison Common Council approved a budget amendment and awarded the public works contract to low-bidder Miron Construction.  Construction is commencing, with work onsite starting early September 2024.  Construction will continue through end of October 2025.

July 12, 2024 Update
July 9, 2024 Update
July 8, 2024 Update

In the News

July 8, 2024 City of Madison News Release
Construction partner chosen for Madison's first purpose-built men’s shelter

June 18, 2024 Update
June 17, 2024 Update

Bids were opened on 5/23/24.  Four bids were received and all were overbudget.  Resolution file #83678 will be introduced to Common Council on 6/18 to amend the project budget and award the low-bid (Miron Construction).  The resolution will go to Finance Committee on 6/24/24 and Board of Public Works on 6/26/24.  Final action by Common Council will be on 7/2/24.

May 23, 2024 Update

A reminder that bids for Bartillon Shelter are due today, May 23, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.  Bidders are reminded to acknowledge all five addendums with their bid documents.  Please see official bid documents on Bid Express, project name: 9358-Bartillon Shelter.

March 29, 2024 Update

The virtual Bid-Talk for Bartillon Shelter was held Thursday afternoon, March 28th.  A recording and presentation slides can be viewed at Bid Talk: Bartillon Shelter 3/28/2024 Recording and Bid Talk: Bartillon Shelter 3/28/2024 Presentation Slides.

March 27, 2024 Update

A reminder to please join our Bid Talk via Zoom, tomorrow, Thursday, March 28th, 2024 @ 2:00 pm.  Preregistration is required at Bid Talk: Bartillon Shelter 03/28/2024 Registration Link

The City of Madison Engineering Division is hosting a virtual live (and later recording posted) sessions called “Bid Talks.” This is an opportunity for you to learn about the project to help with your bid and estimating numbers. During our “Bid Talks” session for this project, the project staff will present information about the project specific to your bidding process. Staff will answer any questions you have. You will also be able to see who is attending. This meeting will be held in a more informal format, where you’ll be able to ask questions and have a conversation. Please send your estimators and bidders to these Bid Talks. Registration prior is required.  A recording link will also be posted to the project page after the meeting.

March 18, 2024 Update

A Flickr album has been created for the Bartillon Shelter to share interior and exterior renderings.  Future photos will be added to share construction progress.

The Project status has been updated to BIDDING!  Please see the Project Schedule below for links to the bid documents and pre-register for the virtual contractor Bid-Talk and SBE meetings.

March 4, 2024 Update

This project will be presented to the Board of Public Works on March 6, 2024 and Common Council on March 19, 2024.  Legistar File #82250, A resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to amend an existing competitively selected service contract with Dimension IV Madison LLC for architectural and engineering services for the Bartillon Homeless Shelter at 1904 Bartillon Drive.

January 26, 2024 Update

On January 10th, 2024 this project was presented to the Urban Design Commission. More information is available on File #78514 Title: 1904 Bartillon Drive - Public Building, City of Madison and Dane County Men's Homeless Shelter.

The project team is working on finalizing the design and preparing bid documents in Jan through Feb 2024.  Bid documents are planned to be advertised in early March 2024.

November 21, 2023 Update
November 15, 2023 Update

This project will be presented to the Board of Public Works on Nov. 20th and to Common Council on Dec. 5th, File #80752
Approving plans and specifications and authorizing the Board of Public Works to advertise and receive bids for 1904 Bartillon Drive Homeless Shelter project.

November 9, 2023 Update

On Wednesday, Nov. 8th, 2023 this project was presented to the Urban Design Commission. More information is available on File #78514 Title: 1904 Bartillon Drive - Public Building, City of Madison and Dane County Men's Homeless Shelter.

Was this page helpful to you?