The future of two popular downtown Madison restaurants is uncertain, as a Middleton-based developer has been planning to redevelop the two-acre site encircled by South Blair, South Franklin, East Main and East Wilson streets.
The project, which is being developed by Professional Realty and Development Corporation, would, among other businesses, affect the Essen Haus, 514 East Wilson St., and the Come Back In, 508 East Wilson St.
Ald. Judy Olson, District 6, said the intent of the developers is to destroy most of the buildings on this site and build condominiums, which according to an article in The Capital Times could rise as high as 16 stories.
\The neighborhood has been meeting with the developer for several weeks, and the developer has proposed several different concepts, and the neighborhood is trying to decide,"" Olson said.
When asked if the Essen Haus and Come Back In buildings would be destroyed with the redevelopment, Olson replied, ""Probably.""
The two restaurants are located in Madison's First Settlement District, where two- to three-story buildings are typical. The proposed 16-story condominiums would reach the Capitol building limit in height, which has concerned some neighborhood residents.
Oslon said Essen Haus and Come Back In owner Bob Worm has been trying to sell some or all of his property for quite some time, and already had a recorded rezoning of East Wilson Street several years ago that would involve a mixed-use development project. Olson added because of this, neighborhood residents are on the whole not surprised to see the project occur.
""I think people are taking it in stride and feeling that the neighborhood has a great deal to say in what the outcome will be,"" she said.
The neighborhood committee dealing with the redevelopment plans, ""Block 115,"" is slated to have its next meeting Oct. 14.
Olson said it is unclear whether developers would ensure new buildings for the Essen Haus and Come Back In, although the Essen Haus has been passing out fliers to patrons assuring they will not be going out of business.
Co-Chair of Stone House Development Richard Arnesen told The Capital Times he hopes to submit plans for the development to the city this fall and start construction by spring 2005.
