Gilson Street Urban Development to Revitalize Madison Area
March 22nd, 2007“A neighborhood institution for many years will remain and get a facelift, which I think is positive for the neighborhood.”
WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL
FRI., FEB 23, 2007 - 10:08 AM
Apartments, stores planned in $3.5 million development
Style & Grace barbershop, a South Side neighborhood landmark for nearly 50 years at 1600 Gilson St., will be torn down next month to make way for a $3.5 million apartment and retail building. The project is more than just another redevelopment effort. It will preserve a neighborhood institution and might spark more development in the area.
The barbershop will relocate temporarily to 1272 Park St. but will occupy a larger 2,990-square-foot space in the new building along with a boutique offering hair-related products.
The building also will include 10 two-bedroom and three one-bedroom apartments, 20 stalls of underground parking, 2,498 square feet of retail or commercial space, at Beld and Gilson streets, meeting space and a workout room.
Project planner Ed Banks said the apartments rent for $1,000 to $1,500 a month plus parking fees and will feature high-quality fixtures and finishes targeted toward young professionals and older residents. Each unit will have an outdoor balcony or patio. Ranging from 846 to 1,399 square feet, the apartments also will have gas fireplaces, hardwood floors and tile kitchens.”The project is going to be a catalyst for the revitalization of Gilson Street,” Banks said, adding that the development will be close to transportation and shopping. “The perception of safety is very important here and we want to make sure people feel safe in the building.”
The barbershop has changed names over the years, but has been a South Side landmark and community gathering place since it opened in 1960. Meetings are held there, notices about neighborhood events are posted on a bulletin board out front and home- baked pies have been sold there.
Barbershop owner Clarence Brown said he’s been thinking about the redevelopment project for five years. If it succeeds, he may consider developing other nearby properties.
“There are a lot of possibilities,” he said. “This is just the beginning.”
Ald. Isadore Knox also endorses the redevelopment effort.
“This project has a good blend of small business development, commercial potential and residential,” he said. “A neighborhood institution for many years will remain and get a facelift, which I think is positive for the neighborhood.”
Knox said the development also provides an opportunity for expansion of a minority business.
“The market they’re looking for is to attract professional people who might work at one of the hospitals or the university,” he said. “That’s part of what we want to do is bring residents to the neighborhood who can build some employment base.”
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