A new, eight-story apartment complex could be in store for Mendota Court, as the developer’s plan came before the Urban Design Commission Wednesday.

The revised Edgewater plans — seeking initial approval from the commission — were also deferred to future meetings.

The informational presentation laid out the architectural and aesthetic qualities of the apartment’s proposed design with only minimal concern expressed by members of the commission.

Concerns as to the design of the apartments ranged from balcony safety, adequate bike and moped parking, to basic building material choices. According to the building’s design plans, two properties at 617 and 619 Mendota Court would have to be razed prior to construction.

One main concern expressed regarded the types of students who have tended to lived in the area — those who are often portrayed as a lively and social bunch. Ald. Bridget Maniaci, District 2, commented on the need for knowing those who would most likely take up residence in the apartments.

“You have to take into account the demographics of your future tenants,” Maniaci said.

The problems surrounding noise complaints, liability issues and the inevitability of social gatherings must be taken into account, Maniaci added.

The complex is to contain 33 units for a total of 103 bedrooms. Owner and developer Patrick Properties intends for the two obstructing residences to be demolished by August 2010, with construction beginning soon after. Pending completion, the apartments would be available for occupancy by mid-August 2011, according to the building plans.

The commission also deferred the proposed expansion to the Edgewater Hotel. Citing insufficient details regarding the impact of the construction on the Mansion Hill neighborhood and a more cooperative effort between commissions, the commission denied the initial approval for the proposal the developer Hammes Company sought.

Having been introduced this July, the renovation and expansion plans were referred back to the Urban Design Commission Sept. 2. Most recently, an informational presentation was held with the Plan Commission Monday.

“Over the last several months we’ve been working with some new ideas that hope to capture the aims of [the commission’s] comments,” said Bob Dunn, president of Hammes Company. “Many of the comments you’ve shared with us have been noted, and we hope some of these new developments address your concerns.”

Regardless of whether the plan addressed all facets of the commission’s concerns, there was considerable opposition voiced by the public.

“The magnitude of this project disturbs the aesthetic feel of Madison, this area in particular,” said UW senior Alex Hitch of Langdon Street. “The restrictions that are in place now are there to uphold the nature of the area, to protect it. It’s not that I wouldn’t want to see the hotel improved from its decrepit state, but I’d like to see it done in the right way.”

This impression that the plans were not adequately addressing the impact of the construction, and the recent changes to the proposal itself not being fully fleshed out, reflected the views of the commission as a whole.