“Why would the city of Madison give public parking to a private individual on a long-term basis when it affects the other businesses in the area?” asked Gene Devitt, a resident of the nearby Mansion Hill neighborhood.

For others, the proposed design of terracotta, zinc plating and glass seemed out of place on State Street.

“I don’t think you have to replicate the historic materials, nor the historic architecture, but I think you need to pay attention to the context (of State Street),” Downtown resident Bert Stitt said. “This is an interloper, and I’d like to see something that is a little more sensitive to the rhythm.”

Ken Gowland, principal architect of New Orleans-based Metro Studio, said while the materials are modern, they’ll play into the aesthetic of the original look.

While there was some criticism of the proposal, others spoke favorably of it.

Greg Frank, a Downtown business owner, said it would be a “wonderful addition to State Street.” Eleanor Conrad, who shares concerns about parking, said the project could bring energy to the pedestrian thoroughfare.