Friends of San Damiano present activation plan, recommend studying Frank Alice House rehabilitation
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Summary
Friends of San Damiano presented a 2025 report and a 2026 activation plan to the Monona Council, proposing concerts, monthly family events, waterfront activation and potential rehabilitation of the Frank Alice House; staff and the Friends outlined infrastructure, accessibility and funding hurdles and recommended negotiating a long-term lease and pursuing historic tax-credit options.
Friends of San Damiano leaders told the Monona Common Council they are shifting from a volunteer organization to a staffed nonprofit and laid out a 2026 activation plan that emphasizes daily public use and revenue-generating events.
Cara Erickson, executive director of the Friends of San Damiano, presented 2025 attendance and finance metrics and a phase‑1 conceptual plan. Erickson said the organization hosted events that served more than 1,200 participants and reported combined revenues and sponsorships from individuals and events; expenses for 2025 left the group in a strong cash position heading into 2026. "Our 2026 activation plan is working to change that, to change the feel of the property and how people think of themselves on the property," Erickson said.
Wes Mosman Bloch, Friends president, framed the Frank Alice House question in the context of activating the site, saying the group formed an ad hoc committee to study whether the house can deliver the functions needed for daily operations and revenue. He said rehabilitation could be phased and that pursuing inclusion on the National Register and historic tax credits was plausible but would require more study. "We think it's possible to get the house on the National Register," Mosman Bloch said, while noting further analysis would determine whether tax credits are necessary to make the project feasible.
Presenters identified barriers that must be addressed for activation: difficult vehicular access from Monona Drive, the Frank Alice House lacking potable water, being non‑ADA‑compliant and having no functioning bathrooms, and limits on current use because the house is not up to code. The Friends proposed improvements including shore activation (piers and boat slips), widened drive access, parking solutions, public restrooms, and a food-and-beverage operator to underwrite part of operating costs.
Next steps described to council included negotiating a long-term lease with the city, hiring a design team and contractor, running a capital campaign, and phasing rehabilitation to allow early use while larger work continues. The Friends asked council to consider the conceptual development plan and their recommendation on the Alice House at an upcoming meeting.
