The Progressive leaves First Settlement – Yes, alas, our beloved Progressive Magazine, which had made its home in our neighborhood for the past few decades, decided to sell their property at 409 East Main Street. The law firm of Hawks Quindel, with offices currently at 222 West Washington Avenue, has purchased this delightful little former grocery store and will begin a re- construction to include an additional floor and a complete reconfiguration of the interior. The re- construction which is estimated to take as much as a year will pay close attention to the historic integrity of the building while increasing square footage.
3twenty Apartments – 320 East Wilson Street This new six story mixed-use development by Kothe Real Estate Partners on Wilson Street at South Hancock features 30 market rate apartments with a rooftop terrace, a commercial space, views of Lake Monona and easy access to the Capital City Bike Trail. The architectural profile of this building is interesting in that it creates line that gently follows the curvature of Wilson Street. It’s a subtle detail that makes a significant difference in the aesthetic of the building and of the First Settlement District too.
Creative Learning Preschool & Child Care Center has an opportunity to purchase their building at the corner of Main and Butler Streets. They are looking to raise a $500,000 down payment by the end of 2016. Ownership will reduce expenses, dramatically expanding funding for low-income families while retaining skilled, caring teachers at competitive wages. We certainly hope they make their goals. Creative Learning Preschool has been a great asset to downtown and the First Settlement District. For more information: creativelearningpreschool.org or 608-258- 9811
Lucille – A fresh cocktail, craft beer and pizza-slinging tavern has re-invented the former Isthmus Offices located at the gateway of King Street in the First Settlement District. The interior architecture, is completely stunning. Built in the 1920’s, 101 King Street was first home to the Capital City Bank and WIBA Radio, Madison’s first commercial radio station. With an open air first floor bar room, a mezzanine built for dining comfortably, great views and late night, and warm, funky hidden basement lounge; there are three levels of exploration. Lucille is a project of Joshua Berkson and Patrick Sweeney the owners of the highly popular Merchant restaurant/bar.
Crowley Station – This most centrally located community garden in the downtown is a collection of 20 raised beds on top of the concrete platform of city well #17. The garden was made possible by a generous grant from Madison Water Utility and the dedicated labor of First Settlement District neighbors. Members pay a yearly fee to grow their own food here. Gardening workshops, yoga classes and social events are open to the public. One bed is an educational plot teaching members how to garden; harvests from this bed are donated to the Grace Episcopal Food Pantry. This wonderful amenity contributes greatly to the livability of our historic downtown neighborhood. Contact them at CrowleyStationGarden@gmail.com.
Barry Chic Styling – It’s little surprises like, Barry Chic that make the First Settlement District one of Madison most special neighborhoods. Barry Chic Styling has called the neighborhood home since January 2013. Owner, Liza Barry and his styling team has offered personalized customer and assists clients in finding the perfect one-of- a-kind piece they will love and look great in for years to come. Find them at 402 E. Wilson St., barrychic.com, or 608-212- 3865.