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Development News for the week 07/26/08 to 08/01/08
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MAYORS' GROUP TO MEET IN MADISON\ THE MEETING ALLOWS MAYORS TO SHARE IDEAS BOTH GOOD AND BAD.
Mayors from across the nation are returning to Madison - in a new group with a greener agenda.
Six years ago, Madison rolled out the red carpet and opened its checkbook for the U.S. Conference of Mayors meetings, which took over Monona Terrace amid high security.
ALLIED DRIVE BREAKS GROUND ON REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Gathered in the scraggly yard of an apartment building soon to be razed, a handful of residents of the Allied Drive neighborhood were joined by city and state officials Monday to break ground for a major housing redevelopment project.
"I'm happy, I'm really happy. We are moving forward," exulted Alice Howard, president of the Allied-Dunn's Marsh Neighborhood Association and an advocate for the project.
PARADE OF CONDOS PIQUES INTEREST, DESPITE SOFT HOUSING MARKET
So, are people going to look at condominiums in the annual Parade of Condos during an unsettled housing market?
The answer is yes, but many are looking for ideas or are considering buying in a couple of years, judging by random interviews with people visiting the Capitol West condominiums at 309 W. Washington Ave. downtown on Sunday.
CALL CENTER CLOSING TO ELIMINATE 44 JOBS
CGD Management LLC has informed state officials that it will be closing its call center facilities at 5126 W. Terrance Drive on Sept. 26, eliminating three full-time and 41 part-time jobs.
Eleven of the jobs -- one full-time and 10 part-time -- are with the Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Police call center, CDG Management said in its letter to state officials.
DECISION ON HOMELESS SHELTER AT ARMY SITE DELAYED
The city is still investigating its options for a proposed homeless facility after the Board of Estimates voted Monday night to delay making a decision on placing it at the U.S. Army's Truman Olson Army Reserve Center at 1402 S. Park St.
The Army is slated to give up the site in 2011, and federal law dictates that the site be considered for homeless services first. The city accepted a proposal from Porchlight Inc. regarding the land, but sought an alternative site to house the homeless facility after south side City Council member Tim Bruer as well as some area residents raised concerns about bringing homeless people into an area currently undergoing economic redevelopment.
MADISON IS 61ST IN FARES AMONG TOP 200
The Dane County Regional Airport ranks 61st nationally for the highest fares during the first quarter of 2008 among the nation's top 200 airports, according to an analysis by Ron McNeill, an industry analyst and consultant with Mead & Hunt of Madison. McNeill works with the airport. Excluding free tickets such as those given to frequent fliers, the Madison airport ranked 57th for highest fares.
An analysis by the federal Transportation Department's Bureau of Transportation Statistics, as reported in Friday's Wisconsin State Journal, found that the Madison airport had the nation's third-highest average daily fare during the first quarter among the largest 100 airports based on the number of available seats.
BRUER SEEKS 3RD HOMELESS OPTION\ CITY PANEL DELAYS ACTION ON PARK STREET SITE.
City Council President Tim Bruer asked Madison officials on Monday to explore a third possible location for proposed housing and other services for the homeless.
Bruer's request came as the Board of Estimates put off a decision on whether to adopt recommendations for redevelopment of the Truman-Olson Army Reserve site at 1402 S. Park St. Those recommendations include finding another location for Porchlight's proposal to build 24 single-occupancy units for homeless adults with disabilities, including mental health and alcohol and drug addiction problems, as well as relocating its Safe Haven program, including 14 short-term housing units and other support services, on part of the site.
POWERHOUSES PURSUE CITY FIRMS\ MAJOR COMPANIES ARE BUYING LOCAL BUSINESSES AND KEEPING THEM HERE.
Powerhouse companies are focusing on the Madison area for acquisitions, and not just to steal away their Midwest technology and talent.
A string of local companies purchased over the past two years features buyers with big names, including Roche and Microsoft.
BURR OAKS CRIMES CHALLENGE MADISON CITY GOES TO COURT TO GET LANDLORDS TO CONTROL THEIR TENANTS AND MAY TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR PROPERTY IF THEY CAN'T.
Cassandra Mays was stabbed to death July 15 in her Madison apartment - more than a year after the city first took her landlord to court to prove the building was a menace.
City officials say it takes time and legal maneuvering to attack the nests of trouble in the Burr Oaks Neighborhood, bounded by Fish Hatchery Road, South Park Street, the Beltline and Wingra Road. But neighborhood leaders and residents say they are frustrated with the halting progress.
JUDGE ORDERS APARTMENT BUILDING EMPTIED, SHUT\ CITY ASKED FOR ORDER TO CLOSE THE BADGER ROAD BUILDING DUE TO DRUG-RELATED ACTIVITY.
In a first, a Dane County Circuit Court judge on Monday ordered an apartment building emptied and shut due to drug-related activity, a move described by a member of a neighborhood association as "long overdue."
