Those are a lot of questions, and they seem to be under a vague layer of possible sarcasm. Anyway, my guess is that an 8,000 person convention would be located in a city with a major airport anyway, but I don't think Madison could handle that...

No I really wasn't putting any sarcasm on that question. I was serious. I'm very interested in the convention business of cities, particularly in the Midwest. I think Madison is a great city - but, realistically, with a metro population of around 550,000 - I was curious how it would do at handling decent sized conventions, hence all of my questions. I looked up some info on convention facilities in Madison and found there are two primary facilities. One is somewhere near the "entrance" to downtown - it has about 100,000 sq. feet of prime exhibition space. The other is the Monona Terrace facility on Monona Lake downtown. I was actually kind of surprised by how small the Monona facility is. From what I was reading - its largest exhibit hall is 40,000 sq. feet. Anyway - it seems to be an attractive facility - but it really isn't large enough to be able to attract large conventions. Combining the two facilities would help to attract larger numbers of conventioneers - however - if they're not too close together, it would be difficult to make that plan work efficiently. I read that there are about 8000 hotel rooms in Madison. Considering there will be a good portion of those rooms used for regular business and visitors, it would be a challenge to free up 6000 rooms for a big convention. That could handle 8,000 - 9,000 people --- maybe even 10,000 if there were a lot of couples attending. So anyway --- that gives me a pretty good feel for the convention capacity of Madison (right now).

As an attractive city - it should be able to do pretty well at attracting mid sized conventions - primarily in the summer. In terms of being a big city in the Midwest for the Convention business - you are going to have your usual big Midwest cities at the top of the rankings in terms of attracting conventioneers. They have the largest facilities. (Obviuosly we are talking about Chicago, MnplsStPaul, Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Columbus, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Detroit, Cleveland. (And I agree -- I think Madison should be able to compete with most of those previously listed cities in terms of its attractiveness for visitors.) Madison will likely do a decent job of attracting conventions. It has been doing pretty well with its economy and growth lately. So it'll be interesting to see how it continues to grow over the next decade or two. In twenty years maybe it'll be nearing 750,000 - 800,000.

It is possible that, with a concerted focus on expanding the convention business in Madison, the city could pass some of the larger Midwest cities in the number of conventioneers it attracts. It would likely need a good 300,000 - 400,000 sq. foot facility though to be able to attract the big numbers of conventioneers. Finding room for that type of a facility in a good location could be difficult. Also - finding the money to build such a facility could also be pretty difficult. Those are some of the things that need to be thought about when considering if Madison wants to be considered a big "player" in the Midwest Convention business.

... about those renderings.... even the union wasn't very inspiring.
:ohno:

I'm kind of in agreement. (I know criticism is cheap, but I'm a cheapskate so, what the hey.)
It looks like the architects are aiming for the feel of a grand resort lodge. That would be ok, but maybe not for such a seriously urbanized site. I'm especially puzzled by those wispy columns on the eastern(?) side. Again, I think they're intended to evoke some kind of connection to the form of trees, but it would help an awful lot if there were a patch of woods in front of them that they could seem more at home with.
Maybe I'm way off base, and the finished product will be a great improvement over its just-demolished predecessor. Sure hope it's worth all the expense and effort.

I'm kind of in agreement. (I know criticism is cheap, but I'm a cheapskate so, what the hey.)
It looks like the architects are aiming for the feel of a grand resort lodge. That would be ok, but maybe not for such a seriously urbanized site. I'm especially puzzled by those wispy columns on the eastern(?) side. Again, I think they're intended to evoke some kind of connection to the form of trees, but it would help an awful lot if there were a patch of woods in front of them that they could seem more at home with.
Maybe I'm way off base, and the finished product will be a great improvement over its just-demolished predecessor. Sure hope it's worth all the expense and effort.

You aren't off base at all. The design team has been upfront about their desire to have the building reflect Wright's "Prairie School" of architecture. I am just left wondering... did they forget that it was called the "prairie" school for a reason? The repeating "flat" forms and themes, as well as the different shades of brown used, were meant to play off the surrounding flat and earthy... not tightly packed buildings, cars, main transportation arteries, and concrete. Plus, the extreme use of overhangs made sense in the prairie - where the sun beat down unrelentingly hard - but here they just seem to be rather kitschy and pointless.

With that said, hopefully the landscaping will help make it at least a little bit convincing. They should have had the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery team design this.... that building is going to be awesome.

Just one more gripe about not just the new Union design, but what seems to be a current architectural fad hereabouts: exterior columns that are only partially stone clad, like upside-down popsicles with the stick end up. To me, this gimmick is neither decoratively appealing or emblematic of any engineering principle. It just looks like the builder either ran out of material to complete the stone column, or the owner couldn't pay to finish the job, or the designer imagines s/he has discovered a way to keep their building from being boring.
Stone sheathing reaching that far up but not to the top simply looks unnecessary. I mean, the idea of good stone or brickwork, in addition to the visual appeal of the material itself, is to impart a sense of strength and support, even if other underlying materials are the actual supporting elements. Artistic stone can be entirely decorative of course, and structural stone can be entirely utilitarian, but to let them appear as not quite decorative AND not really supportive in such an obvious and instantly cliche-ish manner seems more fearful than fanciful, more neurotic than natural.

With that said, hopefully the landscaping will help make it at least a little bit convincing. They should have had the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery team design this.... that building is going to be awesome.

I'm loving the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery now that its skeleton is almost complete. It sure looks taller than I thought it would be, and has some nice touches around (what I assume to be) the entrances.


Just one more gripe about not just the new Union design, but what seems to be a current architectural fad hereabouts: exterior columns that are only partially stone clad, like upside-down popsicles with the stick end up. To me, this gimmick is neither decoratively appealing or emblematic of any engineering principle. It just looks like the builder either ran out of material to complete the stone column, or the owner couldn't pay to finish the job, or the designer imagines s/he has discovered a way to keep their building from being boring.
Stone sheathing reaching that far up but not to the top simply looks unnecessary. I mean, the idea of good stone or brickwork, in addition to the visual appeal of the material itself, is to impart a sense of strength and support, even if other underlying materials are the actual supporting elements. Artistic stone can be entirely decorative of course, and structural stone can be entirely utilitarian, but to let them appear as not quite decorative AND not really supportive in such an obvious and instantly cliche-ish manner seems more fearful than fanciful, more neurotic than natural.

I've noticed the trend too, and I believe the intent is to break up the columns. The "average Joe" probably believes that a building is most interesting when continuous lines of material get broken up, and a single pattern does not follow the entire height/length/width of a building. I see this implemented with every new suburban building (including big-boxes) that gets built these days.

Does anyone have a map/diagram of how this building will occupy the property that it sits on? Does it front any street very well? (I know it fronts the tracks and that entrance will make for a VERY nice train stop, should passenger rail ever see the light of day.)

The "average Joe" probably believes that a building is most interesting when continuous lines of material get broken up, and a single pattern does not follow the entire height/length/width of a building. I see this implemented with every new suburban building (including big-boxes) that gets built these days.


All of us want visual interest and stimulation. I doubt that "Average Joe" was consulted about this particular dopey fad, and he certainly didn't commission the projects.
Is there anyone out there in the industry who knows if the popsicle columns are the initiative of architects, or are they being imposed from outside the profession?

http://cdntn.madison.com/images/articles/wsj/2009/05/14/108801.JPG

Classy.

LINK (http://www.madison.com/wsj/mad/top/451256#)

State budget proposal includes new $47 million facility for the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing
By DEBORAH ZIFF
608-252-6234
dziff@madison.com

It wasn’t at the top of UW-Madison’s wish list for new buildings. But in the early hours Friday, Sen. Judy Robson, D-Beloit, inserted a $47 million facility for the UW-Madison School of Nursing into the state budget...

http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/453063

http://cdntn.madison.com/images/articles/wsj/2009/05/29/109987.JPG

Not sure if it is necessary or not - my guess is probably not - but its very nice how much this once open, suburban feeling part of campus is developing into its own clearly defined and fairly built out area.

On the plus side, it is a nice new addition to the area and it improves an area of education at UW that apparently is greatly lacking. On the down side, this is the absolute incorrect way to include funding for such an expensive building at the last minute, when I'm sure there are many other things that could have been included in the budget instead for that much money.

Are there any under-utilized buildings in campus that could have been renovated for half the cost? Sorry I'm not at all familiar enough with campus to know the answer to that.

Not sure if it is necessary or not - my guess is probably not - but its very nice how much this once open, suburban feeling part of campus is developing into its own clearly defined and fairly built out area.

Yes, and this area is also outside the height limitation radius from Capitol Square. As this area continues to fill in, it probably stands the best chance of anywhere in Madison of getting a 20-30 story hospital addition or building.

Union Corners Update:
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/453059

Emerson East Update:
http://www.madison.com/tct/mad/topstories/453346

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/110124.jpg

For anyone who has not seen it recently, Madison's newest highrise is looking handsome as ever. She's definitely exceeded my expectations.

http://www.arashakbar.com/scrap/apt1.jpg

http://www.arashakbar.com/scrap/apt2.jpg

For anyone who has not seen it recently, Madison's newest highrise is looking handsome as ever. She's definitely exceeded my expectations.

http://www.arashakbar.com/scrap/apt1.jpg

http://www.arashakbar.com/scrap/apt2.jpg

Very nice, I just wish she was 2-3 stories taller, or a little thinner... her vertical proportions seem a bit wrong.

I was just in Madison the other day and totally forgot about that building until I was driving down Johnson. I was completely surprised by how nice it came out... it is a bit smaller than I expected, but I really think it flows well with the area and I really like the way the different materials and colors they used came out. Beautiful new addition, and mid-campus badly needed some new living options, too.

I think as Honest mentioned the building's enormous base and width makes it look shorter than it is, despite being 14 stories tall. I'll take the added width though, especially if it means more density and living space downtown :)

Just imagine this area in 3 more years, when it has both the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, which should be stunning, and Union South, which could either be awesome, or cool but a bit incongruous (more likely). Either way, the improvement Madison has seen in the last couple years is nothing short of amazing.

And really, its just beginning! Now we just need to start creating jobs downtown.

Oh, I think it's nicely proportioned, groups its masses well, has a good sense of color, texture, and materials, and fits appropriately to its site (all of which the architects of some nearby projects, say Grainger Hall or Fluno Center, should have mastered long before they imposed their witless visions upon our fair townscape).

The Grand Central Apartments is an excellent and welcome addition.

Some Pictures on currently under construction projects in Madison:
The Infill Apartment building on Monona Bay
http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/8888/200906110118.jpg (http://img188.imageshack.us/i/200906110118.jpg/)
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/8394/200906110119.jpg (http://img189.imageshack.us/i/200906110119.jpg/)
The Wisconsin Discovery Center
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/8156/200906110131.jpg (http://img189.imageshack.us/i/200906110131.jpg/)
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/4976/200906110129.jpg (http://img189.imageshack.us/i/200906110129.jpg/)
The Next Phase in the Capitol West Project
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3322/200906110032.jpg (http://img189.imageshack.us/i/200906110032.jpg/)
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3/200906110033.jpg (http://img189.imageshack.us/i/200906110033.jpg/)

It's amazing how fast that hotel is going up. Last time I checked it was already on floor 5.

Great projects happening right now despite the national recession!

Grocery store proposed for University Square
By MARV BALOUSEK
608-252-6135
mbalousek@madison.com
A University Square grocery store could open in October, said Jeff Maurer, former president of Pierce’s Supermarkets of Baraboo.

The 18,000-square-foot store would have all retail space on the first floor, with the second floor allocated to back-room operations and storage.

Maurer said he’s working to finalize negotiations with the developer, Executive Management of Madison, and some city approvals are needed, including a license to sell alcohol

The store would serve more than 800 residents who live upstairs in the Lucky Apartments, which opened last summer, and others who live or work nearby.

Continued... (http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/454968)

http://cdntn.madison.com/images/articles/wsj/2009/06/15/111511.JPG


..

Does Madison have a height restriction on buildings? So many seem to be in the 8 - 12 story range. It definitely makes it look increasingly dense.

Yes, there is a height restriction. I do not recall the specifics but nothing can be higher than the capitol rotunda a certain distance from the capitol square.

Plan Commission approves proposal to remake Badger Bus terminal Mike Ivey — 6/16/2009 3:18 pm

A proposal to redevelop the Badger Bus terminal site at the corner of West Washington Avenue and Bedford Street has moved forward, despite pleas from mass transit backers.

The Madison Plan Commission Monday night approved plans for 82 luxury apartments units and 12,000 square feet of retail space in three buildings in the Bassett neighborhood.

The development would force closing of the bus terminal at 2 S. Bedford St., but that issue fell outside the review of the commission.

"I don't like to see the bus station going away and that's not to say it's not an important matter," said commission member Tim Gruber.

http://www.madison.com/tct/mad/topstories/455023

I love how they are making it look like an entirely different development is fronting each street, using different materials, designs, colors, and so on. Anything that gets rid of parking lots and old, ugly one story buildings is great in my book. This will be really great for the area.

My only concern is that they provide some way for travelers to get off busses within convenient walking distance of Capitol Square. (I don't consider campus to be close enough for this.) If Greyhound and other buses can drop off / pickup around Capitol Square, I will be very happy with this project.

http://www.madison.com/tct/mad/topstories/455023

I love how they are making it look like an entirely different development is fronting each street, using different materials, designs, colors, and so on. Anything that gets rid of parking lots and old, ugly one story buildings is great in my book. This will be really great for the area.

I agree, and if they are still going with the same design from the renderings I remember seeing a while back, it will be a nice development and an extreme improvement of what is there now. I'm sure the depot will find another good spot to locate to, and it will probably be much nicer as well.

Last time I was in Madison on the Square they were working on the US Bank Building... has anyone seen how that turned/is turning out? From what I saw, it looked like quite an improvement.

Last time I was in Madison on the Square they were working on the US Bank Building... has anyone seen how that turned/is turning out? From what I saw, it looked like quite an improvement.

The additions at street level are gettin the mullions and should be clad soon. All of the upper additions are close to being finished. The roof gardens are getting glass railings installed as I write this.
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/IMG_4087.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/IMG_4088.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/IMG_4089.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/IMG_4090.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/IMG_4091.jpg


bonus photo:
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/IMG_4092.jpg

After quite some time, news of the Edgewater renovations finally came out and... wow!

http://cdntn.madison.com/images/articles/wsj/2009/06/27/112431.jpg

http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/456492

Wow, 11 story addition on top of an already 5 story podium! This is going to look massive from the lake. It looks like it really has a good amount of backing from everyone in the city, as well as the usually-NIMBY commenters on the newspaper website.

Imagine an 11 story addition on top of this:

http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/Lakes0260.JPG

As much as I like the project, especially the idea of making it a new public meeting space (Madison really doesn't have one for non-students), I really hope that 10-story buildings do not become the norm on Mendota like they have on Monona. In its quest to become a "real city," Madison has to make sure to hold onto some of the charm and natural beauty that make it so unique.

And a *complete* renovation of the existing exterior better be part of the plan too, since the face of the Edgewater is one of the ugliest things in the city.

I am really excited for this project and I think it's great that this public plaza is on axis with the monona terrace.

As much as I like the project, especially the idea of making it a new public meeting space (Madison really doesn't have one for non-students), I really hope that 10-story buildings do not become the norm on Mendota like they have on Monona. In its quest to become a "real city," Madison has to make sure to hold onto some of the charm and natural beauty that make it so unique.


