News

Community debates future of house

Madison residents and planners discussed a redevelopment proposal for property lots on the 400 block of West Mifflin Street at a neighborhood meeting Thursday.

The current plan would require 441 W. Mifflin St., which is a historic house, to be demolished and rebuilt, according to property owner Frank Staniszewski of Madison Development Corporation. However, many community members expressed concern for the destruction of such a significant structure, built in 1884, and said Staniszewski should explore other options for the lot.

"I can't see tearing down the house," resident Gene Devitt said. "It's one of the oldest on the block."

While some citizens like Devitt expressed concern for the historic monument, University of Wisconsin student John Griffin said he understands the eventual need for change.

"I like how [the house] is now, but times change," Griffin said. "I don't have an attachment to the house, even though I live in the neighborhood."

But Madison resident Rosemary Lee said she is concerned about taking down such an old house and proposed alternatives to the plan. Some suggestions included a restoration option of building an addition to the existing house to avoid a conflict of interest.

"I'm very torn, since [the building] is over 100 years old, and I want to know if there is a way to add the square feet in the back to avoid tearing it down," Lee said.

Yet Staniszewski said simply adding square footage is a problem because it would not be economical. Though the outside of the building would be preserved, the inside would need to be gutted and the floor plan completely reorganized, he said.

Bassett Neighborhood Organization Chair Peter Ostlind — who toured the building in question — said he does not want to encourage people to tear down buildings just because it is more economical. However, Ostlind added that he understood Staniszewski's point of view.

"My sense in touring the building is that it just doesn't function well for what [Madison Development Corporation] is trying to achieve," he said.

Other residents who toured the house said the layout is less than desirable. Staniszewski said many codes are being violated because the house is so old, especially in the bathroom, where one must turn sideways to get into the shower.

Residents said another concern with the plan is the number of parking spaces. According to Staniszewski, there would be only five spaces available in the middle of the lot for eight units of housing, but said there would be additional parking available down the street.

However, Lee said parking should not be a problem.

"I don't think you will find parking necessarily even an issue here," Lee stated. "Many residents in this area are young students or are sharing a vehicle."

Though there was much opposition to the demolition of one of the houses, residents said they do not completely object to the plan. Ledell Zellers, vice president of the Capitol Neighbors Program Committee, said residents like the idea of new, separate housing units occupying the back of the lot, but added the main concern is still historical preservation of the building.

"I think that this plan is highly superior to the previous proposal," Zellers said. "But I also agree that if there is any way at all to save that house, it should be done."

The city's Plan Commission will meet next Monday to determine the house's future.