"We are absolutely thrilled," said Stuart Seffern, a member of the Burr Oaks Neighborhood Association, which has worked for years to improve neighborhood safety. "It's a wonderful day, but this is long overdue."
Q&A: Mortgage rescue bill
The Hope for Homeowners Act of 2008 was passed by Congress last weekend to try to steer as many as 400,000 struggling homeowners away from foreclosure: Q: What exactly will the legislation do?
BUSINESS SCHOOL ADDITION JUST ABOUT COMPLETE
Anyone who regularly drives along University Avenue past Park Street most likely noticed that the scaffolding is gone from Grainger Hall and the addition to the Wisconsin School of Business looks almost complete.
After two years of construction, the $40.5 addition to the east side of the hall will be ready when students arrive this fall, school officials said. The exterior is complete and there are only a few finishing touches needed inside.
NONRESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS UP HERE, RESIDENTIAL DOWN IN JUNE
Nonresidential contracts for future construction in June for the Madison area jumped 89 percent while residential ones tumbled 50 percent compared to a year ago, McGraw-Hill Construction reported.
Nonresidential contracts totaled $46.4 million in June, up from $24.5 million last June. Residential totaled $29.1 million, down from $58.2 million a year go.
Coming soon to a neighbor near you, a 200-foot wind tower?
Madison Ald. Judy Compton claims she's all for alternative energy.
In fact, the conservative-leaning real estate agent is co-sponsor of an ordinance aimed at boosting private use of solar and wind power.
Some pricey condos here are being snapped up
During the slow home sales market, the conventional wisdom has been that less-expensive homes or condominiums are easier to sell because buyers typically don 't have to sell an existing home.
Health club planned for Weston Place
The Athletic Club of Madison will open a 17,000-square-foot health club on the main level at Weston Place, a condominium development at 625 N. Segoe Road.
Construction of the $500,000 facility w
ALD. BRANDON TABBED AS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IN DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Gov. Jim Doyle has picked Madison Alder Zach Brandon for the job as executive assistant in the Department of Commerce.
Brandon , 35, has served as Alder from District 7 on the city's southwest side since being first elected in 2003 and won re-election when he was unopposed in both 2005 and 2007.
Around the State and Points Elsewhere
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PAPER MILL IN KIMBERLY LATEST TO GO
The state's paper industry was dealt another blow Wednesday as NewPage announced it will close its Kimberly paper mill, near Appleton, eliminating 475 jobs from the Fox River Valley community.
The mill, scheduled to close at the end of August, produces approximately 500,000 tons annually of coated freesheet paper used for commercial printing and specialty applications.
WORK BEGINS ON LAKE DELTON; SHOULD BE FILLED BY SPRING, OFFICIALS SAY
Work began Monday on a $1.8 million cofferdam at the County A breach of Lake Delton, the first step in state and local plans to fix the large breach which resulted in the draining of the popular lake during heavy June rainfall.
The cofferdam will allow for water to be pumped out of the area where the dam has created a new link between Lake Delton and the Wisconsin River, which is just across County A. Early June rains put so much water into the lake that it created a new channel of water from the lake to the river -- a channel that is about 700 feet long, 370 feet wide and about 30 feet deep, state Department of Transportation officials said.
BEFORE IT BECAME A LAKE, LAKE DELTON WAS A WETLAND
Lake Delton is the original waterpark for the Wisconsin Dells area. And, like the modern versions that dot this vacation hub, it also is man-made.
The Dell Creek valley, which now contains the lake bed, was a wetland, according to Michael Goc, who wrote a book about the history of the Lake Delton area. It didn't become a lake until the 1920s.
Creation of TIF raises hopes for Richfield Way corridor
Creation of TIF raises hopes for Richfield Way corridor. Director foresees ‘high-end’ development there. Village officials remain optimistic about plans to redevelop a highly visible corridor in Menomonee Falls...
Rezoning for potential big-box development on hold
Rezoning for potential big-box development on hold. State Supreme Court ruling could affect ordinance. A recent Wisconsin Supreme Court decision could affect a rezoning request for the potential development of a big-box store in the southwest area of Menomonee Falls...
Manufacturer moving plant from Bristol to Pleasant Prairie
Carol Stream, Ill.-based K&K Screw Products LLC will move its plant in Bristol to Pleasant Prairie in October
BizTimes Commercial Real Estate Conference to focus on 'Fresh Coast'
The sixth annual BizTimes Commercial Real Estate & Development Conference will take place on Friday, Nov. 14, from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee
BizTimes Real Estate Weekly: Woodland Prime may get another office building
Inspired by the low vacancy rate in the Woodland Prime office park in Menomonee Falls, Weas Development is creating preliminary plans for another office building there. The preliminary plans call for a three-story, 80,000-square-foot building in Woodland Prime, which is located northwest of U.S. Highway 45 and Good Hope Road. Read more in the latest edition of the BizTimes Real Estate Weekly bulletin.