I do agree with you, but there is a perceived need for hotel rooms downtown, and with them being added vertically, it is less likely they will also need to be added horizontally. It would be slightly more tragic (to me) to lose any of the wooded coastline of Mendota to yet another hotel (I realize nobody has yet proposed such a thing - that I'm aware of) than for Edgewater to simply rise.

However tiny, it displays a serious problem in Madison. This bothers me quite a bit;
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/456512

I really hope they'd consider putting on a restaurant/bar on one of the top floors of this hotel with some floor to ceiling windows overlooking downtown, the campus, and both lakes. I don't know if there are any restaurants like this in downtown, but I've always imagined how awesome it would be. This would really be the perfect spot for it, too, as it is separate from downtown enough to still allow great views in every direction.

However tiny, it displays a serious problem in Madison. This bothers me quite a bit;
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/456512

So the parking lot is not up to code because it has big cracks in it and lacks landscaping? Sounds like the leaser needs to correct that issue at once, which would beautify the area and benefit the bar owner.

I'm not understanding what the debate is about, when it is the leaser who is in violation of city ordinances. The bar owner probably has grounds to sue the leaser.

New census estimates put Madison at 231,916, a jump of over 22,000 from 2000. Makes Madison one of the fastest growing cities over 200,000 people!

The Edgewater project made a Milwaukee paper, with a larger shot of the plan. It's nice to hear about the investment, my parents got engaged there.

http://www.biztimes.com/nf/uploads/Image/reweekly6-30-2009/edgewater.jpg

I'm a little puzzled by the Edgewater proposal.
I'm sure it's unfair to judge by such an early and rather undetailed rendering,
but it doesn't appear that they are taking advantage of the original building's
terrific Art Moderne style for inspiration:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/looksee/Edgewaterbefore.jpg

That this can be done well today is shown by the modern addition to the original Quisling Clinic building, similar in age and design to the original Edgewater, to create the Quisling Terrace apartments in 2000:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/looksee/Quislingclinic-terrace.jpg

Great news below from the today's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and add to this with the Institute of Discovery, a public and private collaboration, and it seems Madison is on its' way to become a major
center for biotechnology.

I wonder which city in the Wisconsin has the greatest job growth in the biotechnology industry? I bet Madison ranks pretty high in the state.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article:

Cellular Dynamics International's disclosure Wednesday that its researchers have generated stem cells from ordinary human blood samples holds enormous promise in the emerging field of personalized medicine.

The promise in the long term is that, by giving a vial or two of blood, we could all have our own personal stem cells to deploy in the event of a spinal cord injury or the onset of Parkinson's disease or many other now-incurable diseases.

Cellular Dynamics is the first company to say it can make stem cells from something as readily available, and so representative of human diversity, as blood, Palay said.

I think the Hammes' proposal for the Edgewater was a bit heavy handed, and out of scale.
The public space they included is great, finally a space not affiliated with the university on Lake Mendota, but Madison's Mansion Hill is the oldest district downtown, and this might be equivalent to building a skyscraper in Charleston, S.C.'s historic district, or New Orleans' French Quarter.

Cellular Dynamics International's disclosure Wednesday that its researchers have generated stem cells from ordinary human blood samples holds enormous promise in the emerging field of personalized medicine.


Great news! Life sciences are Madison's future bread and butter.


Madison's Mansion Hill is the oldest district downtown, and this might be equivalent to building a skyscraper in Charleston, S.C.'s historic district, or New Orleans' French Quarter.

Maybe, but the area is so full of frats and messy students housing that I never really find it enjoyable to stroll through that neighborhood. Maybe boxing the students in closer to campus would not be a bad goal for new development in this area.

Just a thought...

Madison Children's Museum Update:

Lots of activity going on up on the roof:

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/capcampbkletweb-6.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/capcampbkletweb-7.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/IMG_4134.jpg

Interior Updates:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=119957&id=85652825184

Target Store may be filling Hilldale void

http://www.madison.com/tct/business/458198

Target was rumored to be looking at downtown for a long time (even looking at University Square), and I'm afraid that a target at Hilldale would be the end of any hopes for a downtown Target.

However this is still decent news, especially if the Target is built in an urban fashion.

I'm not too disappointed about the fact its out of downtown. The only good spot left at this point would have been Univ. Square, anyway. Plus, I'm not sure having such a high-traffic store on the Isthmus is such a good idea, at least right now. Hilldale should be a really good spot.

I just hope they come out with a nice, urban design and integrate it well with the surroundings.

Proposed 900-capacity restaurant and banquet facility at University Square

http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/458542

Combined with the Edgewater, the Library/Mifflin redevelopment, and the Marcus proposal, this makes the 4th major hotel project proposed in downtown Madison... yikes!

http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/459024

I'm really disappointed to hear that the Marcus proposal is near falling through... that lot, and the parking garage across the street, really need some high-rise development! They are right in the middle of downtown, and give the downtown its first possibility of having a real urban canyon.

With that said, that rendering is absolutely hideous. If it gets built, it better look absolutely nothing like that.

WOW, that proposal came out of nowhere. I actually kind of like the rendering, especially since it looks like it will add some desperately needed glass to the skyline. If this and the Marcus proposal gets built, Monona Terrace would be finally able to host some amazing conventions, given the added hotel space. This will be a boost to the entire downtown, the airport, future train lines, etc. I especially like that there will be a public bridge connecting to the lake; a connection that is currently a bit sloppy via the Terrace.

And for once a good question was brought up in the newspaper forums. Is greater downtown Madison in that desperate need of hotel rooms to justify all the hotel proposals/projects that we have today? There are quite a few hotels going up around the periphery of Madison as well. I was talking to a worker at the Radisson near West Towne Mall a couple of weeks ago, and he said that they do not even fill up on home football games.

Combined with the Edgewater, the Library/Mifflin redevelopment, and the Marcus proposal, this makes the 4th major hotel project proposed in downtown Madison... yikes!

http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/459024

I'm really disappointed to hear that the Marcus proposal is near falling through... that lot, and the parking garage across the street, really need some high-rise development! They are right in the middle of downtown, and give the downtown its first possibility of having a real urban canyon.

With that said, that rendering is absolutely hideous. If it gets built, it better look absolutely nothing like that.

The idea is intriguing but this architectural style with the roof overhangs and glass curtains most commonly seen in new hospital structures around the country has run its course. This proposal is out of scale for the area but so
is the Dane County Courthouse.

Rendering:

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/114145.jpg

Existing Context:

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/114144.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/114146.jpg

Well I'm certainly not opposed to see these buildings going away. The proposal has a huge opportunity to activate that portion of the skyline. And because of it position, its the face of the city fronting John Nolen. For that reason, the new structure needs a thoughtful integration at street/ground level on both sides because so much of the skyline ignores the footage on John Nolen mostly because of the rr tracks. I understand that its going to be parking garage, but it needs to be designed more thoughtfully. The city cannot accept more of this:

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/Doc1_Page_2.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/Doc1_Page_1.jpg

It is a hige mistake to have any portion of the building lifted off of the ground at the street. The base of the the building needs to be activated along both Wilson and S Henry Street. The whole podium of the building seems extremely disconnected from the tower portions. I would hope the architect could rethread these portions, but still make a gesture of public/private portions of the building. I see some sort of the piece of public space on S Henry, and while this is a nice gesture it's anchored by the parking garage which is too forboding for people using the park. Its vital for the designer to not disguise the parking garage, but thoughtfully address it for what it is.

For the position of this building it needs to have a more iconic look that responds to momumental presence of the couthouse, but adresses the scale of both buildings that its going between. The seems a bit reminiscent of the hilladale condo building on the west side:

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/listing_photo_0_8347013.jpg

I plan to attend the meeting and share some of these same thoughts with Apex.

so much of the skyline ignores the footage on John Nolen mostly because of the rr tracks.
Quite so, and the biggest offender is Monona Terrace itself; don't know the details but I'm sure it will be better than the tunnel, or the surface parking along the bikeway.

I don't mean to be argumentative, but I do take issue with some of your opinions:
I understand that its going to be parking garage, but it needs to be designed more thoughtfully
"550 mostly underground parking spaces."*
Its vital for the designer to not disguise the parking garage, but thoughtfully address it for what it is.
Not sure what you're aiming at. There are few things uglier than a raw exposed parking garage (the old Anchor lot is the one exception.)
It is a hige mistake to have any portion of the building lifted off of the ground at the street.
Why? It appears to me from the rendering that it is being used as a sheltered entryway, perhaps the main entrance. Might even be a heated portico in winter.
The base of the the building needs to be activated along both Wilson and S Henry Street.
"300-room full-service hotel, fitness center and pool, meeting space, up to 60 housing units, two restaurants, a 10,000-square-foot grocery store"*
I suppose 360 degrees of active frontage would be agreeable, I can't quibble about what's already being provided.
For the position of this building it needs to have a more iconic look that responds to momumental presence of the couthouse
It should NOT be strongly related to the jail, or any other government structure. It's a HOTEL/CONDO (which is why it's resemblance to the handsome Westin is appropriate).
but adresses the scale of both buildings that its going between.
I think it scales well with its highrise neighbors. As for its other neighbor, I deeply regret that IT'S not the property that's being replaced:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/looksee/nolanyecch.jpg

*http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/459024

Looksee:

A covered entry for the hotel/condos is completely necessary. As for having it set within the building-ala Grand Concourse, I would strongly oppose. I would hope that the building somehow steps back from the Wilson/S Henry corner. This is the corner where the building should be anchored to make a statment. By responding to the Courthouse, I don't mean copy it stylistically, I mean respond to its scale, shape, and the axes it has set up. For example, maybe the apex development peels away from the Henry/Wilson corner to reveal the courthouse from John Nolen-aka building anchor. Yes I know there will be parking spaces, but 3-5 stories above grade parking that we can see, is still a lot. I would hope it could be screened in an effective manner to complement the final building design:
http://www.tarpgeliu.lt/content/primages/vipdovanos/gyvatvores/parkingas_3.lt.jpg
http://www.designbuild-network.com/contractor_images/haver-boecker/5-chesepeake-parking.jpg

With regards to the overall design-handsomeness is strictly one's opinion. And if the building mass does not change, how the building is skinned becomes vital. A perfectly good local example is the 33 E Main building on the square.
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/100.jpg


Another example of exterior glazing of which to take precedent would be Jean Nouvel's 11th Ave Tower in NYC.

http://www.dezeen.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/19thst_curtain_wall_sunset.jpg

I will stress, if the architect wants to stick to a simplistic building mass, please please introduce some life into how one details the skin of the structure.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/looksee/nolanyecch.jpg

I hear you about this. Who in the world approved the most stock, vinyl-sided, right-out-the-suburbs low-rise condo complex to be built right in the middle of the city? Those balconies should be overlooking the beltline, not the lake. :ohno:

As for the APEX proposal, I'm really not too hot for it. Apex is a bit shady, and this project seems *way* too gigantic. I really don't think Madison needs a huge mega-complex with residential, entertainment, retail, and 300 hotel rooms all squeezed into one lot. Something significantly smaller - such as a stand-alone hotel or office building - would be much more appropriate for this lot.

Meanwhile, continue negotiations with Marcus. I hear that if the hotel gets built there, they are going to look into incorporating the Public Market into the new offices they build on the other side of Pickney. They want to build Pickney into another sort of "mall" with restaurants, outdoor seating, stores, etc.

^^ I assume that thing was built during a down period in the downtown Madison construction industry? (I know Milwaukee has those awful looking row homes by the river that were built because basically they were the only things that were proposed for downtown at the time.)

Also at the time this condo was built there were no high-rises on either side of it and nobody probably had the foresight to see high-rises spreading so far west from downtown.

Those balconies should be overlooking the beltline, not the lake. :ohno:


Honestly this is not even on par with recent construction by the beltline.

...

Found a few more small renderings of the Chazen Museum Expansion.
Regardless of what you think of the building itself (I kinda like it), replacing this small street with a landscaped mall really improves the look of campus. The "Arts District" is really shaping up and looking to be one of the nicest campus areas in the entire nation.

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs046.snc1/4426_88063244788_68439989788_2598707_2242646_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs046.snc1/4426_88064914788_68439989788_2598809_950622_n.jpg

The Edgewater project made a Milwaukee paper, with a larger shot of the plan. It's nice to hear about the investment, my parents got engaged there.

http://www.biztimes.com/nf/uploads/Image/reweekly6-30-2009/edgewater.jpg
Nice, I hope you guys keep us up-to-date on this project. I hope they do it!

Rendering:

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/114145.jpg
Another great project that would be great for Madison. This city never ceases to amaze me with what they have going on!

Another great project that would be great for Madison. This city never ceases to amaze me with what they have going on!

After seeing Mayor Cziewiaskaz talk about it, the city's interest in the development definitely seems to be relatively cool at best. The best thing, he mentioned, was that it brought some competition that might motivate Marcus to get the ball rolling on their development. If I were a rather cynical man, I'd even suggest that somehow is the reason it was proposed in the first place.

Entrepreneur magazine lists Madison, Wisconsin as one of the Top Ten best places to be an entrepreneur in its' August issue. The writer, Jason Daley referred to Madison as "The Diversifer" for moving beyond the cities traditional base of state government, UW-Madison, and agriculture. The article points out that Madison has expanded to grow businesses in the biotech, healthcare, and software industries.

Huge fan of the new proposal. I like the direction design is going in Madison, it's very DC.

[QUOTE=hybridy;40073686]Rendering:

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/114145.jpg
It looks like those Aurora Health care clinics being built everywhere
except Madison. This aesthetic is more suited for an office park.

Go Madison!! Architecturally, some of these proposals dont look the best, but density wise and economically, it seems the city is moving in the right direction. I like the edgewater proposal especially. Also to hear them speaking about commuter rail access in future developments downtown certainly is promising. ;)

Rendering:

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/114145.jpg
It looks like those Aurora Health care clinics being built everywhere
except Madison. This aesthetic is more suited for an office park.

JUDGE FOR YOURSELVES
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/looksee/Aurora.jpg

Whether or not it resembles the Aurora facilities specifically is completely irrelevant. It does, in fact, resemble a sort of new-wave Hospital aesthetic that I've seen in many places. And again, totally irrelevant anyway.

It's hideous and looks extremely lazy and unoriginal.

That's all that matters.

^^^^^^http://smiley.onegreatguy.net/dropdead.gif ^^^^^^ http://www.chompboard.com/images/smilies/oyvey.gif

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/Scan001-1.jpg

http://www.madisonmagazine.com/Madison-Magazine/August-2009/You-Can-Lead-a-City-to-Water/

Great article about relinking the city to the lake.

Thanks for the link. Very interesting, well-written article.

Converting John Nolen Dr and that area of Lake Monona into a public area like pictured would be absolutely amazing, but I really cannot fathom how expensive it would be to actually move it all underground.

It would make a lot of sense though, since the commuter rail, which seems inevitable at this point, would have multiple stops on this side of the Capitol, where attractions outside of the terrace are currently very limited and opportunities are abound.

In any case, this article should just remind all of us development-happy Madisonians to not get too overly excited about the prospect of development in our downtown. Something about Madison is truly unique, and the main reason for this isn't some new special development or building, but the lakes... period. Without their presence, Madison is nothing but a city. Generations before us had the wisdom and foresight to understand this, and luckily, generations today seem to as well.

