Case Study: SupraNet’s Role in the Bayview Redevelopment Project – Connecting Community, Technology, and Opportunity

Madison, Wisconsin, is witnessing a profound transformation in affordable housing with the Bayview redevelopment project, leading the way in demonstrating that low-income housing can be more than just functional—it can and should be beautiful, community-driven, and sustainable. The Bayview Foundation, working closely with residents, has reimagined affordable living spaces in a way that elevates quality of life and community engagement.

At SupraNet, we are proud to have played a crucial role in this redevelopment by providing the community with a robust fiber optic and Wi-Fi network. Our work at Bayview aligns with our commitment to creating resilient, equitable, and future-proof technological solutions for local communities. Here’s a closer look at the project, our contributions, and the personal reflections of Brad Stone, our Outside Plant Manager, who oversaw the network implementation.

Bayview’s Vision: Redefining Affordable Housing in Madison and Beyond

©The Kubala Washatko Architects

The Bayview redevelopment is built on the core belief that those who live in the community should be the ones shaping its future. The project incorporates resident feedback on everything from safety to aesthetics, green space, and even how technology can support their needs. 

“As we listened to residents voice their needs and concerns, it became clear that reliable Internet access wasn’t just a preference—it was a necessity. Residents highlighted quality internet as a basic need, as a critical pathway for access to education, information, employment and financial security,” reflected Alexis London, Executive Director of the Bayview Foundation.

This philosophy has turned Bayview into a national model for affordable housing, demonstrating how centering residents in the design process leads to more equitable, sustainable, and vibrant communities.

SupraNet’s Contribution: Building Bayview’s Digital Infrastructure

From the start, SupraNet’s role was to ensure that every resident in Bayview would have seamless access to reliable, high-speed Internet. Internet connectivity is essential, especially in a community as diverse and interconnected as Bayview, where 12 different languages are spoken and where the need for digital access—whether for education, work, or simply staying connected with loved ones—cannot be overstated.

• Phase I – Fiber Construction & Networking
  • During Phase I, we laid the groundwork for Bayview’s digital future by constructing fiber optic connections for a 48-unit building. This included installing the backbone conduit and networking equipment necessary to support seamless Internet access throughout the complex. We also set up Wi-Fi for all tenant units in the building and its common room, making sure the infrastructure was reliable from the start.
• Phase II – Expanding the Network
  • In Phase II, the project grew larger, requiring us to extend the fiber infrastructure to additional buildings, including a 25-unit multi-dwelling unit (MDU), a 7-unit townhouse, a 6-unit townhouse, and the new community center. This phase also included adding Wi-Fi access points in these buildings to ensure every resident could connect without hassle. The networking infrastructure expanded to include backbone conduit, fiber laterals, and splice cases.
• Phase III – Completing the Digital Transformation
  • As we move into the third and final phase of the project, we are completing the fiber infrastructure to six additional buildings, including a 14-unit townhouse and multiple 6-unit townhouses. Additionally, we are completing the fiber ring to connect all the buildings and provide a robust, redundant network across the entire community.

The Personal Side: SupraNet’s Outside Plant Manager, Brad Stone’s, Reflection on the Bayview Redevelopment

Brad Stone, our Outside Plant Manager, has been instrumental in overseeing the network installation at Bayview. For Brad, this project has been more than just another job—it’s been a labor of love and a chance to contribute to something larger than himself. Here’s what he had to say:

Brad’s journey with the Bayview project began with a simple goal: make the Internet accessible to every resident from day one. SupraNet took care of everything, from setting up the equipment to providing ongoing support, ensuring that residents could move in without having to worry about installation or troubleshooting.

He reflects on the importance of Internet access for low-income families:

“The Internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. For many families, it’s a lifeline. It allows people to explore new community opportunities, find jobs, manage their finances, and stay connected with loved ones. In a world where so much happens online, lack of access can cut people off from critical resources and opportunities.”

Network Neutrality: Supranet’s Position

In providing Internet services to Bayview, SupraNet adheres to strict network neutrality, a principle that ensures no barriers stand between users and the content they access online. Brad elaborates:

“Network neutrality is important. At SupraNet, we maintain strict network neutrality, which I am a firm believer in. Other providers may throttle or block access to parts of the Internet, but we don’t. We level the playing field, and I would argue that the quality of the Internet you receive from SupraNet is superior to more expensive plans from much larger ISPs. The minute your ISP inserts themselves into the dialog between you and the Internet, your experience changes—and worse yet, you may not even be aware that these practices are occurring.”

Bayview residents can count on the fact that their Internet access is unfiltered and uninterrupted, providing equal opportunities for all users to fully engage with the digital world.

SupraNet’s Proven Success in Affordable Housing Developments

SupraNet has a long history of delivering high-quality Internet solutions to low-income housing developments. Brad points out:

“SupraNet has repeatedly shown that high-quality Internet can be successfully provided to low-income properties. Some of the successes I’ve personally worked on in addition to Bayview, include Ella, Valor, Generations, ACE, The Road Home and Common Wealth Development and we are currently working on Rise Madison, a project from Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp. SupraNet’s successes can be contrasted by some of the struggles the City has had with low-income properties that show up in the headlines. Properties like Meadowlands, Tree Lane, and Rethke Terrace highlight some of the struggles with these initiatives. One of those instances a local ISP failed to deliver on a major City initiative for fiber to low-income homes,” said Stone.

This proven track record further cements SupraNet’s role as a trusted partner in community development projects, where the stakes are high, and connectivity is key to success.

The Bigger Picture: Why Bayview and SupraNet Matter

Bayview’s redevelopment shows that affordable housing can be more than just a place to live—it can be a vibrant, connected, and supportive community. The project has not only redefined what low-income housing looks like, but it also sets an example of how engaging residents and embracing innovation can build stronger, healthier neighborhoods.

SupraNet’s role in this project is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of technology. Reliable, high-speed Internet is a game-changer for communities, offering them access to the tools they need to succeed. Our collaboration with the Bayview Foundation has shown that local companies can be an integral part of community redevelopment by providing meaningful, long-term support.

At SupraNet, we are proud to stand with Bayview as they continue to uplift and empower their residents. Together, we’re not just building homes—we’re building opportunities, communities, and a stronger future for everyone.