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The Madison Landmarks Commission recommended plans for a central campus apartment building amid controversy about preserving the integrity of the historic neighboring fire station.
Madison architecture firm Knothe & Bruce has proposed an eight-story residential building on Dayton Street, next to the long-standing Fire Station No. 4 and across the street from Camp Randall Stadium.
Knothe & Bruce architect Randy Bruce said the building will provide students with an alternative to other “sorry looking” residences in the area.
His company’s proposal has attracted controversy because of its proximity to two historical sites, he said.
Landmarks Commission Chair Stuart Levitan said the commission’s main concern was whether the development compromises the integrity of the neighboring historic buildings.
Bruce said a key step his company has taken to respect the bordering buildings’ history was choosing an architectural style that plays off of the old buildings but allows them to remain unique.
“We tried to give some recognition to the scale and frontage that the fire station had on that street,” he said. “We wanted to make sure that the building is not paying too much homage to the fire station – we wanted to differentiate it.”
The development’s combination of dark brick and metal panels echoes the fire station’s all-brick design while maintaining a modern edge, Bruce said.
Commission member Erica Gehrig said the presence of other tall buildings in the area means the development would not hinder visibility or integrity of the fire station.
“A fire station has a specific use – something large with a totally different use next to it is OK,” she said. “It still reads as a fire station. I can’t help but think about Union South across the street – the fire station will be the only little building left.”
The commission largely praised Bruce’s efforts to create a residential building without compromising the fire station. They did, however, recommend small design changes.
Levitan said the commission would recommend the project to the city’s Plan Commission and Urban Design Commission but would encourage the commissions to consider the color palate and recommend “appropriate and complimentary colors.”
Commission members unanimously approved the project.
Members also discussed plans for the historic Garver Feed Mill on Madison’s east side.
Commission member Amy Scanlon said despite the building’s status as a historical landmark, at least some redevelopment must take place to preserve it.
The city, she said, originally allowed demolition of the building on grounds that original materials would be used in the redesign. The materials, however, were in such a state of disrepair that they were unusable.
She added the building’s roof is also in “terrible shape.”
Levitan suggested the commission recommend to the mayor’s office and to the Plan Commission that the city should make buildings secure.
The need for security, he said, comes from concerns about vandalism or damage to the property. One proposed solution was putting a pole structure or pitched roof over the building to protect it.
Ultimately, Levitan said, the commission’s goal is to salvage the building while also preserving its history.
“We recommend the greatest degree of preservation that’s structurally and financially feasible,” he said.