Latest rendering of Fiore's $80 million mixed-use library proposal
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/114754.jpg

http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/459966

So from what I gather:

-Edgewater will continue because they aren 't catering to the convention crowd.
-City will use Apex development as leverage for Marcus proposal.
-City wants Fiore library proposal to move forward, but hotel would happen in later phase.

Would residential on the Marcus site do more to activate downtown than a hotel would? Should Marcus and Apex sites both have mixed-use buildings with hotel/residential/retail/restaurant?

Well the marcus site is surrounded by office and municipal buildings but it would be across the street from the Hilton and near The Marina and the Madison Mark condo buildings. There's already quite a bit of dining near there especially down king street. With that said I'm not sure if residential would do more than hotel or offices.

The Apex site would definitely activate its area because there's only housing and not really any retail or resturants to speak of other than Paisan's. In essence it's purpose would really extend downtown and give a more inviting entrance from lake monona for that southwest corner of downtown.

The Marcus proposal seems to be dragging its feet and wants lots of municipal money. I like the Apex proposal although I'm not sure about the massing of the building in the rendering although if you read the article I guess they can scale back the hotel so it could be a little less massive but still be tall and significant.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/Scan001-1.jpg

http://www.madisonmagazine.com/Madison-Magazine/August-2009/You-Can-Lead-a-City-to-Water/

Great article about relinking the city to the lake.

The more I look at this drawing, the more I realize how whacked out of proportion it is. The cars look like scale models, the train looks like a children's ride, and what's with the fountain that shoots 150' into the air? I get what they are proposing, but they are distorting reality to make a point. In reality, this plan executed would have very different results.

I have a random question, just out of curiosity. Would anyone happen to know the daily traffic volume on the Beltline at John Nolen Drive AND at Gammon Road?

And I agree with Jason. The proportions on that diagram made me laugh a bit.

I have a random question, just out of curiosity. Would anyone happen to know the daily traffic volume on the Beltline at John Nolen Drive AND at Gammon Road?

And I agree with Jason. The proportions on that diagram made me laugh a bit.

I dug around a little, but didn't find anything. You could email traffic@cityofmadison.com. They could at least point you in the right direction.

East

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/counts/docs/dane/dane-beltline2006pt2.pdf

West

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/counts/docs/dane/dane-beltline2006pt1.pdf

Some solid infill proposed for the east side. I know this isn't as big as some of the other projects near campus, but it’s always exciting to see this area of the city grow up. One day Willy Street can become a true urban corridor.

http://cdntn.madison.com/images/articles/tct/2009/08/17/116441.JPG



The most visible empty lot on bustling Williamson Street could soon become a three-story, 31-unit apartment building with retail space on the bottom floor.

Developer Scott Lewis and CMI Inc. are proposing a $3.3 million makeover at the corner of Williamson and Baldwin streets, across from the Crystal Corner Bar.

Plans call for 31 apartment units from studios to two-bedrooms. The retail component would encompass 2,400 square feet, which could be broken into three separate smaller spaces.

"I'd like to find something that hopefully integrates into the neighborhood," Lewis said in an interview Monday.
Parking would be provided in 24 underground spaces and nine surface spaces behind the building. One house at 310 S. Baldwin Street would be razed.

Continued... (http://www.madison.com/tct/news/462417)

Some of the comments on Madison.com in regards to that Willy St. project amaze me. This city is something else.

I think it's great.

why can't anyone see past these historcist facades that cover over-priced, low quality construction apts/condos. where the f#ck are the architects who strive to design anything inspiring? madison seems to have this big hardon for this wrightian prairie-esqe crap and the nimbys get all wet over the historcisim. madison has a great historic building stock-hooray. lets all evolve and get take a cue from europe. why are they able handle their historic cities and build infill thats worthy of comment? it makes no sense, i thought madison was so progressive-:bash:

I don't think all of these historic facades are all fake and ticky-tacky. Quite a few of them, I think, have been fairly inspired. Come to Oshkosh and you will see what I'm talking about when it comes to "cheap" trendy/historical stuff.

And I don't mind the historic facades at all. To me it seems like they are just incorporating historical themes more than they are flat-out historical imitations. Something modest like these are much more appropriate for area than a glassy building or something.

I think the rendering looks good, classy, and simple.

And it's more functional and provides more tax revenue than an abandoned old gas station.

And there are some examples of innovative design in this small city. The new Jewish center comes to mind.

about damn time someone redeveloped this property

Some of the comments on Madison.com in regards to that Willy St. project amaze me. This city is something else.

I think it's great.

Don't pay too much attention to those comments. Clearly, they don't represent a majority of the city (if they represent the city at all) based off of our clear voting records. Reading those mindless comments is a needless way to ruin your day.

Someone said this on the Madison.com forums regarding the Hilldale Target:

Hey Mayor Dave actually sent me a letter stating that he met with Target officials last week and they promised underground parking, a building that matches with the surroundings and even a green roof. Urban design has to approve it of course but it looks like it's a go.

Hopefully this is true! I hope this development eventually opens up the giant parking lots behind Hilldale/the University Bookstore for more development..

Logan's sports bar expected to open in late fall

http://77square.com/food/features/story_463183

Opponents come out against proposed Edgewater project

Opponents of the $109 million Edgewater hotel redevelopment project more than doubled supporters Monday night during public testimony in front of the Landmarks Commission.

http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/463237

Marcus Theaters considers Sun Prairie site; Madison location also an option

Marcus Theatres is considering a different location just up Highway 151 for its new 16-screen theater — potentiality putting the facility in Sun Prairie instead of Madison.

The theater would have 16 screens, including a 70-foot-wide “ultrascreen,” in-theater dining and a full-service restaurant and bar. Cost of the Marcus project was not disclosed.

http://www.madison.com/wsj/mad/top/463233

Opponents come out against proposed Edgewater project

Opponents of the $109 million Edgewater hotel redevelopment project more than doubled supporters Monday night during public testimony in front of the Landmarks Commission.

http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/463237

And do most of these clowns even live in Madison?

I actually can understand why a lot of people are against the Edgewater proposal. Remember, they aren't against anything but they gigantic 11-story tower that already rests above 4 more stories. They say it is way, way out of scale with the neighborhood... and I don't necessarily disagree. I'd much rather see them refurb the old hotel and still offer the public access, but I'm sure that isn't financially feasible.

With that said, I think all this opposition is what makes Madison great. It has stopped numerous awful proposals, and what will continue to stop them. Madison is a really, really great city as it is right now - it doesn't NEED this. That is why we need to be so careful.

I completely agree that we need to be careful allowing projects to occur which benefit the city, while continuing to preserve that special thing that makes Madison so great.

That being said, I believe this is exactly the type of project that does make Madison so great. This project adds public access to Lake Mendota near downtown, similar to what the union provides the University area. That is something that is currently lacking in this neighborhood; good public access to the lake. Personally I would like to see a public trail that stretches across the entire shoreline from downtown to the University, but this is a great first step towards my vision of what could be.

Furthermore despite the "historic neighborhood" card that is constantly being played, there is nothing I can think of that would attract me, a downtown visitor, to this neighborhood. It's currently filled with apartments and frat houses with little to offer the public. The proposal makes the neighborhood more inviting to the general public and visitor, who may then decide to stroll into other areas of the neighborhood to view the architecture it provides. Add to this the breathtaking views the rooftop restaurant would surely provide and I believe we have something here that can contribute greatly to what already makes Madison so great.

Mayor backs Edgewater project, $16 million TIF; other hotels in doubt

http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/463629

Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz on Thursday endorsed a proposed $109 million redevelopment of The Edgewater hotel and said he’d seek $16 million in public assistance for the project after a consultant’s report urged the city to move quickly on the project and delay others, including a hotel for Monona Terrace.

The Apex proposal, while attractive, "does not appear to be feasible," and the Fiore hotel, while a "positive project," would not create significant new demand and might siphon business from other hotels," the study says. Those projects should be adjusted and delayed until other projects are absorbed in the market.

Apex chairman Bruce Bosben questioned the study and vowed to move forward.

"They didn’t contact us," he said. "We’re asking for a building permit. We’re not asking for a handout."
______________________________________________

Apex is not putting their project on hold. They are proceeding regardless if the Edgewater proposal happens. As for the TIF financing ion the Edgewater, I'm not sure I'm willing to kick out cash for what appears to be a bland concrete stairway to the lake's edge. It is clearly not a "grand stair" in any way.

I really, really hope to see Fiore do something with that block. Getting a new library there and putting a nice, tall glassy building across from the Overture center would really pull that area of downtown together, liven it up, and for the first time connect State Street with other parts of downtown in a coherent fashion...

Madison mayor wants to move ahead with $37 million library project
By DEAN MOSIMAN
608-252-6141
dmosiman@madison.com

Convinced the timing and price are right, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz is proposing to move forward with a new $37 million central library, the biggest city building project since Monona Terrace opened 12 years ago.

“It’s in the best long-run interests of the city,” Cieslewicz said, citing the need, favorable construction costs, jobs and increased property values. “Now is the time to build the library.”

http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/463845


Great news. Of course, most of the Madison.com posters are being drama queens about it.

Great news. Of course, most of the Madison.com posters are being drama queens about it.

A downed economy is one of the best times to build civic buildings, and I think Madison is ready for a good new library. It will boost land value and aesthetic value to the area, as well as create an economic boost.

Good luck on getting approved, along with the other projects in Madison that are LONG overdue!

My God, the new Madison.com is absolutely HIDEOUS. What in the world were they thinking? The old one was classy and very functional - this one is neither.

My God, the new Madison.com is absolutely HIDEOUS. What in the world were they thinking? The old one was classy and very functional - this one is neither.

No kidding! It jumps all around as it's loading, and I can't just click on "local" and "business" any more and get results from both TCT and the WSJ. Now I have to like, know which paper I want to look at first. Lame.

What if the Edgewater Hotel expansion was Madison's Calatrava instead of Madison's living room?
Madison.com
http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/host.madison.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/e/cd/323/ecd3235c-98ab-11de-a38c-001cc4c002e0.image.jpg?_dc=1251997505

Madison's most controversial hotel project received some of its first design critique at Wednesday's Urban Design Committee. The body, stacked with several experienced architects and design professionals, can often get into the nitty gritty of building design, but one of the comments that most intrigued me was a relatively broad concern by architect Todd Barnett.

While calling the current design for Edgewater's $109 million expansion a "nice building," he said the design was better suited for a "background building" and that with the building's exceptional height (11 stories, well above the 50-foot height limit for part of the site's zoning), it is hard to justify it as one. Why not, then, he asked, go for the gusto and ask the expansion's architects to create a truly exceptional building, on par with structures like the Milwaukee Art Museum designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, that makes the expansion a true landmark?

Continue (http://host.madison.com/ct/article_7ce3637c-98ab-11de-b7b8-001cc4c002e0.html)

Why not, then, he asked, go for the gusto and ask the expansion's architects to create a truly exceptional building, on par with structures like the Milwaukee Art Museum designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, that makes the expansion a true landmark?

Halleluiah! At least I'm not the only one annoyed with the mediocrity of these recent proposals.

I totally agree that the new madison.com sucks. it is impossible to navigate and really unorganized. boooooooo....

Peace Park renovation set to begin construction in late fall

Lisa Link Peace Park, a popular gathering place for Madison residents, will be getting a facelift come November.

http://www.dailycardinal.com/news/peace-park-renovation-set-to-begin-construction-in-late-fall-1.436997

Why do I get the feeling they're only doing this to force out the vagrants:ohno:


In old news:
New grocery store planned for U Square

Fresh Madison Market, which is slated to begin construction later this month, will be coming to the unoccupied space in University Square with a tentative opening date as early as January 2010.
After negotiating with the landlord of University Square for the past six months, Jeff Maurer, owner and operator of the store, said the leasing has been completed and the financing has finally been approved.

http://www.dailycardinal.com/news/new-grocery-store-planned-for-u-square-1.425025


Saw this coming...
Sports bar pulls proposal from U Square development

Developer Scott Acker, also the owner of Quaker Steak and Lube in Middleton, withdrew his application to develop the 900 capacity space last week.
Ald. Bryon Eagon, District 8, was disappointed by Acker’s decision to withdraw.
“I tried to work with the applicant to come up with conditions and plans to make it work,” he said. “It’s the exact kind of place that we want developed in our downtown campus area ... I’m disappointed that this project couldn’t work.”

http://www.dailycardinal.com/news/sports-bar-pulls-proposal-from-u-square-development-1.425033


Face it, college kids drink alot and they tend to get into fights. Fact of life. Bartenders and bouncers can do a lot to ensure people stop when they need to. Makes no sense for the city to bully out Acker, if that what is intended to be built there. Now is not the time for Madison to be picky about a good project behind a good business owner:bash:

seems im not the only one-lol

Poor alcohol policy hurts local business community
By Todd Stevens

Updated: Friday, September 4, 2009

Some time ago, a friend of mine took issue with a comment I made about Madison’s sometimes testy relationship with its business community, disputing my claim that the city could be less than friendly towards many of its economic engines from time to time. Recently I found my exhibit A in the trials of the proposed Badger Hall of Fame Grill from Scott Acker, owner of the Quaker Steak and Lube restaurant in Middleton, who had planned to open a restaurant in University Square. But now it is doubtful the restaurant will ever open, due to the intense hassle Acker has had to go through to open its doors.
What is this hassle? Were there problems with construction? Was he unable to secure financing in these troubling economic times? Did the business venture simply fail to look profitable? No, supposedly none of these were problems. What haunts this project is that omnipresent boogeyman that looms over Madison politics and sends your average city official running in search of a night light, the boogeyman known to most of us as “alcohol.”


At the last meeting of the Alcohol License Review Committee, members spent four hours peppering Acker with questions about the restaurant’s 900-person capacity, his plans for crowd control and his target audience. Many of these were valid queries, as an establishment just a block down the street from the Kohl Center could get a little chaotic when serving 900 rowdy, drunken fans after a hockey game. But this wasn’t just any regular Joe trying to open a bar, Acker has experience running a successful similar establishment, albeit in much quieter Middleton, and that had to count for something. Plus, the restaurant didn’t even require a full liquor license, so long as it kept alcohol under 50 percent of its total sales that wouldn’t be necessary.


There was another hang-up on that point, as several members of the ALRC seemed to doubt the restaurant could stay under that threshold. In the restaurant’s favor were the limited bar seating and tiered levels of the restaurant that would make sectioning off customers easy. Also, the grill would have a clear market niche, as it would be one the few places near campus where 18-20 year-olds could legally hang out with upperclassmen friends while the 21-and-up crowd enjoyed their drinks. But according to the ALRC, apparently this is an impossible feat. Most places would give a businessman with a successful track record like Acker the benefit of the doubt, or at least a chance to prove he can operate the business as he says he would. But not Madison, apparently here if you haven’t experienced the savage, apocalyptic streets of downtown around bar time, you don’t know what you’re doing. By the end of the meeting, it was clear that the restaurant would either need a dramatic redsign or it stood no chance of approval.


Never mind that Acker had already accomplished a lot by simply getting his plan in place at all. The original plan for the University Square space was for another restaurant called Field Pass, but its prospective owners couldn’t get enough cash and had to vacate the project midway through. This left U-Square with a half-finished venue, and any prospective tenants would need to either incorporate the existing infrastructure or spend a couple million dollars to clear the previous construction out. Acker had a plan to work the prior material into his design, but it will be a challenge to find a new client who will be as accomodating or sink even more money into the project to fit it to a specific purpose.
On top of the issues University Square has had with the former Field Pass location, they’ve struggled to fill the space next door earmarked for a grocery store. Their deal with Roundy’s fell through, and now, a new suitor seems to have shallower pockets than originally thought. It appears that the entire Lake Street storefront of one of downtown’s biggest behemoths will lie empty for the foreseeable future.


