Madison historic review board approves several projects, tables large garage proposal after neighbor objections

The Madison Historic District Board of Review at its March 2026 meeting approved a string of certificate-of-appropriateness applications while tabling one large garage proposal after neighbors and board members raised concerns about scale, materials and outstanding zoning reviews.

Michael O’Day won board approval to enclose a covered porch at 803 Fillmore Alley with wood-clad casement windows featuring simulated divided lights. Staff presented photos and details of the non-contributing 1970 structure; board members praised the proposed materials and design. Jed Skillman said the change would “add character” and noted the house is non-contributing, and the board voted unanimously to grant a certificate of appropriateness. Michael O’Day told the board he had salvaged insulated SDL windows and said, “I’ve been wanting to close it in for some time.”

A proposal at 520 West Street from Tanner Little to build a 21-by-48-foot, two-car garage generated the meeting’s most contentious discussion and was tabled. Little described the project as a two-car garage with a small workshop and said he had tried to pursue Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) review in advance but the BZA lacked a quorum. Neighbors spoke in opposition: Margaret Nowling, who lives at 518 West Street, said, “We’re not supposed to have metal buildings downtown because…there are no other metal buildings,” and a written letter from Kim and John Nyberg urged a smaller, more context-appropriate design and questioned setbacks, floor-area ratio and visibility from the alley. Board members flagged inconsistencies in the submitted drawings, uncertainty about setbacks (the application lists a 12-ft setback from the alley and a 22-ft lot width), and the lack of a completed zoning appeal. The board voted to table the application so the applicant can refine massing, materials and complete necessary zoning review.

At 910 East Second Street, John and Rhonda Deuce sought approval for a 24-by-30-foot two-car pole-barn garage on a larger lot behind a contributing 1900 house. The board inspected the site and concluded the proposed structure would be largely screened from public rights-of-way when trees leaf out. The board conditioned approval on higher-quality exterior materials — a standing-seam metal roof, board-and-batten (or similar) siding with concealed fasteners, and a carriage-style garage door — and voted to grant a certificate; Ryan Rogers recorded a dissenting vote. The Deuces said they would work with those material specifics.

A restoration request at 418–420 East Main to remove a non-original left-hand door and replace it with an aluminum-clad window drew broad praise from the board for the historical research provided. Contractor Lauren Hershberger noted the team discovered evidence on Sanborn maps and deeds that the building existed before 1871. The board approved the façade restoration while reserving final approval of the specific window model for a future staff action.

The Riverboat Inn’s proposal to construct a lower-level building for bathrooms, a bar and storage in a hollowed portion of the riverfront hillside also won approval after debate. Representatives said the structure would be stone-like with a shingled roof and would sit into the hill so much of it is not widely visible; the mayor spoke in support. Several board members asked for final detailed architectural drawings; the applicant said architects were preparing those but asked the board to move forward. The board voted to approve the project as presented.

The board conducted a brief staff report noting five items processed that month (two signs, a roof and two fences) and then adjourned. Several applications were tabled or required follow-up to ensure accurate drawings, appropriate materials and, where relevant, completed BZA review.

Votes at a glance - 803 Fillmore Alley (Michael O’Day): certificate of appropriateness granted (unanimous). - 520 West Street (Tanner Little): motion to table for redesign and zoning follow-up (motion passed). - 910 East Second Street (John & Rhonda Deuce): certificate granted conditional on standing-seam roof, board-and-batten siding, carriage-style door (passed; Ryan Rogers dissent). - 418–420 East Main (Deborah Watkins): façade restoration to original opening approved; window selection reserved for future approval (unanimous). - Riverboat Inn (Gray family): project for bathrooms/bar/storage approved (passed).

What happens next Applicants told the board they will return with revised drawings, zoning outcomes (where applicable) or final window specifications as requested by staff. The 520 West Street application will return after the applicant completes the requested redesign and any needed BZA step.