STATE REPORT NOT FOR OR AGAINST NEW PLANT
Wisconsin Power & Light's proposal to build a coal- and biomass-fired power plant at Cassville would not be the least expensive option or the least polluting way to meet the Madison utility's electricity needs, and it could disrupt an eagle-nesting area, mussels habitat and a culturally significant site, a state report shows.
Wisconsin Ag Connection.
Wisconsin Rapids area has high hopes for ethanol plant.
Union Grove to get new businesses
Union Grove to get new businesses. A new commercial development is part of the overall plan for downtown. The Village Crossing, a two-story, 16,000-square-foot building, will anchor a corner at 10th Ave. and Main St. as the first project in the village's downtown redevelopment plan, officials...
Orion expanding, moving headquarters to Manitowoc
Orion expanding, moving headquarters to Manitowoc. Orion Energy Systems Inc. will expand its factory and move its headquarters to Manitowoc in a move that could create 170 jobs, Gov. Jim Doyle’s office announced Thursday...
Development groups weigh impact of verdict
Development groups weigh impact of verdict. High court says Beaver Dam meetings should be public. A state Supreme Court ruling that a Beaver Dam economic development group is a quasi-governmental organization and must obey the state’s open meetings and open records laws has been hailed as a victory...
Business in brief
Business in brief. LOCALFederal aid for GM workers, others soughtThe Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development is requesting a $3.8 million emergency grant to help workers dislocated by the elimination of the second shift at the General Motors Corp. plant in Janesville...
Things looking up on North
Things looking up on North. Business push has momentum; city’s role debated. They are calling it the perfect storm...
U.S. Postal Service facility has supporters in the mailbag, too
U.S. Postal Service facility has supporters in the mailbag, too. Not everyone agrees with opposition. While opponents of a proposed U.S. Postal Service facility have raised their voices in neighborhood meetings, proponents have remained less audible...
Merton buys historic church
Merton buys historic church. Some municipalities will buy land in blighted areas in hopes that a developer will come along and build a new retail center or residential complex that will grow the local tax base.. Some municipalities will buy land in blighted areas in hopes that a...
City of Brookfield considers contracting out tourism services
City of Brookfield considers contracting out tourism services. Despite concerns it would hurt regional cooperation on tourism, a city board Monday recommended that the city contract out for its tourism promotion services, putting the fate of a joint city-town convention and tourism bureau in possible jeopardy...
Area construction activity declines
Area construction activity declines. Construction declined in the Milwaukee area and state in June, according to data released Tuesday by McGraw-Hill...
Open Records: Yes, a right to know
Open Records: Yes, a right to know. Economic development and open government aren’t mutual enemies. In fact, they can work together in harmony by making sure that good development has the support of an informed public. Conversely, development that occurs in secret and without adequate...
Planners welcome second hotel
Planners welcome second hotel. Hampton Inn would occupy busy triangle. The Franklin Plan Commission has checked out a 99-room hotel and found it a comfortable fit for a triangular parcel at one of the city’s busiest areas...
Shopping area gets partial makeover
Shopping area gets partial makeover. Burlington Coat Factory coming to Town Center. The north side of the West Allis Town Center will get a face-lift...
Park Lafayette project tops off
Construction for Park Lafayette, the twin 20-story condo towers being built on the corner of North Prospect Avenue and East Lafayette Place on Milwaukee's east side, reached its highest point last week.
Mayfair Road grocery store plan advances
Mayfair Road grocery store plan advances. But aldermen have concerns about traffic patterns. Three aldermen say a plan to construct a Pick ’n Save on Mayfair Road is proceeding too quickly without consideration of traffic concerns...
Minimum wage increase sought
Minimum wage increase sought. State officials want boost to match federal level. Wisconsin labor administrators want to boost the state’s minimum wage to the federal level when it rises to $7.25 an hour next July…
Development News for the week 7/19/2008 to 7/25/2008
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CITY VOTES TO SWAP NAKOOSA TRAIL LAND FOR ARMY PROPERTY WITH PORCHLIGHT
The city has reached a tentative deal with Porchlight Inc. for a homeless shelter on the far east side near Wal-Mart, a move that allows redevelopment of surplus U.S. Army property on Park Street to continue as planned. If approved by the Common Council, the city would donate the land to Porchlight in exchange for the provider giving up plans to use a portion of the Truman Olson Army Reserve Center at 1402 S. Park St. for a two-building homeless center.
'JUG HANDLE' DESIGN PLANNED FOR MINERAL POINT/JUNCTION ROADS INFORMATIONAL MEETING SET FOR THURSDAY
A unique approach to traffic relief could be the key ingredient in a "decongestion" formula for one of Madison's busiest intersections. City engineers will make their pitch for a "modified jug handle" design to relieve the traffic mess at Mineral Point Road and Junction Road on the city's far west side, at a public information meeting Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Wisconsin Community Bank
MAZOMANIE PRINTING PLANT TO CLOSE\ CLOSING OF SYNERGY WEB GRAPHICS WILL COST 125 JOBS.