The ALRC seems to be comfortable with that. It’s not their job to make sure Madison has a thriving, bustling downtown and campus area. Their job is to protect us from that horrible alcohol boogeyman. Because if another bar opens in Madison, surely our infrastructure will begin to crumble, the entire city will fall apart and we will be left wandering the streets, wondering what destroyed our once great civilization.


“Too many damn bars,” someone will surely say. “If only we’d built one less bar, the ruination of society could have been avoided.”oh snap:cheers:


So to recap: A successful businessman comes to Madison and wants to apply his trade, the ALRC insists they know how to run a restaurant better than he does, they make him radically adjust his plans even though he had been very accommodating already, and in the end push him to give up on his plans and let another retail property stand dormant, ensuring the property will contribute to the community in no way whatsoever.

And you wonder why Madison has an anti-business reputation.

http://www.dailycardinal.com/opinion/poor-alcohol-policy-hurts-local-business-community-1.350088

I agree hybridy- the city of Madison is very hostile to any potential bar for no particular reason as most have very few problems much less one that is a resturant first.

Especially considering the recent rise in attacks and even murders, I see absolutely no problem with trying to get the vagrants out of downtown. I have nearly been attacked on a few occasions by hostile homeless people, and you cannot walk down State Street or around downtown without being pestered by them for money 80% the time they spend on drugs or alcohol. I have seen some of them openly smoking crack, too.

It doesn't just mean we are "not accepting" or "hateful monsters" or however some people like to spin it. So I hope this Peace Park thing works.

Burr Oaks senior housing renderings

A two-building senior housing complex is slated for the corner of Badger Road and Cypress Way in Madison’s Burr Oaks Neighborhood, in place of eight apartments that will be torn down. The buildings would provide 96 affordable apartments for area seniors as well as amenities like a senior center, a green roof with a walking path and outdoor plaza. Within a block or two, seniors will be able to easily access Madison Metro’s South Transfer Point as well as the shops, library and medical facilities in the soon-to-be-completed redevelopment of Villager Mall.

http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_f440cfb6-0704-53df-8492-0f57455ec86b.html

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/ec322f06-a526-11de-92b7-001cc4c0-1.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/ec322f06-a526-11de-92b7-001cc4c0328.jpg

Developers make their case to Holy Redeemer parishioners

Developers pitched a five-story apartment building with 46 units - most of them to be set aside for low- to middle-income families - to a largely skeptical crowd Monday at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.

The proposed project would be built on a portion of the parking lot at the Downtown Madison church, 120 W. Johnson St.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/article_18ecc0e8-a72e-11de-b9d9-001cc4c002e0.html

not sure if this has made the papers, but there are rumors of a new multi-family building proposed somewhere on mifflin to the north of the sqaure. possibly on top of the capitol north parking garage.

[B]New grocery store planned for U Square

Fresh Madison Market, which is slated to begin construction later this month, will be coming to the unoccupied space in University Square with a tentative opening date as early as January 2010.
After negotiating with the landlord of University Square for the past six months, Jeff Maurer, owner and operator of the store, said the leasing has been completed and the financing has finally been approved.

http://www.dailycardinal.com/news/new-grocery-store-planned-for-u-square-1.425025


Hey do you know if the grocery store will be part of the Fresh Market chain? They recently put one downtown in Milwaukee and it's pretty quality, like Whole foods without the bells and whistles (aka chocolate fountains and wine tasting dispensers).

I wish the Wedge from Minneapolis was the grocery store going in
University Square not another big chain like Wild Oats (R.I.P.)/Whole Paychecks
or Fresh Market. The Wedge is a grocery coop without the hyper-inflated prices
for non-members.

I wish the Wedge from Minneapolis was the grocery store going in
University Square not another big chain like Wild Oats (R.I.P.)/Whole Paychecks
or Fresh Market. The Wedge is a grocery coop without the hyper-inflated prices
for non-members.

Scratch that, Fresh Market opened up in a suburb of Milwaukee. The store that opened downtown is Good Harvest Market (http://www.goodharvestmarket.com/good-harvest-market-home.html), and it looks like it's only around here.

Scratch that, Fresh Market opened up in a suburb of Milwaukee. The store that opened downtown is Good Harvest Market (http://www.goodharvestmarket.com/good-harvest-market-home.html), and it looks like it's only around here.

More information just in, the one opening in University Square is titled "Fresh Madison Market" it's not even the same logo as that one in Brookfield the logo has a circle where as the "The Fresh Market" chain has a rectangular logo with
food stuff in it. I think the name and logo for "Freh Madison Market" are different enough that "The Fresh Market" lawyers won't be coming into Madison. :)

not sure if this has made the papers, but there are rumors of a new multi-family building proposed somewhere on mifflin to the north of the sqaure. possibly on top of the capitol north parking garage.

http://200emifflinproject.wordpress.com/

okay i retract all of my previous statements about apex. they've lost their marbles. another mega proposal thats so unrealistic its laughable. :nuts: i wish them luck.

CVS planned for depot site; bus service future uncertain

In July, the City Council approved a mixed-use redevelopment of the depot site at West Washington Avenue and Bedford Street. The project includes 83 apartments and a CVS pharmacy with a drive-up window that the city's plan commission approved Sept. 14.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/article_13b0866d-9e6c-5d6e-ad0b-
068909251c00.html

More information just in, the one opening in University Square is titled "Fresh Madison Market" it's not even the same logo as that one in Brookfield the logo has a circle where as the "The Fresh Market" chain has a rectangular logo with
food stuff in it. I think the name and logo for "Freh Madison Market" are different enough that "The Fresh Market" lawyers won't be coming into Madison. :)

Ha, let's hope you're right.

I wouldn't mind seeing a huge project like that downtown so long as the design is half-decent. Maybe if they oversaturate the downtown apartment market enough, it will finally become a reasonably affordable place to live. The fact that this is on the east side of the capitol makes it even more promising. Someday, the east side is definitely going to take off.

http://200emifflinproject.wordpress.com/

okay i retract all of my previous statements about apex. they've lost their marbles. another mega proposal thats so unrealistic its laughable. :nuts: i wish them luck.

Any other time you want to tear down dilapidated old houses east of the square, I'm on board, but the idea of surrounding Frank Lloyd Wright's Lamp House with that monstrosity makes me a little ill. For once, I side with leaving the homes on that side of the block intact, just fix them up, and keep Wright's vision intact. Fix the Lamp House up too while you're at it. That thing is a mess. If anything, address that ugly auto shop on the E. Wash side of the block, but Apex doesn't own it, apparently.

If anything, address that ugly auto shop on the E. Wash side of the block, but Apex doesn't own it, apparently.

Are you talking about Pahl Tire-white brick building with red roof??? lol-They're a small family run business and they do very good work for a competitive price. The owner's son is a madison architect very interested in preservation. They won't be selling out anytime soon.

Are you talking about Pahl Tire-white brick building with red roof??? lol-They're a small family run business and they do very good work for a competitive price. The owner's son is a madison architect very interested in preservation. They won't be selling out anytime soon.

My Jeep needs new rubber for the winter. Because of your comment here, I'm gonna give them a call. I'm all for the local/small/family stuff. Didn't know anything about them before.

Just to let everyone know, plans for the Target at Hilldale are chugging along:

Neighborhood Meeting
Proposed Target Store at Hilldale
Monday, October 19, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
Covenant Presbyterian Church
Fellowship Hall
326 S. Segoe Road

You are invited to provide feedback on initial plans for the proposed Target Store next to the Hilldale Mall at the former site of the Hilldale Theater and Humana/Wisconsin Life office buildings. This meeting will provide an opportunity for area residents to see and comment on the plans prior to their submission to the City of Madison. Representatives from Target will be on hand to present their plan and to answer questions. City staff will be present to address questions anyone may have for them.

This is the first step in the planning process and the best time to make your voice heard!

For more information, please contact:

Alderperson Chris Schmidt
Madison Common Council
Home Phone: 608-248-7494
district11@cityofmadison.com

My Jeep needs new rubber for the winter. Because of your comment here, I'm gonna give them a call. I'm all for the local/small/family stuff. Didn't know anything about them before.

Me too.

Anyone know if there are any decent renderings of that project going up on the Bus Depot site? For all the controversy surrounding the project, I'm really surprised all I've been able to find are those really old black-and-white renderings from the original proposal.

Meeting for proposed Target store draws crowd of 300

Planners of a proposed Target store to be built next to the Hilldale Shopping Center on the West Side got an earful Monday night at a neighborhood meeting that drew a crowd of 300 concerned residents to the Covenant Presbyterian Church.

The plan for two levels would allow the store to take up 5.45 acres, about half that of a typical Target, developers said. It would have about 155,000 square feet of store space and would employ between 150 and 200 mostly hourly workers, developers said.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/article_16e7d304-bd2d-11de-adca-001cc4c002e0.html

Proposed Downtown project may involve demolitions, affect Frank Lloyd Wright house

prefect headline to get everyone all riled up-lol

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_a0c622d2-bd06-11de-86b7-001cc4c002e0.html

like i've said before apex has zero experience developing these superblock projects. iconica, the architect, has zero experience doing large urban work. and both developer and architect are working on their other project on wilson/s henry. both will eventually collapse becuase no one will lend them the money. at the most, i envision some small multi-family rental project going forward, if that.

Today was a beautiful day to walk around and take a look at some construction activity around downtown and the UW. These are all photos of projects under constructed, or completed in 2009. Enjoy!

Project 1 - The new Madison Children's Museum
http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/11.jpg

http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/12.jpg

http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/13.jpg

Project 2 - Hyatt Place
http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/21.jpg

The front of this building turned out much better than I thought it would. Some perspective:
http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/22.jpg

Project 3 - Apartments replacing former Greyhound building (5 Stories)
http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/31.jpg

http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/32.jpg

Project 4 - Mixed use building on Regent and Park St (6 Stories)
http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/41.jpg

Project 5 - Hotel on Monroe and Regent (Stalled - financing problems)
http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/51.jpg

http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/52.jpg

http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/53.jpg

Project 6 - UW Art Museum expansion?
http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/61.jpg

Project 7 - Wisconsin Institute For Discovery
http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/71.jpg

http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/72.jpg

http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/73.jpg

Project 8 - Another campus project
http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/81.jpg

Project 9 - Union South
http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/91.jpg

http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/92.jpg

http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/93.jpg

Project 10 - New Research building by UW Hospital
http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/a1.jpg

Project 11 - Children's Hospital Expansion
http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/b1.jpg

Project 12 - Office building by UW-Hospital
http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/c1.jpg

Project 13 - Recently completed Grand Central Apartments
http://arashakbar.com/cities/madison/projects2009/z1.jpg

I love the pure massiveness of the institute. It's really moving along.

You're a god-send, arman0. Thanks for the update.

Developer wants to raze two buildings, build newer apartments in Langdon area

Doesn't "newer" indicate that this building will not be brand new? Silly local newspapers-

"In what would continue a building boom around UW-Madison, a developer is proposing to demolish two houses for a $6 million, eight-story apartment building in the Langdon Street National Register District.

Developer Patrick Corcoran is seeking to demolish two two-story, wood-frame houses at 617 and 619 Mendota Court for a 40,000-square-foot building that would have 33 rental units and a total of 103 bedrooms."

The upper units should have some nice lake views at least.

Information from the Mansion Hill Steering Committee on the Edgewater Development.


Hello Friend,

The developers of the proposed new Edgewater Hotel have been mounting an unprecedented PR and multimedia advertising campaign.

It appears that the goal of this campaign is to overwhelm the established city approval process. Please let our elected officials know that you want decisions based on fact, not on glitzy mailings and media advertisements.

The Hammes Company is asking for $16 million dollars in public money (TIF dollars) for their development…18% of the cost. AND the largest TIF request budgeted by a mayor in city history. The developer wants it included in the upcoming budget to avoid what nearly all prior developers have had to do…get a supermajority Council vote rather than simply a majority vote. For the biggest public money handout in city history, wouldn’t the more common supermajority vote of Council be good business?

Our alders will be voting this Tuesday or Wednesday November 10 or 11 on whether to include the TIF handout in this budget.

What can you do?

Let our public officials know you do NOT want the budget to include $16 million in TIF for the Edgewater proposal. Here’s how:

· Call or email your alder (you can find out who your alder is: http://www.cityofmadison.com/council/findAddress.cfm )
· Email all the alders at: allalders@cityofmadison.com
· Call or email the mayor at: mayor@cityofmadison.com /266-4611
· Register in support of the Capital Budget amendment number 12 removing the $16 million from the budget. You can do that by stopping by room 201 of the City County building on Tuesday November 10 starting at 5:30 or shortly before. I’m not sure how long registrations will be accepted but it should be for several hours. Forms will be available just inside the door. It takes only two minutes to register!
· Testify in support of the Capital Budget amendment number 12 removing the $16 million from the budget. You can do that by stopping by room 201 of the City County building on Tuesday November 10 Public testimony will begin at 5:30.

Please voice your concerns. If you are interested in additional information about the issues of this proposal see below.

Ledell Zellers on behalf of the Mansion Hill Steering Committee
510 N Carroll Street
Madison, WI 53703

EDGEWATER HOTEL PROPOSAL
ISSUES RELATED TO THE LARGE NEW HOTEL IN THE HEART OF THE MANSION HILL HISTORIC DISTRICT
Tax Incremental Financing (TIF)
· First we gave away the lakefront at the end of Wisconsin Ave for $1 and now, in essence, we are considering buying it back for $16 million? All the things being promised by Hammes now were promised back in the 60s and are required by the 1960s ordinance.
· It is being implied in various venues and publications (including in the Wisconsin State Journal editorial on Nov 6) that the $16 million being sought by the developer will be repaid to the city in five years from increased taxes (increment) being paid by the Edgewater. This is not true. $8.5 million of the $16 million is estimated to be repaid by the increment from the Edgewater while the remaining $7.5 million would be paid back from the increment being generated from others in the district including University Square.
· The proposal was scaled back to $90 million from $109 million yet the TIF remains the same. Taxpayer funding goes from 15% to 18%.

Process
· The project is being pushed too fast, without proper review. As of Wednesday November 4 an application had not even been made to the Landmarks Commission nor had the applicant done a survey that would allow the Zoning Board of Appeals to rule on the zoning variances being requested…including the critical lakefront setback.
Jobs & Need for Hotel on the Isthmus
· Building the wrong building in the wrong place, which may last 70 or more years if properly built, for the sake of construction jobs that last a couple of years does not make sense.
· If the city tourist economy needs more hotel rooms, a significantly superior location is on the other side of the isthmus…within the 1200 feet of Monona Terrace that would support larger conventions.

Historic District
· The Mansion Hill Historic District is the City’s first and most important historic district containing one-half of Madison’s registered landmarks. Any development within the district should meet the “visually related test” and enhance the historic district. This proposal does not meet the “visually related test” required by ordinance.
· This violates other ordinances. For example it is more than two times the height of the underlying zoning. This height limit has not been pierced. If this development is approved it would be a horrible precedent.
· Both the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation have come out against this project due to the deleterious impact on the Mansion Hill Historic District.

