Madison PACE committee recommends five historic‑rehab projects to Board of Public Works

The Madison City PACE committee on Jan. 27 voted to recommend five grant applications to the Board of Public Works after scoring applicants at the committee meeting.

Committee staff announced that the PACE minimum qualifying score is 36 and read averaged results for the applications. Projects that met or exceeded the threshold and were forwarded for Board review included the applications with averaged scores of 41.5 (319 Craigmont Street), 42.5 (526 Jefferson Street), 40 (757 Jefferson Street), and others; staff noted several applications fell just below the threshold (for example, 6118 Mulberry Street at 34.75 and 835 West 3rd Street at 34.25).

Applicants described scope and intent for the properties during the public presentations. John Shuring said of 1063 West Main Street that he plans to “remove that siding” and replace five single‑pane windows with historically sympathetic double‑pane sashes while keeping the house as his primary residence. Bob Vonch, representing his daughter for 200 Ferry Street, said a lead‑paint test returned positive and the owner seeks window replacements to remove lead hazards and restore safe operation. Rick Lacour described stabilizing a historic carriage house at 6118 Mulberry Street for conversion to a two‑bedroom rental, including brickwork, window and door replacement, and repair of second‑floor joists; city staff described the structure as unsafe and asked for interior photos to verify interior conditions.

At 319 Craigmont Street, Steve Martin said the building has been vacant for multiple years and described major work needed: foundation repair, replacement of roughly 90% of floor joists, new HVAC and extensive interior work. Martin cited a contractor construction bid of about $98,000 for the work, plus an HVAC bid of roughly $12,000 and an estimated additional $60,000–$75,000 in associated costs. Scott Broder, representing Mark Prickett and Extreme Wholesale for 526 Jefferson Street, detailed structural and exterior repairs, brick stabilization and historically appropriate window and door replacements; the intent after rehab is to sell the property.

Committee members asked procedural and eligibility questions, requested supporting interior photographs in cases where buildings were described as unsafe, and discussed historic preservation details for windows and exterior materials. After staff reported final average scores, a member moved to recommend the qualifying projects to the Board of Public Works; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

What happens next: the Board of Public Works will consider the committee’s recommendations at its next meeting and vote on final grant approvals. The PACE committee does not approve grants — it scores and forwards recommendations. Applicants whose projects are approved by the Board will be notified before beginning work.

Votes at a glance: the committee approved a motion to recommend the qualifying applications (motion moved and seconded; recorded vote: unanimous 'Aye').