The troubles for employees at a Mazomanie printing plant have returned. Just 16 months after Synergy Graphics in Plymouth, Minn., purchased Sunny Industries out of receivership, Synergy has announced that it will close its Synergy Web Graphics plant this fall, citing debt of more than $18 million.
MAZOMANIE PRINTING PLANT CLOSING TO COST 125 JOBS
The Synergy Web Graphics printing plant in Mazomanie will close this fall with about 125 jobs lost. The closing comes 16 months after Synergy Graphics in Plymouth, Minn., bought Sunny Industries from receivership. But Synergy Graphics now says it will close the Mazomanie plant, which has more than $18 million in debt.
A ROOM WITH A VIEW (OF THE FUTURE) A NEW WAVE OF HIP, TECH-SAVVY HOTELS IS COMING TO MADISON
Rooms outfitted with flowery bedspreads, cheesy pastel art and clunky TVs that haven't been state-of-the-art for decades. Too often, that's what visitors to Madison encounter when they check into hotel rooms all over the city. That's likely to change in the next year or so, with a handful of hotels now in development here aimed at meeting the demands of a new generation of design-conscious, tech-savvy travelers.
STATE WANTS $8M FROM GM
The state is looking to recoup up to $8 million in retraining grants from General Motors because the company isn't maintaining required employment numbers at its Janesville plant, according to WisBusiness.com. The state grants were made to help GM as it embarked on a $175 million overhaul of the old Janesville plant, but since the grants were awarded, GM pulled the plug on the facility and will shut it down by 2010.
STOUGHTON TRAILERS EXPECTS 184 LAYOFFS IN SHUTTERING ITS BRODHEAD SITE
Stoughton Trailers, LLC, of Stoughton, notified the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development that the semi-trailer manufacturer would be closing its Brodhead facility and laying off the approximately 184 employees at the facility, 302 23rd St. According to a letter dated July 16 written by the company's Vice President of Human Resources, Patrice Gillespie, Stoughton Trailers expects the Sept. 17 closing to be temporary, though its exact duration is unknown at this time. The company laid off 120 employees in 2007.
FUND TO PAY THE JOBLESS RUNNING DRY\ IF PAYOUTS TO UNEMPLOYED WORKERS SHOOT UP, THE STATE MAY HAVE TO BORROW MONEY.
With the economy struggling and jobless claims rising in the state, Wisconsin's reserve fund for paying those claims could slip into insolvency in March of next year, a state projection shows. That could force the state, for the first time in two decades, to borrow money from the federal government to pay jobless claims by laid-off workers.
RENTERS NOT WANTED SUN PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL LOOKS TO BLOCK DEVELOPMENT OF NEW APARTMENT UNITS.
Madison mayors from Paul Soglin to Dave Cieslewicz have long talked about the need to spread housing options throughout Dane County. But in the fast-growing city of Sun Prairie east of Madison the City Council is poised to block development of new rental housing projects - or at least take a hard look at them.
HILTON HOTEL SITE PROPOSED GARDEN INN WOULD BE ON JOHN NOLEN
Another hotel may be coming to John Nolen Drive. The Urban Design Commission on Wednesday is scheduled to hear plans for a five-story Hilton Garden Inn.
PAPER HIGHLIGHTS MADISON'S 'NEW ELITES'
Money magazine may not be so enamored of Madison anymore, but the world's largest newspaper thinks we're just fine. The Yomiuri Shimbun is a national newspaper in Japan with a daily circulation in excess of 10 million.
GROWING FULL COMPASS WILL MOVE TO NEW MADISON BUILDING MIDDLETON COMPANY'S NEW BUILDING TO HAVE TWICE THE SPACE
The economy may be sagging, but musicians need to sing, preachers need to preach and TV stations need to create and broadcast programs. What they all need is professional audio, video and lighting equipment, and Full Compass Systems is there to provide it.
LIGHT RAIL ON FAST TRACK NEWFOUND POLITICAL WILL MAY FINALLY MAKE REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY A REALITY
After years of roadblocks, the stars are aligning for a commuter rail system in Dane County. On Aug. 7, a state legislative study committee will begin work on drafting a bill to allow regional transit authorities - local taxing districts that will manage and fund transit systems.
GLASS-WALLED BUILDING MIGHT GET DESIGN FACE-LIFT
Loved and loathed, the glassy, iconic US Bank Plaza on Capitol Square may get a face-lift and go green. Urban Land Interests, which bought the building in January, is proposing a series of changes to update the structure, cut its energy consumption by perhaps 25 percent and bring it closer to its initial vision.
MADISON'S JOBLESS RATE DROPS SLIGHTLY
Unemployment inched downward in the Madison area and in most other Wisconsin metropolitan areas in June, compared to June of 2007. Madison's jobless rate was 3.9 percent, slightly lower than the 4.0 percent a year ago.
Around the State and Points Elsewhere
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New Land unveils renderings for condo tower
New Land Enterprises LLP recently unveiled its plans to build a 27-story, 35-unit condominium tower behind the Goll Mansion on Milwaukee's east side.
