As spring begins, Madison's State Street redevelopment plan will continue to expand westward toward the UW-Madison campus. New development will start in early April on the west 300 and 400 blocks of State Street and continue through September.
The redevelopment efforts, which should be complete by September, include street resurfacing, the rebuilding of curbs and gutters and the upgrading of utilities,\ said George Twigg, spokesperson for Mayor Dave Cieslewicz. Plans also include local art opportunities, new traffic lights, street signs, banners and benches on the street.
They are part of Phase III of the overall redevelopment plan, which began in 2004. Phase II included the already-completed renovations of State Street's 100 and 200 blocks and Phase I included replacing bus depots. Construction on the 100 and 200 blocks of State Street was completed in late 2005, after months of work in front of the Overture Center, 201 State St. and other businesses.
On March 21, the City Council approved a contract to Joe Daniels Construction, and federal grants have provided a large source of funding for the renovation. Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, estimated the current spending on the renovation project as ""several million dollars.""
According to Verveer, State Street—the center for authentic Madison cuisine, a variety of local and international flavors and a lively nightlife—is one of Wisconsin's most historic and important streets. However, its infrastructure has remained primarily unchanged for over 50 years. Many of the underground utilities have been in place since the late 19th century and are in desperate need of renovation, Verveer said.
Hawk Schenkeo, owner of Hawk's Bar and Grill, 425 State St., said change is in order.
""State Street could use a face lift,"" Schenkeo said.
By beautifying the area surrounding the capital, the renovation will attract new businesses and customers, Twigg said.
However, local businesses are expecting short-term losses.
""During the construction it hurts business,"" Schenkeo said.
He said he would be unable to hold an outdoor café this summer because many of the sidewalk areas and streets will be torn up, limiting pedestrian access.
Nonetheless, students and business owners alike expressed optimism for the future of State Street.
""I don't think the renovations will significantly hurt local businesses on State Street,"" UW-Madison sophomore Eric Carlson said. ""Students will still frequent the restaurants and bars even if there is minor construction.""
""In the long run, after this summer, for five years, for ten years, it'll be good,"" Schenkeo said.
""Once the construction is over, the new look pays dividends in the long run,"" Verveer said.
Starting in 2007, the plan will proceed its final phase, Phase IV, which will renovate State Street's 500 and 600 blocks.
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