Precedent
· The fact that the NGL building was built is not a precedent that excuses another commercial mistake in the historic district. In fact, the NGL building was built BEFORE the historic district was established and was a significant reason for the establishment of the district…to prevent such buildings from being built again.

Traffic , Parking and Urban Context
· The proposed project is at the street ends of Wisconsin Avenue and Langdon Street. Unlike other hotels that typically have three or four streets around them for traffic circulation as well as a convenient city parking ramp, this large proposal is in the heart of the Mansion Hill Historic District…famous not only for its beautiful historic homes but also for its lack of parking.
· This proposed large new hotel tower is surrounded by 12 residential blocks with the only significant commercial incursions being the National Guardian Life Building (NGL) and the Verex Building. Neither of these generates the level of traffic that a hotel would.
Thanks again for caring and being willing to get involved.

Mansion Hill Steering Committee

Developer wants to raze two buildings, build newer apartments in Langdon area

Doesn't "newer" indicate that this building will not be brand new? Silly local newspapers-

"In what would continue a building boom around UW-Madison, a developer is proposing to demolish two houses for a $6 million, eight-story apartment building in the Langdon Street National Register District.

Developer Patrick Corcoran is seeking to demolish two two-story, wood-frame houses at 617 and 619 Mendota Court for a 40,000-square-foot building that would have 33 rental units and a total of 103 bedrooms."

The upper units should have some nice lake views at least.

Do you have a link to the story? I'd like to see which houses are subject to demolition.

Do you have a link to the story? I'd like to see which houses are subject to demolition.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_e37600dd-b823-5922-b96c-781dad728416.html

City Council agrees on Central Library plan

"The new library, with a two-story entrance, higher ceilings, lots of glass, a rooftop patio and 105,000 square feet of space, would be built first. A second phase would offer a 380,000-square-foot mixed-use project likely with an upscale hotel, retail space and 425 parking spaces on the current library site. The cost of the full redevelopment is estimated at $88 million."

"If approvals are secured, construction on the library could begin in 2010 with an opening in 2012, and the second phase would be completed two years later."

http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_29b120eb-cf1e-5e2d-9f71-671e66db6256.html

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/114754.jpg

^^huge opportunity lost for civic icon for the city :ohno:

That's not a Central Library! It's a hotel with a book warehouse in the bottom. How dissapointing; the original design was one of my favourite proposals out there.

You can relax, guys. That isn't a revised rendering of the new library. You're looking at a rendering of the planned hotel on the site of the old library once its torn down.

In any case, thanks for the update with all the photos. Since I'm living in Denver now, I won't be back to Madison for a few years probably. Needless to say, I will be brimming with excitement to see all the changes once that day actually arrives.

When I was driving near campus today I discovered a project on N Brooks St. between Regent and College Ct. It looked like the steel skeleton for a structure of at least 4 stories was rising. Does anyone know what that is?

When I was driving near campus today I discovered a project on N Brooks St. between Regent and College Ct. It looked like the steel skeleton for a structure of at least 4 stories was rising. Does anyone know what that is?

Are you sure you're not off by a block? Because this thing is going on the corner of Regent and Park where Josie's used to be.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8XV14fLn8P0/SR4fLxohWLI/AAAAAAAACQw/awJA8aWBTmk/s1600/91885.jpg

The stretch you're talking about has Budget Bicycle on the entire east side of that street (nothing changing there) and I didn't notice anything changing on the west side of the street when I went by 2 days ago, but the 6-ft high walls of white crap along side the roads might have distracted me.

Park Street, across from St. Mary's. Needs anchor tenant first (of course). Someone sign-up... Park Street needs help.

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/host.madison.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/d/a3/eef/da3eef70-e8ea-11de-a4ca-001cc4c03286.preview-300.jpg?_dc=1260820628

http://host.madison.com/ct/business/biz_beat/article_5610d2e0-e8f4-11de-b52c-001cc4c03286.html

Are you sure you're not off by a block?

I don't know what it is, but it's going up behind the McD's on Mills.

Could this be it maybe?

http://www.cityofmadison.com/planning/projects/conditional/30nms.html

Could this be it maybe?

http://www.cityofmadison.com/planning/projects/conditional/30nms.html

That's it!! It looks kind suburban in this picture, but it does front the street quite nicely.

http://www.arashakbar.com/cities/madison/physical_plant.jpg

Shorewood Hills apartment plan divides village

"One of Dane County's wealthiest enclaves faces a tough test of its liberal ideals.:lol:

A developer is asking Shorewood Hills, a lakeside village of mostly single-family homes just west of the UW-Madison campus, to rezone 2.4 acres on University Avenue to build apartments for lower-income renters."

"The proposed six-story, 69-unit apartment building would replace the nearly vacant Pyare Square building, an iconic 14-story cylindrical tower, at 4610 University Ave."

Before
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/eb439256-eac7-11de-a75d-001cc4c0328.jpg

After
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/f7219b3c-eac6-11de-98d8-001cc4c0328.jpg

From crappy to crappier-i guess it'll create some street wall...

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/article_fc830a3e-eac6-11de-aa19-001cc4c03286.html

Sun Prairie council approves 16-screen theater project

say bye to bye to eastgate and hello to a longer drive to the movies!

Construction on a 16-screen movie theater in Sun Prairie could start as soon as the spring after the Sun Prairie City Council approved the project for Marcus Theatres on Tuesday night.

In August, the Milwaukee-based company signed an agreement to buy about 16 acres in Sun Prairie’s Prairie Lakes development at highways C and 151. The project, which would include a 500-seat Ultrascreen theater, in-theater dining and a full-service restaurant, would join Target as the development’s second anchor tenant.

However, Marcus still needs a building permit before any construction can begin, and Neil Stechschulte, the city’s economic development coordinator, said the company hasn’t publicly disclosed its time line.

“Best-case scenario, they could come in as early as this spring to get a building permit,” he said. “We’re confident we’ve got everything in place with them.”

Once construction starts, the project is expected to take a year to complete, he said. The new theater would replace the Marcus-owned Eastgate Cinema at 5202 High Crossing Blvd.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/article_c158f6d4-ea81-11de-9a48-001cc4c03286.html

Shorewood Hills apartment plan divides village

"One of Dane County's wealthiest enclaves faces a tough test of its liberal ideals.:lol:

I would rather they remodel the old tower like someone had planned a couple years ago. This building will look more urban, but I'm not sure what shot that section of University Ave has at becoming a truely urban area.

Sun Prairie council approves 16-screen theater project

say bye to bye to eastgate and hello to a longer drive to the movies!

http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/article_c158f6d4-ea81-11de-9a48-001cc4c03286.html

Ah, the new theater will be a mile away from the old and right off the ramp. It will be easier to get to.

[B]
say bye to bye to eastgate and hello to a longer drive to the movies!


Not for me.

The owner's of restaurants in the vicinity of that soon-to-be wasteland should be pissed. Mainly Uno's. I've done countless Uno's and then a movie nights.

Anyone know what that project is on Johnson near-ish James Madison Park? There's a huge hole in the ground. Is this another apartment complex?

Anyone know what that project is on Johnson near-ish James Madison Park? There's a huge hole in the ground. Is this another apartment complex?

It's an apartment building. Probably in the 4 story range.

Some big news after a quiet spree...

Developer wants to replace rental houses with housing towers near UW-Madison

By DEAN MOSIMAN| 608-252-6141| dmosiman@madison.com | Posted: Tuesday, December 29, 2009 5:35 pm

Continuing a trend, a developer is proposing to demolish older student housing and replace it with two housing towers near UW-Madison.
Otto Gebhardt III hopes to demolish rental houses at 1208, 1212 and 1214 Spring St. to erect a 10-story, 92-unit apartment building designed to meet the needs of older and graduate students.
Across the street, Gebhardt would demolish a rental house at 45 N. Orchard St. for a nine-story, 62-unit apartment building aimed at the same market.
The proposal would take obsolete structures with a total 80 rental units and replace them with energy-efficient buildings with nearly double the apartments, Gebhardt said.
"The buildings have outlived their usefulness and are in pretty bad shape," he said. "To put money into them to rejuvenate them would be a bad use of resources. We think it would be a better use of these properties."
Ald. Bryon Eagon, 8th District, who represents the area, said the proposals are "interesting" and potentially an "exciting investment in the student residential community."
Eagon said he's heard no concerns so far but will be sensitive to issues of height and massing.
The neighborhood is a mix of university properties, including the towering Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences Building and Charter Street Heating and Cooling Plant, and private rental housing, much of it older and two or three stories tall.
The buildings' design, Gebhardt said, will resemble his nearby, seven-story Park Terrace West apartments at Spring and Randall streets, built in 2004, which taper back from the street on upper floors and have balconies and other features.
The new buildings will feature a mix of unit sizes with laundry and vending facilities on each floor. They will also have roof decks, wireless internet and passive solar elements, plus covered parking for cars and spaces for bicycles and motor scooters.
If approvals are secured, demolition could begin in August with the project completed a year later, Gebhardt said.
Gebhardt will make a presentation to the city's Urban Design Commission at 7:20 p.m. on Jan. 6.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_538c1602-f4d3-11de-85c9-001cc4c002e0.html

On Campus: Wisconsin Energy Institute plans move ahead

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/education/on_campus/article_73614374-fa48-11de-b717-001cc4c03286.html

Awesome news! I really like the fact that they moved it to this prominent of a site, too. I was always hoping that old, ugly building would get razed now that it is no longer occupied.

On Campus: Wisconsin Energy Institute plans move ahead

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/education/on_campus/article_73614374-fa48-11de-b717-001cc4c03286.html

Awesome news! I really like the fact that they moved it to this prominent of a site, too. I was always hoping that old, ugly building would get razed now that it is no longer occupied.

What building is being replaced? Is it the taller building with the helter skelter windows placement?

Here's a picture of the new institute:

https://fpm-www3.fpm.wisc.edu/cpd/Portals/0/Quarterly%20report/Pictures/WEI%20-%20Dec%20DRB.jpg

Fresh Madison Market to open Saturday

Fresh Madison Market, a new grocery store at University Square, will open Saturday.

The 18,000-square-foot store at 703 University Ave. will be a full-service grocery that emphasizes fresh foods such as meat, produce, deli and bakery. A grand opening will be at 10 a.m. Jan. 14.

For more information go to www.freshmadisonmarket.com.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/article_e77736a6-fa3e-11de-8c60-001cc4c03286.html

The building getting replaced is the old UHS - which is like a 4 or 5 story brick building that looks like it's been rotting or a good 20 years.

Target proposal for Hilldale moving forward

According to city records, plans for a Target retail store on the site formerly approved for a Whole Foods development at Hilldale Shopping Center will be heading to the city's Urban Design Commission on Jan. 20 and Plan Commission on Feb. 22

The store has been proposed as one of Target's few multi-level locations, with surface parking on the first floor and a retail store on the second floor. Of Target's 1,744 locations, there are about 25 other multi-level stores

http://host.madison.com/ct/business/article_cac5273c-fea5-11de-9219-001cc4c03286.html

City hikes offers to buy buildings for senior housing redevelopment

The elimination of worn buildings and construction of quality senior housing will boost a neighborhood long plagued by poverty and crime, and shows that developers and investors have confidence in the South Side, Bruer said.

If permits are secured, construction could begin in October 2010 with the first phase done the following spring.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/25dd7068-fe18-11de-8d60-001cc4c002e.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/56a4322c-fce7-11de-9061-001cc4c002e.png

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_bcb11d2e-8fea-5923-b334-b53d59dccaba.html

Daily Reporter: LINK (http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2010/01/06/shadow-of-demolition-hangs-over-housing-proposal/)
http://dailyreporter.com/files/2010/01/tower.jpg

A Madison commission member’s caution could unravel a developer’s strategy to build on property targeted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Madison developer Otto Gebhardt III is planning a 10-story, student housing project on the north side of Spring Street in Madison. The property is on a block the university identified in its 20-year plan for construction of a new academic building.

Gebhardt, whose proposal already is under scrutiny over the number of stories in the tower, said he is not worried about the university’s master plan, even if it means his tower could be torn down in 15 years.

How many student housing towers does one really need? Having lived in one for Madison for 3 years, then having come out to Colorado and lived in a house with roommates, I find house living to be way more satisfying. Who is to say all these towers won't fall into disrepair and become total eyesores in 10-15 years?

How many student housing towers does one really need? Having lived in one for Madison for 3 years, then having come out to Colorado and lived in a house with roommates, I find house living to be way more satisfying. Who is to say all these towers won't fall into disrepair and become total eyesores in 10-15 years?

I lived in a house after living in an apartment in college, and living in a house is definately better! However theoretically living in a tower should be way more cost effective than renting an entire house (even split amongst roomates) and I believe that in 10-15 years this will be the case in Madison as rents rise in houses and drops in the now new towers. Towers do have some benefits though, mainly in that they typically are in the center of all the action, whereas houses can be several blocks away.

The tower in the picture above looks horrible BTW and hopefully this is just a sloppy drawing of the building.

It's an apartment building. Probably in the 4 story range.

Located at the corner of East Johnson and Blair Street on Madison's near east side, City Row Apartments will have 83 classically designed apartment homes conveniently located within walking distance to community events, restaurants and shopping. The wide variety of floor plans and apartment sizes (efficiencies, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom) along with the incredible amenities and affordable rental amounts make City Row Apartments a distinctive place to call home. The property was the first WHEDA project closed in the state of Wisconsin in 2009 utilizing TCAP funds. The project will open in the fall of 2010.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/city_row_2_400.jpg

Very nice apartments. Do you know how many units used to occupy this area?

Very nice apartments. Do you know how many units used to occupy this area?

this may be out of date...

Michael Matty and partner Stone House Development want to refurbish eight houses, demolish 11 others, and build 85 lower-cost apartments with underground parking in three buildings on a block bounded by East Gorham, North Blair and East Johnson streets.

The houses to be preserved on Gorham and Blair streets are in a national historic district, but those to be demolished are not.

Matty wants to renovate the historic homes for market-rate, long-term rentals and future owner-occupied units.

The proposed $15 million City Row Apartments on the other side of the block would double the density of units called for in a new neighborhood plan.

http://host.madison.com/news/local/article_62723d51-5069-531b-b0f9-d0fea3369a5c.html

unfortunately its all "affordable housing" - i think its crap because as a young professional i make under 50k but i owe more than 60k in student loans, but i don't qualify for their apts.

so the top end for their income is $33k/yr. which is a take home of 1900/mo and if u spend the recommended 30% on housing thats $570/mo. but the rental rates are below. who's kicking out for these???

Efficiency: Starting at $595
1 Bedroom: Starting at $735
2 Bedroom: Starting at $930
3 Bedroom: Starting at $1100

forget my masters degreee, i should be working at mcdonalds living in a new apt and getting groceries with my ebt card

Rendering of the new Park Regent Apts going up on park n regent-duh

apparently qdoba has signed on to lease some of the commercial space on the ground floor.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/Color20Park20Regent.jpg

forget my masters degreee, i should be working at mcdonalds living in a new apt and getting groceries with my ebt card

I hear you buddy.

As someone working at a resturant with a college degree it's not all it's cracked up to be. Also, I still could not comfortably afford a $595/month efficiency. Although I'm dreading throwing all my savings into Grad School.

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/4663/dscf3007th.jpg (http://img687.imageshack.us/i/dscf3007th.jpg/)

Here is a picture of construction progress on that building.

