“... to consciously plan for
the definite steps necessary to realize a practicable
ideal.”
John Nolen, Madison - A Model City
1911
Realizing a practicable ideal is an ongoing process which has been engaging
residents. The Bassett District has witnessed a tremendous resurgence of resident
interest and involvement in neighborhood activities. Numerous residents have
stepped forward to take up the challenge of building on our assets to create
an engaging and vital neighborhood. What started as a group of four people
over coffee at a local café quickly outgrew the confines of the space.
Regular monthly gatherings are now attended by 15-25 residents and cover a
range of issues. The neighborhood has begun to be proactive on issues but is
still often left in a reactive position especially with regards to development
proposals.
Improving the overall appearance
of the District has been an area of focused activity.
Operation CUB (Clean Up Bassett) was formed in the
fall of 2004 as a response to the ongoing problem of
litter in the neighborhood. Staffed by volunteers who
are assigned to patrol specific blocks, CUB attempts
to reduce the incidence of trash in the public right-of-way
as well as on private property visible from the street.
While CUB primarily focuses on trash and litter, it
also deals with other issues which affect the aesthetics
of the neighborhood, for example, peeling paint and
overgrown lawns. Approaches that have been used include:
personal and written contact with property owners and
residents; litter patrols; filing of complaints with
the city’s Building Inspection Unit. The group’s
efforts culminated in a neighborhood-wide Clean-Up
Day on May 21, 2005 , in which 33 volunteers participated,
collecting over 70 bags of trash and other large items.
Operation CUB will continue to promote awareness and
personal responsibility in its efforts to improve the
appearance of the Bassett neighborhood.
Increasing owner occupied housing
is a goal of the Neighborhood Plan and that trend has
continued with the opening of the Fourth Ward Lofts
and the start of construction on Nolen Shore. Of special
interest has been the conversion of small one to three
unit rental properties to owner occupied. The conversion
of ten buildings in Block 49 along Doty, Henry and
Wilson Streets has brought new life to these houses.
On the 400 block of Doty renovations of a two flat
into a single family home should start soon and a house
saved from demolition has moved onto a vacant lot enhancing
this residential street face. Financial assistance
for these types of conversions is now available through
a Small Cap TIF program within the Bassett TIF District.
A recommendation of the 1997 Bassett
Master Plan is the establishment of design guidelines
for building renovations. The new energy of residents
has brought this stalled effort back to life. The guidelines
are in a final editing phase and should be published
within the year.
The 2004 Downtown Living Tour featured
the Bassett District showcasing a dozen housing options
ranging from student rental, professional rental, owner
occupied two flats, condos, the full range Of Meriter
Retirement of apartments, condos and assisted living.
Over 400 people enjoyed an afternoon exploring what
Basset has to offer.
The historic Tobacco Warehouses which
have languished for years have undergone an incredible
restoration which will preserve this significant aspect
of neighborhood history. The neighborhood literally
wept in the streets this Spring watching the flames
shoot from the roof of St. Raphel’s Cathedral.
The steeple and walls that still stand today give hope
that the Dioceses will find the wherewithall to reconstruct
one of Madison’s oldest churches. Construction
of the steeple originally began in 1866 and had just
recently been completely rebuilt.
The Bassett District continues to
experience numerous proposals for redevelopment projects.
Attendance of 25-60 people at proposal presentations
is not uncommon. The resurgence of resident interest
in getting these proposals right has elevated the quality
of neighborhood input to some of the best in the City.
The challenge of maintaining this effort cannot be
taken lightly as new proposals continue to be brought
forward.
The large scale Capitol West proposal
has taxed the resources of the neighborhood and required
the significant dedication of the Steering Committee
established to engage the developer in a review process.
The result has been substantial improvements which
will enhance the neighborhood as Phase I of the construction
begins later this year.
The Capitol West proposal brought
with it a need to reevaluate a long standing City position
of restricting development within 30' along the east
side of Broom St. The Bassett District has been instrumental
in ensuring that a full consideration of the ramifications
to changes in this three decade old policy be considered.
The City Comprehensive Plan will be
completed soon and includes the possibility of establishing
Conservation Districts. This tool could be part of
realizing a recommendation of the Bassett Master Plan
to preserve the residential character in areas on Doty
and Wilson Streets. Next year may see the completion
of the ‘missing link’ bike path through
the District connecting the campus and west side paths
with Lake Monona.
by Pete Ostlind |
