The Mifflin Street neighborhood could undergo serious changes over the next decade as planners push for new, taller buildings to replace the older homes that have given the neighborhood its character for generations of University of Wisconsin students.
The last time the Mifflin Street neighborhood plan was altered was in 1989, and city planners are increasingly finding it difficult to adhere to the dated restrictions.
Bill Fruhling, the city’s principal planner, spoke at a neighborhood meeting Thursday to reexamine the state of West Mifflin. Fruhling expressed concerns over the current rundown state of Mifflin
“If things continue (like they are) — 25 to 35 years from now, what will they be like?” Fruhling said.
Although not advocating any particular changes, Fruhling said one idea would be to knock down the current two- to three-story buildings in favor of new four- to six-story complexes. He suggested similar methods in other areas throughout downtown Madison: outside of Bedford, the implementation of six- to eight-story buildings and on Regent Street, eight- to 10-story buildings.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said architects and developers are lobbying for increased scale and taller buildings on Mifflin Street and surrounding areas, threatening the beloved scale and character of the area.
“I am not excited about almost wanton demolition of the area west of Mifflin,” Verveer said. “A cherished, cute neighborhood may be going the way of the dinosaurs in the next few years.”
Verveer added if houses in the area need to be replaced, he wants to see new ones of similar scale and character to what is already present.
The aim of this new construction is to create a more holistic feel of the downtown living units, Fruhling said. However, no plans are concrete.
“These aren’t recommendations, these are concepts, and we want feedback,” Fruhling said.
One resident disliked the metropolitan feel the new buildings would bring to the neighborhood.
“I enjoy walking our neighborhood; I like to be able to see the sky, I like the openness,” said Bob Holloway, a Washburn resident.
A University of Wisconsin student voiced concern that the Mifflin Street Block Party would no longer exist if the new developments were built.
Fruhling said he was unsure of how this would affect the atmosphere of the traditional party.
Another question posed was whether or not Mifflin would continue to be an area mainly populated by students.
Fruhling said the new development’s ground floors could be used for restaurants or retail shops, in a way connecting State Street to Mifflin Street. There would also be the opportunity for graduate students, as well as young and old professionals, to reside in the new buildings.
An attendee of the meeting referenced the popularity of the Lucky Apartments among students, suggesting new buildings on Mifflin Street would receive the same such welcome.
Fruhling said new buildings on Mifflin Street would alleviate concerns that the street is being underutilized.
One resident cited the current economic downfall the nation is going through and wondered if the proposed project would funnel money toward something that does not need to be done.
Sometime later in the fall the city planners will meet again with the public to discuss the redrafting of the downtown building plan.