As someone working at a resturant with a college degree it's not all it's cracked up to be. Also, I still could not comfortably afford a $595/month efficiency. Although I'm dreading throwing all my savings into Grad School.

yea, i was def kidding about that. go for the advanced degree, you won't regret it, no one's hiring anyway. i really can't complain. im in a brand new office on the 7th floor with floor to ceiling glass and look directly over lake monona and mansion hill all day, and im seriously considering paying out the ass to live at The Depot . Could be worse.

heres an interesting little infill project. proposal is by developer brandon cook. still in early planning process.

http://www.cityofmadison.com/planning/projects/rezoning/115sbs.html

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/115sbs_site6.jpg

A high-rise student apartment building is coming to one of the most congested spots on the UW-Madison campus — with no new parking spaces.

Monday night, the Madison Plan Commission on a 5-2 vote approved a proposal from landlord Patrick Corcoran for an eight-story apartment tower at 621 Mendota Court.

Corcoran would demolish a pair of older two-story, wood-frame houses on Mendota Court, a narrow cul-de-sac tucked between the lakeshore and Langdon Street.


the rest here http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_ec2b9f4c-02a7-52d2-b74e-9ed159cb35d1.html

Sounds like this building will be more affordable than some of the other apartments that have gone up recently. I see providing decent, afordable residential options to students a way of keeping UW competative with peer universities. And the added density is always a plus.

As for the parking concern, there is no need whatsoever for a building in this position to include parking. It would take a student living here longer to drive to 90% of their destinations than it would be for them to just walk/bike there.

Edgewater amendment limps toward commission (http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2010/01/26/edgewater-amendment-limps-toward-commission/)
Jan. 26, 2010
Daily Reporter

http://dailyreporter.com/files/2010/01/edgewater.jpg

A Madison zoning amendment designed to grease the skids for the Edgewater Hotel redevelopment is drawing fire for the precedent it would set for other projects.

The amendment, presented by Alderman Mark Clear, would eliminate the city’s waterfront setback requirement for commercial properties.

The Plan Commission is scheduled to vote on the amendment Feb. 8. When that happens, the commission will consider the recommendation of the city’s Committee on the Environment, which unanimously opposed the amendment Monday night.

William Sonzogni, a committee member, said he supports Brookfield-based Hammes Co.’s proposed $93 million redevelopment of the Edgewater. But, he said, the amendment is not good for the environment.

“The way the ordinance is read,” he said, “it allows all commercial development to go through the same process.”

A high-rise student apartment building is coming to one of the most congested spots on the UW-Madison campus — with no new parking spaces.

Monday night, the Madison Plan Commission on a 5-2 vote approved a proposal from landlord Patrick Corcoran for an eight-story apartment tower at 621 Mendota Court.

Corcoran would demolish a pair of older two-story, wood-frame houses on Mendota Court, a narrow cul-de-sac tucked between the lakeshore and Langdon Street.


the rest here http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_ec2b9f4c-02a7-52d2-b74e-9ed159cb35d1.html

Rendering courtsey of Gary Brink & Associates

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/b537447a-0a8c-11df-8593-001cc4c002e.jpg:ohno:


Found another rendering for a mixed-use building on w johnson
planned to have 197 units with 9,200 square feet of
commercial space...wonder if the proposal is still a prospect???
looks like it was supposed to be bounded by w johnson, brooks, and park street-maybe???
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/johnson.jpg

That project is probably dead. It was supposed to be on the former lot of that pizza place between Johnson and University/Gorham, Casa Bianca I think it was called. I'd like to see a smaller development on that lot, anyway.

That project is probably dead. It was supposed to be on the former lot of that pizza place between Johnson and University/Gorham, Casa Bianca I think it was called. I'd like to see a smaller development on that lot, anyway.

ahhhhh....its all coming to me now. i always wondered why that place is closed. its a prime spot and it has a parking lot. those are hard pressed to come by in that area of town.

That building does look very nice. It's too bad we probably won't be getting anything like that for some time in Madtown.

downtown uno on the way out...

http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/article_f3f21502-0d2d-11df-8876-001cc4c002e0.html?mode=story

Plans for a new Target store at Hilldale Shopping Center received initial approval from the city's Urban Design Commission on Wednesday and now move on to the Plan Commission.

"I don't expect any major problems," said Ald. Chris Schmidt, whose 11th District includes the store site. "Final approval is more about architectural details. Urban Design felt that the building site and major features of it were acceptable."


the rest here http://host.madison.com/business/article_74c5bac0-11f3-11df-90f4-001cc4c03286.html

KEN SINGLETARY | ksingletary@madison.com | 608-252-6159 | Posted: Monday, February 15, 2010 4:00 pm | Wisconsin STate Journal


Frontier Airlines has announced introductory fares from Madison starting at $99 each way to selected destinations in the western United States.

The prices don’t include added fees, and restrictions apply. Tickets must be purchased by April 15 for travel through Sept. 28.

Prices to Albuquerque, N.M.; Denver; Las Vegas; and Tucson, Ariz., are $99 each way. Other destinations are $109, $119, $129 and $139.

Frontier will begin flying to and from Denver from the Dane County Regional Airport on May 3. One daily flight will depart Madison at 6:55 p.m. and arrive in Denver at 8:30 p.m. A flight arrives in Madison at 6:20 p.m.

...

Madison saw a 26.7 percent decrease in fare prices in the third quarter of 2009 compared with the same quarter in 2008. That decrease was the fourth biggest in the country during that period.
...


Frontier will begin service between Green Bay and Denver on April 19.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/article_b25b6498-e128-525c-baeb-b9a7a3c20551.html

As the Edgewater decision approaches, more people are looking at Madison's development process

Sunday, February 14, 2010

A 16-screen movie theater complex cancels plans to build on Madison's North Side in favor of Sun Prairie.

A developer drops a $58 million redevelopment on East Washington Avenue after a dispute with city officials over taxpayer assistance, leaving in place a used-car lot.

And the proposed $93 million redevelopment of the historic Edgewater hotel remains uncertain.

Although nearly all proposals to build in the city get approved in some shape, developers have long decried Madison as a business killer, a city inattentive to business needs. In perhaps the most devastating example, even the liberal owner of Epic Systems, Judith Faulkner, moved her mushrooming company from Madison's West Side to Verona.

The Edgewater saga, unfolding in public for five months and far longer behind the scenes, has exposed flaws in the city's development review process that must be addressed after the hotel project is decided, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said...

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_ef659750-18d3-11df-b4e9-001cc4c002e0.html

I heard that the Edgewater got shortened yet again. Something drastic must have happened in how people percieve tall projects in Madison over the past couple years. There were probably more highrises built in Madison after 2000 than existed before 2000, and now we can't get this one measly project passed. (I understand it is in a historic neighborhood, but still.)

(I understand it is in a historic neighborhood, but still.)
That's not a trivial "but still" in this case.

I'm personally not enthusiastic about what I've seen in the renderings, whatever height it becomes, and if you are familiar with the building that Hammes Company erected across the street from Milwaukee's Pabst Theater a few years ago, you'd worry too that quality urban infill is not their strength.

As for Madison's development process, whatever it's shortcomings, it's impossible to not be aware of the nearly continuous creation of new and generally high quality buildings, public and private, in this city over the past decade.
(and wasn't there some fretting on this thread not long ago about an over supply of new hotel rooms in the developers' pipelines?)

DEAN MOSIMAN | dmosiman@madison.com | 608-252-6141 | Posted: Wednesday, March 3, 2010 6:55 pm | WSJ

Madison has a new preferred site for a slightly smaller public market that puts the venture in the heart of Downtown and makes it more financially viable.

A consultant will soon recommend that the market be located across the street from the Madison Municipal Building on the site of the aging Government East parking ramp, which is slated for demolition as early as 2012.

The site is a block from both Capitol Square and Monona Terrace, and amid city, Dane County and state offices.

Also, Marcus Corp. this week indicated continuing interest in building a hotel on the municipal building block to serve the convention center, which would bring even more vitality to the area.

Continued... (http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/article_4ba37979-bf49-5c5a-bbc0-2d56b7775384.html)

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/host.madison.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/1/4a/852/14a85206-2724-11df-94ac-001cc4c002e0.preview-300.jpg?_dc=1267662177

Wake up Madison! First we have a record breaking 81 degree day, and now this story.

By STEVEN VERBURG | sverburg@madison.com | 608-252-6118 | Posted: Thursday, April 1, 2010 7:56 pm | WSJ

Neighbors are nervous about a proposed office-retail development that could start within the next year with construction of a six- to seven-story hotel, a restaurant and a five-story medical clinic on 15 acres at University Avenue and Whitney Way.

But land owner Erdman Holdings Inc. says the ideas are very preliminary and that as they evolve they will take into account neighborhood concerns about traffic and Lake Mendota water quality.

Continued (http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/article_a1b004ac-3df2-11df-a39a-001cc4c002e0.html)

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/host.madison.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/6/78/5a4/6785a4ca-3df3-11df-b4e5-001cc4c002e0.preview-300.png?_dc=1270170150

KAREN RIVEDAL | State Journal | Posted: Thursday, April 1, 2010 5:31 pm | No Comments Posted | WSJ

A $4 million residential/office building to be known as Erin Square is slated for a late fall occupancy at 801 S. Park St. Owned by McCaughey Properties, the four-story development near the corner of Erin and South Park streets and across from St. Mary's Hospital will offer 5,000 square feet of leased office space on each of the first two floors and a total of 12 apartments on the third and fourth floors, along with surface and underground parking.

Continued (http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/article_7c17e0c4-3ddf-11df-919f-001cc4c002e0.html)

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/host.madison.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/6/af/881/6af88186-3ddf-11df-b959-001cc4c002e0.image.jpg?_dc=1270161567

DEAN MOSIMAN | dmosiman@madison.com | 608-252-6141 | Posted: Wednesday, April 7, 2010 3:15 pm |

Despite concerns by city officials about height and size, St. Paul's University Catholic Center is proposing a striking, 14-story facility with a chapel, student center and residences on the Library Mall - a project Madison Catholic Diocese Bishop Robert Morlino says is more important than rebuilding the Downtown Cathedral.

A redevelopment of the Catholic Center would create a "religious learning center" that would serve thousands of Catholic students at UW-Madison and the larger community, church officials said.

"We're trying to combine faith and reason so they don't conflict with each other but work with each other," said the Rev. Eric Nielsen, St. Paul's priest.

"This is a multi-generational project," added Scott Hackl, the center's director of development. "This is a building that would serve students at the university, Catholic or not, for 100 years."

Nielsen, and St. Paul's attorney, Ron Trachtenberg, discussed the plan with Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and city staff Wednesday afternoon.

"I'm open to it," Cieslewicz said after the meeting. "I appreciate the fact they came in so early. I encourage redevelopment of the site. Some more height and density is needed. It's a question of how much."

Continued... (http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_1b5c4aec-4283-11df-b597-001cc4c002e0.html)

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/host.madison.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/5/44/ebc/544ebc14-4282-11df-b561-001cc4c002e0.image.jpg?_dc=1270671340

while i completely agree the exisitng church and student center needs replacing, i doubt anyone will let them take it to that height. the pres house apts are on a double lot and therefore can maximize building usage in 7 stories. personally, i think a taller building to match the scale of the library would help create a nice terminal point/gateway for the state street axis. ps-the exterior design needs a lot of work...this could get interesting

interior
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/9b3edf00-4282-11df-9718-001cc4c002e.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/4881aae2-42b2-11df-9e0e-001cc4c0328.jpg

"For months, Otto Gebhardt has been seeking city approval for a new 87-unit, high-rise student apartment building at 1208 Spring St. Three aging rental houses on the property now would be torn down. Gebhardt and others have been quietly redeveloping other properties in the area between Randall Avenue and the Park Street viaduct. Some of the newer brick Colonial row houses on the narrow streets hint at Georgetown or Cambridge.

Despite some initial concerns about the height, the proposed Humbucker Apartments have faced little neighborhood opposition. The project features a mix of unit sizes from one to four bedrooms. Plans include 24 covered automobile parking spaces, 37 scooter spaces and one bicycle space per bedroom."

http://host.madison.com/ct/business/article_9e234ef0-4263-11df-bfb0-001cc4c002e0.html?mode=story

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/e3eb00fa-4262-11df-9d09-001cc4c002e.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/c2066d1c-41a9-11df-b4cc-001cc4c002e.png

Wow, some impressive developments being proposed in Madison. :)

UW-Madison students will vote beginning Monday on a $60 million addition to one of the main campus gyms, a project some students and officials say is needed to keep up with student demand and fitness trends.

The expansion, which would nearly double the size of the Natatorium, would cost students $54.19 more per semester for the next 30 years, beginning in 2013.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/education/university/article_ba9f05f4-45d0-11df-973a-001cc4c03286.html


Existing
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/afe1cfa2-45d0-11df-92da-001cc4c0328.jpg

Proposed
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/7bd213de-45d0-11df-96d9-001cc4c0328.jpg

Additional Renderings
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/rend6.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/rend5.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/rend4.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/rend3.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/rend2.jpg

Update to new Gordon Commons on campus

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/education/university/article_1f2bd88e-dee4-11de-85a0-001cc4c03286.html

project:
http://www.cityofmadison.com/planning/projects/reports/717wjs_intent.pdf

site:
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/717wjs_landscape.jpg

updated elevations:
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/717wjs_elevations.jpg

Has anyone else heard that the Raymond Hotel Group is proposing a mixed-use retail/hotel for the Casa Bianca site at Dayton and Johnson Streets???

found a rendering of the new sig ep house on langdon

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/237ls_site7.jpg

Let's just rename this thread "University of Wisconsin-Madison Development News".

I've never been particularly fond of being referred to as a "college town". I guess that's not about to change any time soon.

Let's just rename this thread "University of Wisconsin-Madison Development News".

I've never been particularly fond of being referred to as a "college town". I guess that's not about to change any time soon.

the government is the only entity that has any money to spend:nuts:

UW-Madison students will vote beginning Monday on a $60 million addition to one of the main campus gyms, a project some students and officials say is needed to keep up with student demand and fitness trends.

The expansion, which would nearly double the size of the Natatorium, would cost students $54.19 more per semester for the next 30 years, beginning in 2013.



Students say "no". They had no right to put the burden on my kids' tuition anyway.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/education/university/article_b7fe89ae-4833-11df-b728-001cc4c03286.html

the government is the only entity that has any money to spend:nuts:

That fancy new Hyatt on West Wash is old news, but newly opened. No gov't money involved. Anyone with a camera, functional fingers, and within walking distance? :)

Spectrum comes home. I love the way this new CEO handled it. Takes over as CEO on Thursday, and by Tuesday moves his company "home". It almost seems like he did it to spite the former CEO, or to make some kind of message. Regardless of job creation, cities like Madison need brands to attach their names too, and they can do so with this one again.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/article_ba71cb9a-488f-11df-822d-001cc4c03286.html

Update to new Gordon Commons on campus

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/education/university/article_1f2bd88e-dee4-11de-85a0-001cc4c03286.html

project:
http://www.cityofmadison.com/planning/projects/reports/717wjs_intent.pdf

site:
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/717wjs_landscape.jpg

updated elevations:
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/717wjs_elevations.jpg

Damn. That building looks huge! I do like the design a lot, though.

Wow, we go 2 months with virtually no discussion here and then in one day the board blows up. Must be the sunny weather?

