A building that has stood in Madison for almost a century may soon be torn down, despite the objections of tenant Avol's Bookstore, 240 W. Gilman St.
Building owner Joe McCormick, along with Plunkett Raysich Architects, has decided to ask the Madison Urban Design Commission Wednesday to approve their plan, entitled \The Gilman Street Apartment Project.""
Though McCormick and a Plunkett Raysich associate refused to comment, the Wisconsin State Journal reported details of the project this weekend.
The proposal for the building would see its demolition in the fall of 2004 to be replaced with a four- to six-story apartment building that would house 50 to 60 units. The apartment complex would be geared toward UW-Madison students, offering one- to two-bedroom apartments or four- to five-bedroom apartments, with laundry services on every floor. Hopes are to be able to begin renting out in 2005, with final costs estimated at $4 to 5 million.
The Gilman building, which was built in 1906 by Chicago architect J.K. Cadey, was referred to as the ""Women's Building"" for more than four decades, according to Madison Preservation Planner Katherine Rankin.
""The building has a Mediterranean-classical look,"" Renkin said. ""It looks similar to buildings that can be found in the south of France or Italy.""
Ron Czerwien, owner of Avol's Bookstore, which is currently located in the Gilman building expressed not only his concern for his store, but the community at large. Czerwien, who just turned in his lease to McCormick a few days ago, was surprised by the decision to demolish the building.
""I was told directly that they were not going to tear down the building,"" Czerwien said.
Avol's Bookstore, in belief that the building would not be torn down, decided to sell their smaller bookstore, called ""More Books,"" 310 State St. The store also signed a contract for an upgrade in their Internet connection in the store.
""We wouldn't have done these things if we knew they were going to tear down,"" Czerwien said.
Though Czerwien is not sure of specific legalities involved with real estate, he may be looking into talking to a lawyer. He said his concern for the greater Madison community is much greater than for his store, however.
""Older buildings lend themselves to small businesses,"" Czerwien said. ""When you start knocking down old buildings where rent is less for new buildings with higher rent, it drives out small businesses.\