North Shore Bank's new Grafton branch breaks ground
North Shore Bank recently broke ground for its newest bank branch in Grafton at Wisconsin and First avenues.
REPAIRS BEGIN ON LAKE DELTON DAM
Crews are beginning to repair the dam damaged when Lake Delton overflowed and emptied during last month's flooding in southern Wisconsin. Trustees voted last week to spend $1.5 million on improvements to the dam. The approaches to the dam's gates will be reshaped like funnels to handle more water. Crews also plan to build new emergency spillways.
STATE MOVES FAST ON LAKE DELTON PARCELS
State checks totaling more than $2.3 million were deposited Wednesday with Sauk County authorities to pay for property that either no longer exists or, if it does, is in the Wisconsin River. The money from the state Department of Transportation will be paid to owners of nine condemned, flood-damaged parcels along Lake Delton and Highway A.
DOT TO EXAMINE FREEWAY FLOODING THE STUDY WILL LOOK AT DRAINAGE PROBLEMS IN THE PORTAGE AREA.
The state Department of Transportation will fund a six-figure study to see if improvements can be made to prevent flooding of the Interstates around Portage. The study, which could start in the next few weeks, will look at Highway 33 in addition to Interstates 39 and 90-94 and will include how drainage affects all the roads and their interactions with each other.
Park East housing-retail project still on, developer says
Park East housing-retail project still on, developer says. A developer still hopes to build housing and retail space in the Park East area even as he faces impatience from Milwaukee County officials over delays on that project...
Planners reject moratorium on rural land divisions
Planners reject moratorium on rural land divisions. Clustering considered to preserve open space. Muskego’s Plan Commission on July 15 refused to endorse a proposed four-month moratorium on new land divisions and rezoning of some rural, agricultural and conservation parcels in the city...
Internet costume company settles into spacious new headquarters
Internet costume company settles into spacious new headquarters. Firm cites city’s tax base, quality work force for staying here. It was party time July 16 for BuySeasons Inc., the world’s largest Internet retailer and supplier of costumes, accessories, seasonal décor and party supplies...
City eyes another redevelopment
City eyes another redevelopment. Truck terminal near park could get TIF. West Allis officials see nine mostly asphalted-covered acres near 116th and Rogers streets as a desolate space ripe for their next redevelopment project...
Area employment down for 8th month
Area employment down for 8th month. The Milwaukee area has had year-to-year job losses for eight months in a row, according to June payroll estimates released Wednesday. And the deficit is growing...
Plan to turn vacant Sinai property into apartments OK’d
Plan to turn vacant Sinai property into apartments OK’d. Plans to convert a portion of Aurora Sinai Medical Center’s former western campus into 52 apartments received approval Tuesday from the Common Council’s Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee...
Soaring prices stunt builders
Soaring prices stunt builders. Some costs have doubled from year ago, report says. Builders who specialize in commercial construction are getting hammered by rising material costs — with little relief in sight — according to a new report from the Associated General Contractors of...
Expansion sought for Burlington office park
Expansion sought for Burlington office park. The Burlington Manufacturing and Office Park has been so successful that an expansion of the park is necessary to keep pace with interest in development, according to Mayor Bob Miller...
Feingold won't rule out overseas shipping ban to protect Great Lakes
Feingold won't rule out overseas shipping ban to protect Great Lakes. Wisconsin Sen. Russ Feingold has a message for anyone who thinks closing the St. Lawrence Seaway to oceangoing vessels is too radical to even consider...
State lags raising venture capital
State lags raising venture capital. 3 firms amass $5.4 million in quarter. Three state companies raised $5.4 million in the second quarter, bringing the total amount of venture capital raised in Wisconsin to nearly $33 million through June...
Development News for the week 7/12/2008 to 7/18/2008
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Madison drops to 89 in Best Places to Live.
Madison dropped 36 places on this year's top 100 list compiled by Money Magazine. Madison again has made Money Magazine's top 100 places to live, and for the second straight time, you won't find it in the top 10 or even top 50.
4TH PARKWAY ROUTE BACKED NEIGHBORS OF THE PROPOSED NORTH MENDOTA PARKWAY SIGNAL THEIR SUPPORT.
The proposed North Mendota Parkway may end up farther north than planners originally anticipated.
Neighbors of the proposed parkway have signaled support for a fourth alternative after three possible routes were identified in April.
Tomo Therapy spinoff to delve into proton technology
Tomo Therapy spinoff to delve into proton technology. Compact Particle Acceleration Corp. to focus on reducing devices’ size. TomoTherapy Inc. has spun off a separate company to handle development of a new system that could dramatically change the business of radiating cancer tumors...
CLOSED MEETINGS RULED OUT
Economic development groups must abide by Wisconsin's open meetings and records laws if they closely resemble government bodies, the state Supreme Court held Friday in one of two rulings dealing with public information. In another case, the court said officials must hand over information from closed government meetings as evidence in lawsuits.
