Case Study: SupraNet Internet & Community Building at Rise Madison
Overview
Client: Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp. (WHPC)
Property: Rise Madison – 245-unit Affordable Housing Development
Location: Madison, WI
Deployment Timeline: 23 months
Partner Since: 2022
Affordable Multifamily Bulk Internet with Local Madison Connections
As the Construction Administrator for Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp. (WHPC), Lisa MacDonald needed to secure free Internet for 12 units at 30% Area Median Income at Rise Madison, a 245-unit affordable housing complex. Instead, SupraNet provided bulk Internet for the entire complex, ensuring everyone in the community has affordable access to the Internet.
“Bulk wasn’t our first intention. SupraNet found a way to make it work for us though,” said MacDonald.
Cost was the starting point, but what sealed the deal was SupraNet’s personal, local-first approach. After comparing bids from larger providers like AT&T and Charter, MacDonald and her team were drawn to SupraNet’s responsiveness and accessibility.
“With the personal attention, and the down-to-earth conversations we were having, it was pretty easy to make the decision to go with SupraNet,” said MacDonald.
Seamless Bulk Internet Deployment Across a 245-Unit Multifamily Development in Madison
Construction of Rise Madison took place fast, 23 months from start to finish. Build-out included several phases including townhomes, a 77-unit building, a 48-unit building and a 110-unit building. Internet infrastructure included fiber to every unit and Wi-Fi in common areas, even including the garage areas, where SupraNet placed access points, knowing that residents often need navigation prior to leaving the building.
Through all of it, SupraNet managed all the construction needs, taking the lead on coordination and working directly with WHPC’s general contractor, the property management team (ACC Management), and the on-site staff.
“It was super easy. We basically just signed the contract and SupraNet did all the work. Brad and the team worked directly with our general contractor to make sure they had everything they needed,” said MacDonald. “There were no surprises. I was amazed at how easy it was and that we really didn’t have to be involved at all. I felt like I could ask about any miniscule aspect of our project, and Brad could answer it.”
SupraNet even walked MacDonald through the on-site infrastructure. “Brad took me out, showed me around, showed me what he was doing. I had no idea what a hand hole was, now I see them everywhere! I have a much clearer understanding of how Internet infrastructure works.”
Resident Internet Access and Easy Upgrades
Each unit comes standard with 20 Mbps service with the option to upgrade speed. Residents receive a SupraNet-provided welcome packet explaining how to connect and their upgrade options.
“It’s good. It’s easy. We include the flyer in every welcome email. If they want to upgrade, they contact us, we log in to the system, click a button, and that’s it. Their bill is updated, and SupraNet takes care of getting their speed upgraded.”
Lisa Reynolds, Rise Madison Property Manager, ACC Management
Partnering for Long-Term Success
SupraNet’s ongoing service has exceeded expectations. MacDonald regularly connects with key team members like Vince (Technical Sales Director), Bryan (Founder and CEO), and Brad (Outside Plant Manager) for everything from contract updates to construction questions.
“They’re always quick to respond,” she said. “That’s the kind of service we were looking for. With bigger ISPs, you just feel like a number. With SupraNet, it’s more personal.”
Rise Madison isn’t the only WHPC project benefiting from SupraNet’s bulk Internet model. WHPC has already brought SupraNet onto a second project, Vicino on Regent Street.
How Bulk Internet Adds Value to Residents — and the Bottom Line
Though Rise Madison is still leasing up (currently over halfway occupied), MacDonald is optimistic about the financial benefits of SupraNet’s model.
“SupraNet hit our budget numbers exactly,” she explained. “Any revenue from upgrades goes right back into the property, funding things like tenant parties, coffee and donuts, even community programming.”
WHPC takes a mission-driven approach to property management. By reinvesting upgrade revenue into community amenities and events, they’re strengthening resident engagement and helping residents take pride in their homes.
“In affordable housing, connection is everything,” MacDonald said. “The more people feel connected, the more invested they are in the community.”
Powering Smart, Secure Multifamily Living with SupraNet Connectivity
In addition to providing reliable Internet for residents, security features and other controls throughout the complex rely on SupraNet including:
- Smart locks with fob access
- Security cameras
- Fire system integration
- Elevator controls
Peace of Mind and Proven Results with SupraNet Bulk Internet
“The biggest benefit of partnering with SupraNet has been the peace of mind. I don’t have to chase anyone down. I know I’ll get answers, and I know the service will work.”
Want to explore SupraNet bulk Internet for your multifamily project?
Contact Vince to start a conversation.
