Core Spaces and J.H. Findorff & Sons are reshaping downtown Madison with Hub Madison Bassett, a 12-story, 235-unit student housing complex. Each floor spans 35,000 sq. ft., complemented by 20,000 sq. ft. of amenities. The project addresses the growing demand for modern, centrally located student living while overcoming the challenges of a tightly constrained urban site.
Tackling Downtown Challenges
Situated near the University of Wisconsin campus, the project required meticulous site management. Limited laydown areas and heavy pedestrian traffic demanded precise logistics and strict safety measures.
“With only one power crane and tight site conditions, it became very important to manage every hook efficiently,” said Brian Cooley, Project Superintendent for Findorff.
Innovative Formwork for Complex Slabs
PERI’s Swivel Head Table system secured slab edges safely while keeping crews productive. For the interior infill, the debut of the SKYFLEX system proved a game-changer. Its modular 8’x8’ grid allowed crews to handle complex geometries and cantilevered sections while achieving a rapid 4–5 day cycle per deck.
“SKYFLEX is universal—we can get into tight spots and maneuver easily,” said PJ O’Brian, Carpenter Foreman.
“The quicker we can cycle a deck, the less time it has to stay on site,” added Project Engineer Colin Schiesl.
This fast turnover not only accelerated the schedule but also reduced material congestion, keeping the downtown site organized and safe. SKYFLEX’s flexibility and speed proved essential in delivering a high-quality, modern student housing project on time.
Hydraulic Systems for Speed and Safety
The MAXIMO panel formwork system, paired with RCS hydraulic climbing technology, further streamlined core construction. Hydraulic climbing freed the crane for other tasks, while hydraulic stripping elements made form removal faster and more efficient.
“The hydraulic stripping elements simplify the removal of forms and make it more manageable for the crew,” explained Joe Galli, PERI USA Regional Sales Manager.
Collaboration That Delivers
Close collaboration between PERI and Findorff was key to the project’s success.
“The luxury is you can complement all those systems with SKYFLEX for a smooth, high-quality finish,” said Craig Corcoran, PERI U.S. Ambassador.
Careful planning, timely deliveries, and adaptive solutions kept the project on track while upholding top safety standards.
With an anticipated completion in mid-2025, Hub Madison Bassett stands as a model for safe, efficient, and innovative urban student housing construction.