The vacant buildings in the lots east of the Chazen Museum of Art will soon be gone, and in their place will stand a future home for the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s music school.
Members of the State-Langdon Neighborhood Association heard updates Wednesday about a new University music hall, already having secured city approval to demolish the buildings on the 700 block of University Avenue.
However, until the university can raise enough money to fund the proposed building, the lots will be a green space “for what will likely be at least two more years,” said Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4.
The city approved demolition of the row of vacant establishments, including the building where Brothers bar used to be, for this fall.
John Magnino, president of the neighborhood association, said the buildings are not “providing anything aesthetically or economically” to the area.
“The UW school of music would be a worthwhile addition to the neighborhood,” he said.
Also at the meeting, Ald. Bridget Maniaci, District 2, updated neighborhood residents on a plan to install more security cameras in the downtown area, including Langdon Street, after the city’s financial committee approved the Capital Budget earlier this week.
According to Maniaci, police said the Langdon area in particular needs the security cameras.
Magnino said safety is one of his biggest concerns for the Langdon area.
“Just [the security cameras’] presence alone is just going to be a constant reminder that this is an area that’s being watched, and I think it only means good things for the neighborhood,” he said.
