Landmarks Commission
Meeting Summaries
2025-09-15: Approved demolition of a non-historic garage at 748 Jenifer Street (Klose Cottage) in the Third Lake Ridge Historic District. Approved signage for the Madison Catholic Association Clubhouse landmark. Reviewed early-stage plans for a 16-story affordable student housing building adjacent to the Grimm Book Bindery landmark. Approved text for four new historic markers.
2025-08-18: Approved a Certificate of Approval for signage at 823 Williamson Street in the Third Lake Ridge Historic District. Approved demolition of four commercial buildings at 3235-3237 Burke Avenue, 3236 Commercial Avenue, 3300 Commercial Avenue, and 308 E. Washington Avenue, all found to have no known historic value. Approved a Certificate of Approval for land combination and new construction at 124 E. Gorham Street in the Mansion Hill Historic District. Approved demolition of the former Capitol Times building at 302 E. Washington Avenue, finding it has historic value only for its association with the newspaper from 1928 to 1949.
2025-08-04: Approved a Certificate of Approval for an addition to a property at 739 Jenifer Street in the Third Lake Ridge Historic District. Approved demolition and addition to the Sauthoff House at 740 Jenifer Street, a designated Madison landmark.
2025-07-21: Presented the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation’s new grant program offering $10,000 annually for historic preservation projects. Approved demolition of seven buildings on East Washington Avenue for redevelopment, all determined to have no historical value.
2025-07-07: Approved a Certificate of Approval for a five-story mixed-use building at 656 Williamson Street in the Third Lake Ridge Historic District. Approved demolition of buildings at 1802-1804 Roth Street and 3565 Tulane Avenue, both found to have no known historic value.
2025-06-16: Approved three consent agenda items including demolition and new construction at 413 S. Brearly Street, new garage construction at 1717 Kendall Avenue, and a rear addition at 2113 Kendall Avenue. Recommended approval of historic preservation ordinance amendments to modernize terminology throughout city ordinances.
2025-06-02: Approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for signage at 315 S. Blount Street. Advised the Urban Design and Planning Commissions that a proposed 7-story apartment building adjacent to the Mattermore-Malaney House landmark would not adversely affect its historic character. Approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a detached garage at 1775 Norman Way within the Spring Harbor Mound Group landmark site. Determined no adverse effects on historic properties from the North-South Bus Rapid Transit project and Kennedy Road Charging Station. Found no historical value in the building at 630 E. Washington Avenue, approving its demolition.
2025-05-05: Held annual special meeting reviewing Secretary of Interior Standards and the five-year progress check on the Madison Historic Preservation Plan. Discussed impacts of federal policy changes on preservation work and reviewed proposed updates to the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
2025-03-10: Recommended landmark designation for the Benjamin and Amy Butts House at 633 East Johnson Street, recognizing its significance to Madison’s early African-American community. Approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a crypt addition at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Discussed proposed development adjacent to the Mansion Hill Historic District and approved demolition of buildings at 2604 Waunona Way.
2025-02-10: Discussed proposed amendments to the Lamp House Block report regarding building height restrictions and viewscape preservation, ultimately recommending to place on file without prejudice. Reviewed proposed changes to the demolition approval process that would streamline buildings with no historical value. Approved development adjacent to the Gisholt Machine Co. landmark and supported the Mackenzie House National Register nomination. Approved an addition at 2006 Van Hise Avenue in the University Heights Historic District.
Meeting Details
September 15, 2025
By Diane Zenz
Last month’s minutes were approved. There were no public comments, disclosures, or recusals.
The following items were approved on the Consent Agenda with a finding of no known historical value: - Demolition permit for a 4-unit commercial building at 533 Conklin Place (District 2) - Legistar 89670 - Demolition permit for 2 commercial buildings at 305 N. Frances Street (District 2) - Legistar 89675 - Demolition permit for a single-family residence at 6314 Hartford Drive (District 7) - Legistar 89680
Molly Harris moved to approve, seconded by Jacob Morrison. The motion passed unanimously.