GIVING THE CAREGIVERS SOME MUCH-NEEDED HELP WHAT MANY SAY THEY NEED IS A BREAK, SOME SUPPORT AND EDUCATION.
When United Way of Dane County started asking how to help elderly and disabled people stay in their own homes, they found some surprising answers.
One thing they found was a hidden army of unpaid caregivers, perhaps 42,000 countywide, helping out spouses, relatives, friends and neighbors with a range of services from an occasional meal or ride to full-time medical and personal care.
BLUEPHIES RESTAURANT SET TO OPEN EXPANSION WEDNESDAY
Workers on Friday put some of the final touches on an expansion at Bluephies Restaurant, 2701 Monroe St. The restaurant is adding space formerly occupied by the Greater Gift shop, which is moving to another location in the Knickerbocker Place mall.
Around the State and Points Elsewhere
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Wisconsin manufacturing employment at lowest level ever for June
Wisconsin manufacturing employment at lowest level ever for June. Wisconsin manufacturing employment dipped below 500,000 last month to reach the lowest level ever for June, according to preliminary data released Thursday...
DELLS RESORT WILL OFFER SKIING, WATER PARKS YEAR-ROUND
The never-ending race to be the biggest and the boldest tourist attraction in the Wisconsin Dells just got a new entrant.
The $57 million, 13-acre resort proposed by Joshua Schultz of dRMR Development of Lake Mills would be the "next generation of resorts," Schultz said.
GE Healthcare CEO joins ABB Ltd.; successor ran GE Transportation
GE Healthcare CEO joins ABB Ltd.; successor ran GE Transportation. Top executive shuffles at two global giants have touched two businesses with important operations in southeastern Wisconsin – GE Healthcare and ABB Ltd..
For a few home buyers, a down market is good time to build
For a few home buyers, a down market is good time to build. New construction still slow; contractors offer competitive bids. As the clock turns toward noon on weekdays, Jamie Hartman becomes increasingly excited...
Former brewery destined for facelift
Former brewery destined for facelift. The Mequon Plan Commission on July 14 approved a plan to restore the former Thermoset building, built in 1857 as the Opitz-Zimmerman Brewery, at the southeast corner of Mequon Road and Buntrock Avenue...
Former landfill slated to be shopping hot spot
Former landfill slated to be shopping hot spot. Tax-exempt land would be returned to city’s tax base. The former landfill at Layton and Pennsylvania avenues likely will be converted into a 25-acre retail development...
M&I reports loss of $393.8 million in second quarter
M&I reports loss of $393.8 million in second quarter. Marshall & Ilsley Corp. said Wednesday it took a loss of $393.8 million in the second quarter as real estate construction and development loans in Arizona and Florida deteriorated in the continuing housing slump...
Milwaukee wheel tax proposal wins support
Milwaukee wheel tax proposal wins support. Committee backs $20 fee for street repairs. A proposed $20-a-year local vehicle registration fee passed its first hurdle Wednesday, winning the endorsement of a Milwaukee Common Council committee...
State Commerce Secretary Jack Fischer resigns
State Commerce Secretary Jack Fischer resigns. His expenses on 3 international trips questioned. State Commerce Secretary Jack Fischer submitted his resignation Wednesday, 10 days after the Journal Sentinel reported he claimed questionable expenses while overseas...
Bielinski restarts Mammoth Spring development plan
Bielinski restarts Mammoth Spring development plan. The latest incarnation of Bielinski Homes' still-preliminary plans for the old Mammoth Spring Canning Co. site on Main Street and Waukesha Avenue calls for five buildings, including three four-story structures, housing a mix of residential and commercial...
Associated Bank profits take nosedive
Associated Bank profits take nosedive. Reserves boosted to cover any bad loans. Profits plunged 37.5% in the second quarter for Associated Banc-Corp as the bank boosted reserves to cover loans that could go bad...
Wisconsin banks remain sound, experts say
Wisconsin banks remain sound, experts say. IndyMac Bank probably won’t be last financial institution in the U.S. to fail this year as the housing slump drags on, industry experts say, but they don’t foresee banks in Wisconsin going under...
Cardinal Stritch University to buy Cousins Center
Cardinal Stritch University to buy Cousins Center. Milwaukee Archdiocese site to be added campus. Cardinal Stritch University has reached an agreement with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee to buy the 415,000-square-foot Cousins Center and its approximately 44-acre site in St. Francis, university officials...
What’s coming ’round the bend
What’s coming ’round the bend. Drivers can expect more roundabouts. Wisconsin motorists will be driving in circles more often over the next 10 years as there is likely to be six times the number of traffic roundabouts on state highways...
Grafton moves toward buying downtown hotel
Grafton moves toward buying downtown hotel. Grafton took the first step last week toward possibly buying the Grafton Hotel if the building’s owner cannot begin to redevelop or sell the property in the next four to five months, Village President James Brunnquell said Thursday...
Transportation aids allocated to area roadways
Transportation aids allocated to area roadways. Gov. Jim Doyle has announced that quarterly checks totaling $103.5 million for general transportation aids, connecting highway aids, and expressway policing aids have been conveyed to Wisconsin units of local government...