The best news of the day is Spectrum's return to Madison, and all the jobs and recognition that return will bring.

An interesting article on the first mile and a half of East Washington:

http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_4c762a62-4cbf-11df-8c09-001cc4c03286.html

The city should hire someone to be a facilitator for this area. I think the current recession may actually help the redevelopment as the land prices may flatten or drop.

An interesting article on the first mile and a half of East Washington:

http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_4c762a62-4cbf-11df-8c09-001cc4c03286.html

The city should hire someone to be a facilitator for this area. I think the current recession may actually help the redevelopment as the land prices may flatten or drop.

Yes! An area very near and dear to my heart. As is the entire east side for that matter. Look down at the other end of the Avenue and Hy-Vee recently opened. That has got to be the most development money to go into an East Wash project in at least a decade. A lot was left to be desired, mostly regarding the outlots, but it's a start.

Some pics of construction.

The afore mentioned Hyatt.
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/5503/dscf4024n.jpg (http://img99.imageshack.us/i/dscf4024n.jpg/)

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/692/dscf4025t.jpg (http://img694.imageshack.us/i/dscf4025t.jpg/)

Phase 2:Sequoia Commons
http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5751/dscf3978g.jpg (http://img96.imageshack.us/i/dscf3978g.jpg/)
Mixed Use Project at Park and Regent
http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/3572/dscf4013x.jpg (http://img180.imageshack.us/i/dscf4013x.jpg/)

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/2209/dscf4012z.jpg (http://img651.imageshack.us/i/dscf4012z.jpg/)
The West Wash Project at the old Bus Depot
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/1566/dscf4016i.jpg (http://img687.imageshack.us/i/dscf4016i.jpg/)
UW Discovery Center
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/7683/dscf4030.jpg (http://img72.imageshack.us/i/dscf4030.jpg/)
Union South
http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/5484/dscf4034.jpg (http://img594.imageshack.us/i/dscf4034.jpg/)

Awesome. Thanks! :)

found a rendering of the new sig ep house on langdon

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/237ls_site7.jpg

New SigEp house clears first hurdle
Landmarks Commission decides proposed design for fraternity destroyed in 2008 fire fits with neighborhood

http://badgerherald.com/news/2010/04/27/new_sigep_house_clea.php

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/SigEp-New-House.jpg

a much nicer attempt at greek housing than that awful sigma chi monstrosity

Yahara River development:

After 18 months of meeting with neighbors, Apex Enterprises is moving forward with a major $8.5 million redevelopment at the corner of Merry and Winnebago streets along the Yahara River.

http://host.madison.com/ct/business/biz_beat/article_b174eeda-548a-11df-b711-001cc4c03286.html

Update: Doyle says Monona Terrace is the 'correct choice' for Amtrak station

In an announcement that Madison officials hailed as a boon for Downtown, Gov. Jim Doyle said Thursday that the “obvious, correct choice” for an Amtrak station is near Monona Terrace.

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz pledged to expand by 400 spaces a planned parking ramp reconstruction in the next two years to accommodate what he said should be called “Gov. Jim Doyle/Monona Terrace Station.”

The governor, Cieslewicz said, “made absolutely the right decision, and in some ways a courageous decision, and one that is going to benefit the city of Madison for generations to come.”

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/host.madison.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/b/dc/b38/bdcb38fe-5937-11df-a16e-001cc4c03286.image.png

UW-Madison Research Park Thrives, Plans for Growth

Today, the park is the setting for more than 100 companies in 32 buildings employing between 3,500 and 4,000 people with an estimated annual payroll of almost $250 million. In 2009, the park paid nearly $3.6 million in property taxes, and each year the park returns on the order of $500,000 to the university. A 2006 study by NorthStar Economics reported that the park directly and indirectly contributes an estimated $680 million to the state's economy.

Many of the companies in the park - Third Wave, Roche NimbleGen, Stemina, Cell Line Genetics Stratatech, Quintessence Biosciences - emerged directly from UW-Madison research; others - Mentor, Ultratec, Stemina - settled in the park to capitalize on its proximity to the intellectual resources of UW-Madison. Up to 70 percent of the companies in the park, says Bugher, have direct or indirect links to UW-Madison.

Nearing the current park's capacity, Bugher and his team are preparing to break ground this year for University Research Park 2 on a 270-acre site about 2 miles west of the original park. The park has also established the Metro Innovation Center, a 10-suite urban park in the historic Gisholt Machine Company building on Madison's near east side.

http://www.med.wisc.edu/news-events/news/uw-madison-research-park-thrives-plans-for-growth/26610

Mifflin residents consider housing

The first development, set to be located at 431 W. Dayton St., is a four-story complex divided into four separate units with 23 bedrooms total. Developer Daniel Bohl said as of this point, provided the proposal is approved by the necessary committees, construction is set to begin February 2011. Construction is expected to finish by August of that year.

A second project at 416 W. Mifflin St. will take the place of the vacant former Planned Parenthood and the parking lot next to it.

This project is also projected to have four floors, though the plans stipulate for a single level of underground automobile, bicycle and moped parking.

The plans include 33 separate units with 55 bedrooms in all. Architect Gary Brink noted this would not contribute to a higher density in the area with the ratio of units to bedrooms


http://badgerherald.com/news/2010/05/06/mifflin_residents_co.php

Update: Doyle says Monona Terrace is the 'correct choice' for Amtrak station



http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/host.madison.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/b/dc/b38/bdcb38fe-5937-11df-a16e-001cc4c03286.image.png

yeah, it's a better spot for people getting on/off in madison, but not for people going on to the twin cities or people coming from MSP to Milwaukee and Chicago. what will happen is that you'll have HSR trains that will bypass madison altogether and some that will stop on the isthmus.

yeah, it's a better spot for people getting on/off in madison, but not for people going on to the twin cities or people coming from MSP to Milwaukee and Chicago. what will happen is that you'll have HSR trains that will bypass madison altogether and some that will stop on the isthmus.

I like this! I used to live on the "Isthmus", I think this will be a pretty sweet stop on the HSR route.

^^ Hey get back to GB! lol

Yea this is awesome! Exellent news! now some of us are waiting for Milwaukee to GB rail. Anyways it looks as if this line passes through Sun Prairie, anyone know if that will be a stop? It should, the train will be a mix as commuter and highspeed.

Too bad the former MILW trackage on the NE Isthmus was abandoned and turned into that trail, it would be a great straight-shot in.

:ohno:

This is a light-years better stop than the airport, but it is still somewhat remote from the UW campus. I would still keep the options open for a stop at the former MILW station by the Kohl Center, too (special event, UW move-in/out days, etc.)

Mike

Too bad the former MILW trackage on the NE Isthmus was abandoned and turned into that trail, it would be a great straight-shot in.


That bike trail has turned into one of the most successful bike trails in the city though, and there are always people biking on it. It is a crucial bike link from East Madison into downtown, so in my mind it was probably worth it.

The Monona Terrace is a wonderful spot for the train stop, and helps to re-establish the importance of downtown Madison to this region. This could provide commuters to the Ithsmus with another daily route for getting to and from work from Milwaukee and its western suburbs.

Wake up Madison! First we have a record breaking 81 degree day, and now this story.

By STEVEN VERBURG | sverburg@madison.com | 608-252-6118 | Posted: Thursday, April 1, 2010 7:56 pm | WSJ

Neighbors are nervous about a proposed office-retail development that could start within the next year with construction of a six- to seven-story hotel, a restaurant and a five-story medical clinic on 15 acres at University Avenue and Whitney Way.

But land owner Erdman Holdings Inc. says the ideas are very preliminary and that as they evolve they will take into account neighborhood concerns about traffic and Lake Mendota water quality.

Continued (http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/article_a1b004ac-3df2-11df-a39a-001cc4c002e0.html)

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/host.madison.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/6/78/5a4/6785a4ca-3df3-11df-b4e5-001cc4c002e0.preview-300.png?_dc=1270170150

Erdman Center heavy on the asphalt \

For many in Madison, the Erdman name has long been associated with cutting-edge design.

From hospitals featuring luxury rooms to the Middleton Hills residential development, the Erdman group has carried on the tradition of architect Marshall Erdman, a working associate of Frank Lloyd Wright. It has designed projects on a human scale, with an emphasis on the public realm.

So imagine the surprise when plans for 15 acres of Erdman-owned property at the corner of Whitney Way and University Avenue came in looking like a suburban office park complete with nearly 700 surface parking stalls.

"The first thing I noticed was the amount of parking," says Tim Gruber, a former west side City Council member now serving on the Madison Plan Commission.

The commission got a look at plans for the $7.5 million "Erdman Center" earlier this week and for the most part was not impressed. Phase One, which could begin by 2011, is to include a six- to seven-story hotel, a restaurant and another building with space for several retailers.

http://host.madison.com/ct/business/biz_beat/article_f48c395e-5dfd-11df-a6c0-001cc4c002e0.html

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/f3c1210c-5de3-11df-8b20-001cc4c002e.jpg

http://legistar.cityofmadison.com/attachments/056e2333-d900-4f19-825a-ea74398ab04d.pdf

Developer proposes hotel, student apartments (http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2010/05/17/developer-proposes-madison-hotel-student-apartments/)
DailyReporter.com

http://dailyreporter.com/files/2010/05/render.gif

http://dailyreporter.com/files/2010/05/land.gif

A Middleton development group is proposing a 12-story hotel and student apartment building for downtown Madison.

Raymond Management Co. Inc.‘s proposal for the corner of Johnson and Bassett streets is the third attempt to get a project off the drawing board and into the ground since Madison developer Erik Minton bought the site 10 years ago.
(Photo courtesy of the city of Madison)

The area targeted for a 12-story hotel and student apartment building in downtown Madison. (Photo courtesy of the city of Madison)

Minton said he sold the site to Raymond because he could not get financing for his project. He said he wishes Raymond well but is not optimistic.

“I just do not trust anybody in the city’s review process,” he said.

Raymond representatives on Wednesday will present the project to the Madison Urban Design Commission, and both Alderman Mike Verveer and Larry Warman, Mifflin West District chairman, said they have no immediate objections.

The project would border an area covered by Capitol Neighborhoods Inc., a downtown residents group representing five downtown neighborhoods including Mifflin West.

“As far as I’m concerned, if TIF isn’t part of the equation, then more power to the developers,” Verveer said. “It’s not a big concern of mine.”

Verveer said the project could run into controversy if the developers ask for tax incremental financing to help pay for development.

Jeff Kraemer, a member of Raymond’s development team, said Monday the company has not yet finished its financial analysis to determine if it needs TIF support. He said the company does not have a cost estimate for the project.

TIF districts let municipalities borrow money to subsidize developments and pay for utility and street work that serves projects. Communities then use new taxes generated by the projects to pay off the debt.

Warman said he wants to see more detailed designs, but the site’s design guidelines call for 10- to 12-story buildings.

“I want to be empathetic,” he said. “We’ll see what comes of the proposal.”

Do you think they'll ever fill that surface lot rounding the bend of Gorham/University (across from all the apartment towers)? It seems like putting some type of mid-rise, multi-use project there would really add a lot to the area...

Do you think they'll ever fill that surface lot rounding the bend of Gorham/University (across from all the apartment towers)? It seems like putting some type of mid-rise, multi-use project there would really add a lot to the area...

thats where all the co-eds lay out and tan on sunny days-it'd be a shame if we lost that-lol

Council approves Edgewater project

After a year of passionate, polarizing debate and a final marathon meeting, the Madison City Council approved the Hammes Co.'s proposed $98 million redevelopment of the historic Edgewater hotel.

Construction on the project could begin as soon as late 2010, Dunn said.

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, who embraced the project early on, said, "It means jobs. Combine this with the library vote and real movement forward on high speed rail. We're going to be putting lots of construction workers to work in the next 12 months."


http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_af374f88-6325-11df-beb3-001cc4c002e0.html?mode=story

That's great news, glad to hear it, thanks Hybridy.

Awesome news. What does the approved version look like though? I've only seen the original renderings.

Awesome news. What does the approved version look like though? I've only seen the original renderings.

FINAL RENDERING - SEE LINKS BELOW FOR ADDITIONAL

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/edgewater.jpg

elevations:
http://www.cityofmadison.com/planning/projects/reports/666wa_elevations.pdf

perspectives:
http://www.cityofmadison.com/planning/projects/reports/666wa_perspectives.pdf

Thought this was pretty cool. I'm gonna bike that way when I visit my parents next weekend.

Madison tries European idea to improve Bike Safety (http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_7139503a-62e6-11df-93ae-001cc4c03286.html)
Wisconsin State Journal

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/host.madison.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/3/45/ad2/345ad20c-62e5-11df-a3d1-001cc4c03286.image.jpg?_dc=1274232246

The design, formed with a thermoplastic material affixed to the pavement with a blowtorch, includes glass beads reflective to headlights, said City Traffic Engineer Dave Dryer.

"We hope it will work through the winter," Dryer said.

The bike boxes are the first project from a European fact-finding tour of bicycle-friendly cities in Germany and the Netherlands that Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and 19 other civic and business made last month.

The design provides an advanced stop line that allows bicyclists to move in front of motor vehicles that are stopped at the traffic lights. Once the lights turn green, the bikes move out ahead of the motor vehicles.

---

State Rep wants to stop use of Euro style Bike markers (http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_233e0e24-6602-11df-a306-001cc4c002e0.html)
Wisconsin State Journal

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/host.madison.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/d/6c/d99/d6cd9960-62c8-11df-ad19-001cc4c002e0.image.jpg?_dc=1274220060
The European-styled pavement markers the city of Madison installed last week at the intersection of Williamson and Wilson streets has made state Rep. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, see red.

Nass said Friday that he would introduce legislation in January that would ban the bike boxes, which are intended to minimize conflicts between motorists and bicyclists at busy intersections.

“It’s basically about liberal extremists in Madison who hate cars and think everyone should bike to work,” Nass said. “It is basically making it difficult to use an automobile.”

Nass said Friday that he would introduce legislation in January that would ban the bike boxes, which are intended to minimize conflicts between motorists and bicyclists at busy intersections.

“It’s basically about liberal extremists in Madison who hate cars and think everyone should bike to work,” Nass said. “It is basically making it difficult to use an automobile.”

Did Rep. Nass miss what has happened in city design over the last 50 or so years, most of which 'was about extremists who hate bikes and pedestrians and think everyone should drive to work'?

Does he not see that the design of most cities "basically make it difficult to ride a bike or walk"?

Who is this Nass guy? If I lived in his district I'd vote against him, if he can't figure this out then I have no hope that he has the ability to solve any of the deep problems facing this state.

Did Rep. Nass miss what has happened in city design over the last 50 or so years, most of which 'was about extremists who hate bikes and pedestrians and think everyone should drive to work'?

Does he not see that the design of most cities "basically make it difficult to ride a bike or walk"?

Who is this Nass guy? If I lived in his district I'd vote against him, if he can't figure this out then I have no hope that he has the ability to solve any of the deep problems facing this state.

He's a state Rep. (R) from Whitewater, which makes it odd he's so interested in Bike Safety in Madison.

Target buys land for Hilldale store

Target Corp. bought land at the Hilldale Shopping Center on Thursday for what will become the third Target store in Madison and the fifth in Dane County.

The 6.75-acre property is at University Avenue and Hilldale Way, at the northwest end of the shopping area. The land initially had been slated as a new location for the Whole Foods market, but that project was canceled.

