Downtown Madison is preparing for a significant wave of new development, with plans moving forward for more than 37,000 square feet of commercial space that will bring an event center, restaurants, retail and gathering spaces to the historic district.
The Madison Historic Preservation Commission approved Certificates of Appropriateness for three projects at its Sept. 8 and Sept. 25 meetings, clearing an important hurdle for development at 10 Short St., 12 Main St. and 14 Bradley St.
The projects combine new construction with the adaptive reuse of some of downtown Madison’s existing historic structures, including two former agricultural warehouses and a historic home.
“These approvals are a huge milestone for the Main Street Madison downtown district,” Main Street Madison Executive Director Jen DeLessio said. “By pairing thoughtful historic preservation with exciting new commercial spaces, we honor the district’s history while creating vibrant, cohesive places for local entrepreneurs, visitors, and residents.”
Perhaps the largest transformation is planned for 14 Bradley St., where two historic warehouses are set to become Bradley Street Market.
JMATT 3X LLC received approval to renovate the two buildings, which total about 20,365 square feet on approximately 1.3 acres.
Historically used for agricultural and farm storage, the deteriorating warehouses will be stabilized while retaining many of the features that reflect their original use. Plans call for preserving existing brick, corrugated metal wall and roof panels, flooring and barn doors and tracks.
The renovated property is planned to include a food hall with nine to 11 small retail and quick-service restaurant spaces. A flex hall will offer space for offices and retail vendors along with indoor and outdoor community gathering areas.
A new aluminum storefront will also be incorporated into the project. Nashville-based Moody Nolan is the design firm.
Another major project is planned for 12 Main St. at the corner of Main and Sullivan streets.
Blue Pepper Investments LLC received approval to renovate the historic home on the property and develop the roughly 1.04-acre site with two new buildings.
The new construction will add approximately 13,776 square feet between buildings along Main and Martin streets. Plans by Schoel Markland Architecture and Ivaldi Engineering incorporate brick, board-and-batten siding, recessed entries, brick corbelling and other architectural details designed to complement the surrounding historic district.
The site will also feature decorative lantern-style lighting.
At the corner of Bradley and Short streets, R&P Properties received approval for a new event center that will replace an existing gravel parking lot.
The approximately 3,500-square-foot building at 10 Short St. will be a one-story structure with brick veneer, a metal roof and covered porches facing Short Street. Landscaping plans include evergreen trees and shrubs along the edges of the property.
Gardner Architects Inc. designed the project.
Together, the three developments represent more than 37,000 square feet of planned commercial projects within the Main Street Madison corridor.
They also illustrate the balancing act that comes with development in the city’s historic core. Certificates of Appropriateness are required for exterior changes within Madison’s historic district, with the review process intended to ensure new construction and renovations remain compatible with the district’s character.
For Main Street Madison, the approvals represent another step in efforts to bring more businesses, activity and gathering places downtown while preserving the buildings and character that distinguish the district.
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