Great Lakes studies on health, business reveal dim reality.
Two separate studies released Wednesday reveal a dim reality for both the ecological health of the Great Lakes and the businesses that rely upon them.
State wants money back from GM.
Wisconsin state officials continue to review whether any of the $10 million given in grants to General Motors for improvements at its Janesville plant can be recouped.
The car company announced in June that it would close the plant by 2010. Tuesday, it said the closure would come sooner, but did not give a date.
Midwest Airlines to cut 1200 jobs.
Tina Swenson was 20 when she started working at Midwest Airlines as a ticket agent before eventually taking to the skies as a flight attendant.
MillerCoors picks Chicago for headquarters.
The MillerCoors LLC headquarters will be in Chicago, just 90 miles down the road.
Janesville GM plant closing sooner than expected.
DETROIT — General Motors Corp. said Tuesday it will lay off salaried workers, cut truck production, suspend its dividend and borrow $2 billion to $3 billion to weather a severe downturn in the U.S. market.
New Land to unveil condo tower plans tonight
Milwaukee-based New Land Enterprises LLP will unveil plans at a neighborhood meeting tonight for a new condominium tower development, that would be built next to the historic Goll Mansion at 1550 N. Prospect Ave. on Milwaukee's east side.
Kaukauna precision machine shop to nearly double in size
Mid Valley Industries, a Kaukauna precision machine and fabrication shop that serves the paper, oil and gas, power generation and mining industries, is expanding by 25,000 square feet, nearly doubling in size. The company is currently 30,000 square feet. The expansion will allow Mid Valley to nearly double its employment in the next three years, said Doug Pribyl, vice president.
Missouri manufacturer will move to Wisconsin
Packers' Chemical Inc. (PCI) is moving its manufacturing operation from Missouri to Wisconsin and will receive $65,000 in Community Development Zone tax credits to construct and equip a new facility in Kieler, which is located in Grant County. The total project cost is $3.4 million. PCI has committed to create 27 new positions at the Kieler facility.
Development News for the week 7/4/2008 to 7/10/2008
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PARK TOWNE TAKES UP WHERE ABS GLOBAL LEFT OFF
A decade ago, ABS Global of DeForest announced ambitious plans for a giant agri-science village on 680 acres in the town of Windsor that would create 5,900 jobs at agribusiness companies and spawn up to 1,600 homes. The $300 million development, modeled after the company-linked city of Kohler, was planned to be a center for ABS Global's cloning technology. The company, which sells bull semen, had recently cloned a calf successfully.
GARAGE ENTRANCE SNAGS SEQUOYA COMMONS PLANS
Miriam Levinson doesn't want to stop the redevelopment of the Midvale Plaza shopping center. If anything, the Westmorland resident is looking forward to walking to the new Sequoya Library branch and visiting the retail stores with her daughter. But Levinson and her neighbors are steadfast against locating the entrance for an underground parking garage for 100 new apartment units on Caromar Drive, a shady residential street of modest ranch homes.
ST. RAY'S CONSIDERED FOR LANDMARK STATUS DAYS BEFORE RAZING
St. Raphael's Cathedral should be considered for landmark status, despite its July 21 date with the wrecking ball. That was the determination Monday of the city's Landmarks Commission, whose members voted to schedule a public hearing on whether the arson-ravaged historic building should be recognized as a landmark - a designation that could stymie the Madison Diocese's plans to raze the building at 222 W. Main St. to make way for a new cathedral.
GAS PRICES CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR CITY
The Capital Times Rising gas prices will mean tough budget choices for Madison soon. Madison Comptroller Dean Brasser said many city agencies like Madison Metro and city fleet services are already over budget this year because of fuel prices. This means that sometime before the end of the year, they will have to go back in front of the City Council to either request more money or to shift funds within the budget to cover for high fuel prices.
RIGHT RESPONSES TO WARMING
The Governor's Task Force on Global Warming has produced a report that state Sen. Jeff Plale, D-Milwaukee, says "is not the end; it is the beginning." Fair enough: Let's begin.
NEW MIDDLETON COSTCO HIRING 200 EMPLOYEES
Costco will open its Middleton store on Aug. 20 with an advance preview event on Aug. 19, said Doug Schutt, chief operating officer for the store's northern division. He said the store is in the process of hiring about 200 employees and also will transfer some employees from other Costco locations.
MERITER PLANS TO ADD MORE PRIVATE ROOMS\ MOVING ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF WILL LEAVE MORE ROOM AT THE HOSPITAL.
Meriter Heath Services announced plans Monday to move up to 250 administrative employees by late next year to a new building at the Novation Campus along Rimrock Road south of the Beltline. The move will allow the hospital to convert semi-private rooms to private rooms and to expand its operating rooms, said Fred McGee, Meriter's vice president of planning.