The Target store will have two levels, with 460 parking stalls at the street level and 150,000 square feet of shopping space upstairs. Neither the cost of the project nor the price of the land was immediately available.

The store is expected to open in 2011, but a specific date was not released Thursday.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/article_343713c4-7fe3-11df-9ac9-001cc4c002e0.html

^^ so cool its gonna be parking under the store. You can find Kmart stores like that in New Zealand probably because of space constraints. But i feel thats how all of those big stores should be layed out.

For all criticism the Madison design boards receives, I don't know a lot of cities it's size that could get target to build the urban concept store, if any.

And there is a WalMart by the Beltline that was built like this several years ago. The majority of its parking is on the first floor and the store is on the second level.

And there is a WalMart by the Beltline that was built like this several years ago. The majority of its parking is on the first floor and the store is on the second level.

ah you're right...unfortunately investigating through Google maps shows the old Wal-Mart and Sams Club, even streetview...then tried Bing Maps, the Aerial shows a new completed Wal Mart that looks like the parking is underneath...just wish the Bing Maps Birds Eye showed it, but that shows it under construction.

http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=43.04211200928615~-89.34972888151418&lvl=17&sty=h&ss=yp.wal%20mart~pg.1~rad.0,286162309002038

And from the looks of it, 2 entrances are off of.......the new road that isn't named yet.....facing south?.... :/

Anyways thanks for the info

But that is so cool and it really should be how these types of stores are built because of the large amount of space taken. Now there are going to be 2 of em, so proud of Madtown.

Train station to use Department of Administration building

The state has chosen its Department of Administration building at 101 E. Wilson St. for a new Downtown train station to facilitate the city's planned redevelopment of a multi-block area, officials said Thursday.

More detailed preliminary designs and a cost estimate for the station should be available by the end of this month, state officials said.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_d12dc626-8521-11df-964e-001cc4c002e0.html

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/4c2d1d6b9fdba_image.jpg

WSJ | ALICIA YAGER | ayager@madison.com | 608-252-6136 | Posted: Sunday, July 18, 2010 2:30 pm

A proposed plan for a four-star hotel and convention center in the 2200 block of Rimrock Road would help meet the demand for hotel rooms close to the Alliant Energy Center, according to the plan’s developer.

The proposed Crowne Plaza Hotel would be a seven-story structure with more than 157,000 square feet. The plan calls for about 230 rooms, a conference center and a full-service restaurant, according to a letter of intent submitted to the city by the design company Gateway Project.

The hotel would also feature surface and underground parking areas for cars and bicycles, and it would extend southward the existing paved bike path along Rimrock Road. If approved and built, the Crowne Plaza would join three other hotels in that area — Sheraton Madison, Clarion Suites Central and Holiday Inn Express. Gateway Project will unveil the proposal in an informational presentation to the city’s Urban Design Commission on Wednesday.

More... (http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/article_f0382cee-92a2-11df-9e9e-001cc4c002e0.html)


http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/host.madison.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/c/4c/fde/c4cfdeee-92a2-11df-9307-001cc4c002e0-revisions/4c435615de828.image.jpg

^^:ohno:

It's not all bad if it brings more conventions to Alliant.

Group has grand vision for John Nolen Drive

its about time...too bad the article doesn't say anything

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/article_b94807c6-eb03-5024-a8d6-b936478aefcf.html

renderings of the new uw dorms courtsey of engberg anderson

The new facility, situated on the West end of campus, will include approximately 400 beds, common space including offices, service desk, laundry, tech center, programming space and a "marketplace" concept food service facility with seating for approximately 500. Life-cycle cost analysis of energy-using systems and energy use modeling are a couple of avenues being explored to achieve an equivalency rating of LEED Silver. Geothermal is among the options under consideration. Engberg Anderson is working in association with Mackey Mitchell Architects of St. Louis, MO.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/Doc1-1.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/Doc2.jpg

misc. apartment proposals...

431 West Dayton Street
The proposed project shall demolish the existing structure and replace it with a 4 story, 4-unit, furnished residential apartment building intended to house University of Wisconsin college students. The site shall include 23 bicycle and moped stalls, including 3 interior and 4 covered stalls. In addition, there shall be decks in several ofthe units and an open green space in the rear with a grill for tenant use. The apartment rents shall be market rate, with a monthly rate of $525 per bedroom expected.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/431wds_site7.jpg



"Settlement Place"
The developer is pursuing a three-story, 21-unit apartment building with 25 underground parking spaces at 517-523 East Main Street, the corner of busy South Blair Street

"Settlement Place" apartments would replace a 1946 one-story brick structure office building formerly occupied by the Madison Water Utility. McGrath paid $410,000 earlier this year to acquire the site from the city.

If given final approval by the Common Council as expected, construction would begin this fall. The developers hope to start renting the one and two-bedroom units by June 2011.

"It's a smaller boutique project for us," says McGrath, who with older brother Todd has played a key role in redeveloping the downtown.

http://host.madison.com/ct/business/biz_beat/article_84ece510-9923-11df-8cd8-001cc4c002e0.html

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/bcc9c7f3-d503-431f-ab13-215bd1e8642041.jpg

^^WTF is boutique about this? :lol:

Some pics of construction.

The afore mentioned Hyatt.
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/5503/dscf4024n.jpg (http://img99.imageshack.us/i/dscf4024n.jpg/)

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/692/dscf4025t.jpg (http://img694.imageshack.us/i/dscf4025t.jpg/)



I was in here yesterday. I work across the street now. Nice place. So different from any other hotel I've been in. Very contemporary.

Playing around on the roof today. Sorry for the crappy phone pics:

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/stain_of_mind/2010-08-10145323.jpg

http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/stain_of_mind/2010-08-10150112.jpg

Wisconsin Energy Institute

Rendering as of Aug 2010


http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/East_Study_PSD_BASE.jpg

I was in here yesterday. I work across the street now. Nice place. So different from any other hotel I've been in. Very contemporary.

you should check out the new Aloft hotel in Milwaukee. it's incredibly different than other hotels.

UW pushes for $76.8 million athletic center

University of Wisconsin athletic officials are asking for a $76.8 million athletic performance center in the next two-year state budget, just five years after a $109.5-million expansion of Camp Randall Stadium.

The UW System Board of Regents will review the request, which does not involve any tax dollars, Thursday.

The proposal includes a new multistory building used primarily for football with new locker rooms and weight training facilities. The Regents agreed to a similar $67.2 million plan in the last budget cycle two years ago, but it was spiked by state officials in the approval process.

The proposal includes money to update the sound system and scoreboards at Camp Randall, add new locker rooms for other athletic teams and replace the FieldTurf installed six seasons ago.

The McClain Center, where several teams now practice, also would be updated.

The new facility would be located north of Camp Randall between the Lot 17 parking ramp and the adjacent complex for the UW School of Engineering.

http://host.madison.com/news/local/education/university/article_37b0ffbe-ab36-11df-bc7c-001cc4c002e0.html

Madison airport gets back their daily flight to Atlanta.

Delta to resume flights from Madison to Atlanta

The Dane County Regional Airport is pleased to announce that Delta Airlines will resume its non-stop flights to Atlanta on November 3, 2010. The morning flight from Madison to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will begin with a 50-seat CRJ Delta Connection aircraft. Passengers can begin booking flights from Madison to Atlanta now.

"Business and leisure travelers alike have told us they have missed having this connection to Atlanta," said Dane County Regional Airport Director Bradley Livingston. "This daily, non-stop flight will provide our customers another link to the southern United States, and connections throughout the world."

More... (http://www.msnairport.com/)

I guess I never realized that Madison had lost it's flight to Atlanta. Atlanta is Delta's largest hub and they have always had flights to Madison. I know Appleton still has their Atlanta flight.

Wisconsin Energy Institute

Rendering as of Aug 2010


http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/East_Study_PSD_BASE.jpg

I like this. That corner (UW Health/Clinic was a eyesore). Much better. Modern, european feel. From that view, I can't tell if Campus Drive perspective looks good.

Madison's train station would cost at least $12 million, have four stories


http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/host.madison.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/1/1c/7c8/11c7c8ea-b56e-11df-8a1e-001cc4c002e0-revisions/4c7db60dc52c3.image.jpg

MATTHEW DeFOUR | mdefour@madison.com | 608-252-6144 | Posted: Wednesday, September 1, 2010 8:00 am
The state Department of Transportation estimates a Madison passenger rail station next to Monona Terrace will cost about $12 million, though city officials are already contemplating additions that could drive up the local share of the cost.
The estimate, along with more detailed design sketches, were showcased Tuesday evening at the state's Department of Administration building, 101 E. Wilson St., where the train station will be located. About 150 people attended.
State and city officials still have to negotiate a final cost-sharing arrangement for the station, DOT Divisions Operations Director Paul Trombino said. The state plans to own and operate the station, he said.
The state had budgeted $24 million for station development — including $9 million for Madison and $5 million each for Watertown, Oconomowoc and Brookfield — but has since dropped plans for an Oconomowoc station. Some of the money for Oconomowoc could go toward the Madison station, but the cost of other stations remains unknown, Trombino said.
Madison has already committed to building a 1,200-stall underground parking structure on the site of the dilapidated Government East parking ramp across Wilson Street from the DOA building. An already-planned 800-stall structure was anticipated to cost $23.5 million, and the train station will require 400 of its own stalls.
Though the DOT concept includes locating an intercity bus boarding area on Pinckney Street next to the parking ramp, the city anticipates locating a public market and bicycle parking facility on the ground floor.
Madison transit planner David Trowbridge said the city is considering ways to create an intercity bus boarding area either on an expanded top parking deck of Monona Terrace or on the opposite side of John Nolen Drive from the train platform. The cost of either option is unknown.
"I don't want a lot of drop-offs on Wilson Street because of the future land use," Trowbridge said. "A pedestrian environment is not quite as compatible with taxis zooming in and out."
The drawings gave the public a glimpse of the first-floor plan for the DOA building and how passengers would reach the train tracks from Wilson Street.
Visitors would enter through the existing front doors and see ticket counters, retail outlets and bathrooms where the Wisconsin Arts Board offices are currently located. The existing cafeteria would be remodeled into a restaurant and seating area.
A short skywalk would connect to passengers to the top floor of a new, four-story, free-standing platform structure with elevators and escalators. Passengers could also access the structure on the third floor from the parking lot of Monona Terrace off of Pinckney Street.
The platform concept envisions a narrow, glass-paneled structure with an undulating roof resembling a sideways wishbone. The wave design would complement the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Monona Terrace design, Trombino said.
The 26-foot-wide platform would sit between two tracks to allow freight trains to travel unimpeded while passenger trains to Milwaukee load.
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_5050ce7c-b56e-11df-82c5-001cc4c002e0.html

While technically Sun Prairie, this article (http://ibmadison.com/commercialdevelopment?id=533)does a great job of summarizing what Sun Prairie is doing on their West Side (far east side of Madison).

Capitol Heights Breaking Ground Soon

Fitchburg developer Bill Schiel will be breaking ground soon on Capitol Heights, the Midwest’s first fully green-certified community. Both the land and the homes will meet eco-friendly standards. The 4.5 acre subdivision in Fitchburg will include 35 residential lots surrounded by13 acres of restored parkland. The lots will be small, just 4,000-6,000 sq. ft., and homes will be highly energy efficient.

http://ibmadison.com/businessreport?businessreport_id=1090

http://www.realestatebyrobin.com/capitol-heights.asp

New Development Proposed for University Ave.

The Mullins Group has proposed a six-story housing redevelopment for the 2500 block of University Avenue in Madison, on a triangular corner of University Avenue and Campus Drive. The $15-$20 million project would include 110 apartments, eight town homes, commercial space and a 166-space parking garage, but it would leave Lombardino’s, a popular west side restaurant, untouched. If approved, Mullins hopes to break ground next spring.

http://ibmadison.com/businessreport?businessreport_id=1061

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_5050ce7c-b56e-11df-82c5-001cc4c002e0.html

seems a wee bit excessive for an intermediary station, but that's what Oconomowoc gets for opposing a rail station in their town. Still, I'm not sure why Madison should get all of the Oconomowoc money for their station. Why shouldn't that money go to the Milwaukee, Brookfield and Watertown stations to make them more elaborate?

Max, the Milwaukee station has received/is receiving a $31.8 million renovation. I'm not sure how much more you wanted them to spend on Milwaukee, especially since Milwaukee is also an intermediate station on this line.

MarqKev: Milwaukee's Intermodal station is far more of a hub for regional trains and transit. It is a crosspoint for Hiawatha and Empire Builder as well as the eventual train line to Green Bay. It also serves as a transfer point for Greyhound busses, Megabus, Wisconsin Coach and several other bus lines. It will be a stop for the Milwaukee Streetcar as well as the KRM commuter rail. It deserves all that funding and more. I just wonder if maybe Brookfield/Watertown/Madison shouldn't split up the money from the Oconomowoc station with Madison getting a greater proportion but not ALL of it.

Max, the renovations to the Milwaukee Intermodal Station already take into account future/proposed expansion of services. So there's not much more that's going to happen with it.

Madison certainly ought to deserve to receive a good chunk of money to remodel the Dept. of Administration Building into a nice train station. $12 million or so to do it does not seem out of line (that's several million less than the just the cost of Milwaukee's new train shed, by the way).

And there are plans to have bus drop offs, bike access, etc for the Madison station too. So it is intended to be a transit hub as well. And don't forget that Madison is also planning for some kind of commuter rail and/or streetcar.

I'm not saying the Milwaukee station needs any more money or work done-- I'm happy with the new station and new train shed being built... I just wonder if maybe the people of Brookfield could be somewhat appeased if their station was better than the bare minimum and had a bit more funding from the lost Oconomowoc station. I don't like the idea necessarily of punishing your enemies. Just because Brookfield is filled with myopic suburbanites who don't currently see the value of rail, I don't think we should ignore them. To the contrary, it might be better to try to win them over with a better station so that they are less likely to oppose the state on this.

All I'm asking is why should Madison get all of the Oconomowoc money?

Don't forget about how many more multiples of people would use the Madison station over the Oconomowoc station. Madison has quite a pedestrian/bike friendly populous living right on the isthmus, all the downtown state/office workers, and a University of almost 50,000 students within a couple miles of the station. In addition this station would be the sole station to serve the entire metropolitan area (as opposed to Milwaukee's 2-3 metropolitan stations). I would say that Madison is deserving of the money that is currently being allocated to its station.

for the record, i do like the design of the madison station-- but i think they shouldn't have any trouble getting the local government there to chip in some of the funding to make it as nice as the proposal is. the same isn't true for brookfield, though-- getting their locality to put any money into their station at all is going to be an uphill battle-- which is ridiculous, i know, but if we want them to see the value of passenger rail, we have to maybe appease them with a nicer station so they can see its advantages. this is just my opinion.

If I was planning intermediate stops on that line (and even though I very much want useful rail-passenger service restored in Wisconsin, I have no respect at all for the methods that the Doylies and the current federal administration are going about trying to do it), I would not put one in Brookfield - it's too close to downtown Milwaukee and there is nothing really of note anywhere near Brookfield's old 'village' area by the Brookfield Rd Canadian Pacific crossing.

I would put intermediate station stops in Pewaukee, Watertown, Waterloo and Sun Prairie. The Pewaukee and Watertown stops should be designed as sidings off of the mainline that would allow freight and express trains to bypass the station platforms.

Mike