The Annex – KTGY Unveils University Design in WI

Multi-Housing News

August 23, 2017

KTGY Architecture + Planning Chicago has taken the wraps off the design for Annex 71, a new development situated one-quarter mile from the campus of University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, the Badger State’s third largest university. To be developed by Indianapolis-based Annex Student Living, Annex 71 will be a 140-unit residential community in the 400 block of Marion Road in Oshkosh, overlooking the Fox River.

Designed to attract both students and young professionals, the residences at Annex 71 will extend in size from 500 to 1,300 square feet. Configurations include 60 one-bedroom units, 35 two-bedroom units and 45 four-bedroom suite-style apartments, with private baths in each bedroom.

The apartments will be fully furnished and will include in-unit washer-dryers. The generous suite of amenities at Annex 71 is highlighted by a clubhouse with kitchen for community-wide events and private functions. Also included are a fitness room and study lounge, as well as an outdoor patio that can double as an event area. Indoor bicycle parking and storage spaces are also available.

RIVER RUNS THROUGH

The development team behind Annex 71 rezoned the site from industrial to residential in April 2017. The parcel formerly housed wooden crutch maker Lamico Inc. Rezoning is consistent with the Fox River area’s transition from industrial to a multifamily residential enclave proximate to UW-Oshkosh, the Fox River and the Oshkosh Riverwalk.

The proposed site has a curved northern boundary, an existing water tower on the eastern portion, and connections to surrounding streets, all of which influenced our final design,” Craig Pryde, principal with KTGY’s Chicago office, told MHN.

The site is also one block from the Fox River, so we designed the building in order to maximize views of the adjacent waterway.

“As the last remaining parcel along Marion Road—several four- and five-story residential and senior living buildings have been developed nearby—we had the opportunity to create a contemporary structure that reflected the evolving character of this riverside neighborhood as sites like the former Lamico factory have been converted from industrial to residential use.”

MAKING THE GRADE

KTGY’s site design strategy was to provide an inverted “T”-shaped plan creating an urban wall on the Marion Road side of the site and a northern wing located adjacent to the existing water tower. The water tower may be relocated, which will allow for additional parking and circulation around the building, Pryde says. “Existing masonry buildings on the site are being demolished and the crushed material will be used to raise the grade within the site and improve the drainage characteristics,” he added.

From a design perspective, the building will be striking with horizontal stucco wings offset by a vertical modulation of metal wall panels, as well as articulation in the vertical stair [and] elevator towers. White stucco and gray metal wall panels with blue accent panels create a statement-making effect within the context of the surrounding residential developments.

Added Annex Student Living president & CEO Kyle Bach, [KTGY’s] experience with design for multi-unit living brought ideas to this project that will help Annex 71 become a really great community environment.”