Demolition Review - 533 Conklin Place
Legistar 89670 - Demolition Historic Value Review for a commercial building at 533 Conklin Place (District 2).
Demolition Review - 305 N. Frances Street
Legistar 89675 - Demolition Historic Value Review for 2 commercial buildings at 305 N. Frances Street (District 2).
Demolition Review - 6314 Hartford Drive
Legistar 89680 - Demolition Historic Value Review for a single-family home at 6314 Hartford Drive (District 7).
Garage Demolition - 748 Jenifer Street (Klose Cottage)
Legistar 89575 - Demolition on a Designated Madison Landmark Site at 748 Jenifer Street in the Third Lake Ridge Historic District, Klose Cottage (District 6).
The property contains two buildings: the historic Klose Cottage and a small garage. The garage is not original to the property, is in poor condition, and is not structurally sound. The proposal is to demolish the existing garage and replace it with a new concrete parking slab.
During public comment, Zoe Kuntze (current occupant since 2019) spoke neither in support nor opposition. She expressed concerns about the property owner and management company’s history of negligence, particularly regarding lead paint removal during demolition. She also raised concerns about inadequate parking and potential future decisions by the owner. Heather Bailey noted that the city has issued a work order for the entire property.
Craig Balbach (representing the owner) and Russ Endres (owner) were registered in support and available for questions. Two letters from neighbors expressed concerns about the demolition’s negative impact on the neighborhood character, where small garages are common.
Commissioners Harris, Arnesen, Morrison, and Bailey discussed the request and concerns presented. They determined that many concerns fall outside the Landmarks Commission’s jurisdiction and belong to other departments such as Public Health and Zoning.
Jacob Morrison moved to approve the demolition request with conditions that final specifications be approved by staff and that the concrete pad be no larger than the garage footprint. Molly Harris seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Signage - Madison Catholic Association Clubhouse
Legistar 89900 - Certificate of Approval for exterior alteration (signage) to a Designated Madison Landmark, Madison Catholic Association Clubhouse (District 4).
The project involves removing existing Hilton signage and replacing it with new ground and canopy signs. None of the existing or proposed signage is located on the historic Madison Catholic Association Clubhouse building. The signage is positioned adjacent to the historic building and on the architectural canopy of the non-historic Hilton hotel located behind the clubhouse.
Molly Harris moved to approve the Certificate of Approval, seconded by Katherine Kaliszewski. The motion passed unanimously without discussion.
Informational Presentation - 425 N. Frances Street and 450 W. Gilman Street
Legistar 90011 - Development Adjacent to a Designated Madison Landmark (Grimm Book Bindery).
Brian Munson and Robert Tait presented early-stage plans for student housing in a 16-story building. The design aims to step down the massing by pushing the building’s bulk toward the rear, preventing the historic building from being overwhelmed.
Katherine Kaliszewski and Molly Harris expressed concerns that the ground floor alignment might overshadow the historic building. Robert Tait clarified that the footprints are even and other views show this more clearly. Jacob Morrison inquired about materials and colors to minimize massing impact. The team plans to use lighter gray at ground level transitioning to darker colors toward the back.
Alder Duncan questioned the necessity of a rooftop pool and suggested more sustainable alternatives. Robert Tait acknowledged this could be discussed but noted that pools are important amenities for student housing. Brian Munson explained that most newer downtown student projects include rooftop pools as essential amenities.
The project team plans to meet with the Urban Design Commission and hold a neighborhood meeting the following week, with application submission targeted for late October.
Historic Markers - Text Approval
Legistar 89946 - Historic Markers Text Language Approval
Heather Bailey explained that the city approved a new historic marker program in 2024. Staff developed language for the first phase of markers and are consulting with tribal partners for Indigenous heritage markers to be presented at a future meeting. Markers will feature brief, accurate text with QR codes linking to additional information that can be updated as needed.
OUTDOOR MARKET
Potential location: E. Washington and N. Pinckney Street
HILLS GROCERY
Potential location: Dayton Street at existing sign location
FIRST BLACK NEIGHBORHOOD
Potential location: Dayton Street at existing sign location