OWNERS OF MCGRATH CONDOMINIUMS RAIL AGAINST BIG REPAIR COSTS IS IT POOR WORKMANSHIP OR JUST A SIGN OF THE FUTURE FOR DOWNTOWN CONDOS?
When Bob Mayville purchased a unit in Franklin Street Condos, he believed he was making a wise investment. The downtown condo east of the Capitol Square is centrally located, near his work and some of his favorite hangouts. After moving in, he did some interior remodeling, both for his liking and to increase his unit's value. But now, three years later, Franklin Street Condos is in decline. Residents say the 13-unit building, just 13 years old, is flawed in both its design and construction, leaving them to scramble to prevent further damages. Mayville and his neighbors are looking at $100,000 just to keep the water out. That's not including the cost of repairing damage already done.
MADISON WATER UTILITY SEEKS MORE PUBLIC INPUT
A new public participation plan has been instituted by the Madison Water Utility to allow residents more input regarding the construction of major facilities in the city. Originally suggested by District 11 Ald. Tim Gruber, the new plan formalizes procedures for public involvement in choosing locations and designs for new municipal wells, reservoirs, pump stations and control valve facilities.
MERITER REVAMP WILL SHIFT SOME SERVICES TO SITE OFF BELTLINE
Meriter Hospital will be expanding health care services at its main Park Street campus by moving non-clinical services to new office space in the Novation campus off the Beltline and Rimrock Road. The announcement came from Meriter in a press release Monday.
FARM & FLEET TO OPEN VERONA STORE
Blain's Farm & Fleet is interviewing applicants this week for about 145 jobs at its Verona store, scheduled to open Aug. 14. The 114,500-square-foot store at 600 Hometown Circle, off East Verona Avenue, will be the company's second Madison-area store. The other is at 2202 S. Stoughton Road.
BALL TO LAY OFF 37 AT DEFOREST PLANT
Ball Corp. of Broomfield, Colo., has announced plans to lay off 37 of about 115 employees at its metal can manufacturing plant in DeForest by Sept. 1. Scott McCarty, the company's director of corporate relations, said the layoff is the result of a loss of business.
STAYING STRONG AREA'S SMALL BANKS ARE WEATHERING SLOWDOWN
Most community banks in southern Wisconsin remain financially strong despite writing fewer home mortgages due to the housing market slowdown, according to the latest scores by two bank-rating firms. No area banks received the worst ratings from either TheStreet.com or Bauer Financial, based on first-quarter data. The ratings measure each bank's financial strength and stability, which are important to the ability to survive tough economic times.
Around the State and Points Elsewhere
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City wants time to consider Delphi land development
City wants time to consider Delphi land development. Moratorium pondered for important parcel. Oak Creek officials are continuing to evaluate their options for best protecting the development potential of the Delphi property, a central parcel the fate of which could make or break future additions to the...
Pewaukee condo plan coming back
Pewaukee condo plan coming back. A developer wants to erect three buildings on the former Sentry grocery store site downtown along the Pewaukee River that would house residential condominiums and retail or offices...
Grafton trustees balk at buying hotel
Grafton trustees balk at buying hotel. Village said to have too many expenses. The two village trustees on the Grafton Community Development Authority said Monday that they had deep reservations about whether the village should buy the Grafton Hotel...
Board hopes to have accepted offer in 30 days
Board hopes to have accepted offer in 30 days. School Board members are preparing to meet in closed session next week to review offers for the purchase of Oconomowoc Middle School.. School Board members are preparing to meet in closed session next week to review offers for the purchase of Oconomowoc...
Port Washington launches effort to boost downtown
Port Washington launches effort to boost downtown. Port Washington officials say they are hoping a state Commerce Department program will result in a more coordinated marketing and promotional effort for the city’s downtown...
Nonprofit Milwaukee developer folding
Nonprofit Milwaukee developer folding. West End cites real estate market, cash-flow pressures. West End Development Corp., a nonprofit organization that has worked on neighborhood improvement and housing development on the city’s near west side for more than 30 years, said Thursday that it...
West Allis housing planned
West Allis housing planned. Firm would clean up former landfill site. A Minneapolis company that converts environmentally contaminated properties into new offices, industrial buildings and other developments, is pursuing plans to build housing on a West Allis landfill site...
Pabst Farms breaks ground on condos
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday to celebrate the start of construction of the Village Crossing Condominiums in the Pabst Farms development.
Kenosha apartment project to receive brownfield grant
Silverstone Partners Inc. will receive a $409,500 Blight Elimination and Brownfield Redevelopment (BEBR) grant from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce to help it redevelop an unoccupied and underutilized property in Kenosha County.
Missouri manufacturer to move to Wisconsin
Packers' Chemical Inc. (PCI) is moving its manufacturing operation from Missouri to Wisconsin and will receive $65,000 in Community Development Zone tax credits to construct and equip a new facility in Kieler, which is located in Grant County.
Direct Supply opens first building in expansion
Direct Supply has completed the construction of the first building in its previously announced $85 million expansion project at 6767 N. Industrial Road in Milwaukee.
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