City officials approved a State Street redevelopment proposal Monday while delaying a decision on two buildings slated for demolition.
Jerome Frautschi and Pleasant Rowland's second proposal for the $17 million reconstruction plan affects six buildings on the 100 block of State Street.
The Landmarks Commission approved the exterior alterations to the Castle & Doyle Building at 125 State St., but voted the addition to the Buell building at 121-123 State St. is too intrusive, noting the historic value of the building.
While the Vallender building at 127-129 State St. was originally planned to be demolished, the commission did not decide on demolition and advised the Planning Commission the building has social, architectural and historical value. If demolished, the design of the building must be historically appropriate and not too contemporary, according to city officials.
The proposal also includes plans for a 5,730 square feet of above-ground building space to be transformed into a garden at the corner of Mifflin Street and Fairchild Street. While the outdoor garden is considered private property, the public will have access to the space.
The Madison Trust for Historic Preservation presented an alternate plan last week, which promotes a rehabilitative approach to reconstruction as opposed to the Block 100 Foundation's original proposal, which included demolition plans.
Jason Tish, Madison Trust executive director, is concerned with preserving the character of the area.
"State Street is to Madison what the French Quarter is to New Orleans," Tish said. "The 100 block in particular exhibits that character better than any other block on the street."
Although Madison Trust is concerned with completely altering historic buildings, Grant Frautschi, leader of Block 100, said none of the properties were considered historical when purchased.
Part of the project also includes providing "permanent" support to the Overture Center for the Arts. The proposal includes $200,000 to be gifted to the Overture per year.
Eric Lawson, a representative of Block 100, said the project would "significantly" increase the property value, increase Madison's tax base and create jobs.
"Change in Madison is difficult," Frautschi said. "This project is an asset for the city."
The plans will be discussed at Urban Design Commission Wednesday and at a Landmarks Commission meeting Feb. 13.
