What’s Worth Saving in Madison?
Madison’s building boom continues. Construction cranes dot the skyline. Huge new apartment buildings are in progress on many of Madison’s largest thoroughfares: East Washington Ave, West Johnson, Regent Street. But downtown, making way for the new means out with the old, and that means demolition of old buildings. Recent city debates over proposed development in the 100 block of State Street, the 400 block of State Street and the 100 block of Mifflin have pitted desires for housing against desires to preserve pieces of Madison history.
It left us asking: what’s worth saving and how do we decide? Bianca Martin sits down with Madison historian Stu Levitan, longtime former chair of the Madison Landmarks Commission, to examine why we save what we do.
Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast ads.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
Your Guide to July 2026 in Madison
It’s hot and humid, and we’re looking for ways to beat the heat this July! The City Cast Madison team is kicking off the month with our t...
Extreme Heat Hits Madison, Knowles-Nelson Gets Axed, and Farmers Market Bliss
Madison is under an extreme heat warning this week, with temperatures in the 90s and heat index values exceeding 100 degrees. City Ca...
Canoes Connect Madison’s Indigenous History To the Present
Last week, the Ho-Chunk Nation gifted Dane County Parks a hand-carved dugout canoe. Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Bill Quackenbush...
'Your City Could Be Better': How Denver Is Fixing Its Sidewalks — Presented By City Cast Madison
Just how good are the sidewalks in Madison? The state of a city’s sidewalks can be a good indicator of how healthy that city is — and ped...
No Phones in School, Lake Monona Stinks, and Food Delivery Bots Roll Away
This week, the Madison School Board approved a district-wide cell phone policy. Under the new rules, phones are banned all day for grades...
Pour One Out for Schlitz and a Weekend Events Roundup
Earlier this year, Pabst Brewing Company announced an indefinite hiatus of Schlitz beer. However, Verona-based Wisconsin Brewing Company...
Governor’s Race Shakeup, Giannis Trade Shock, and Madison’s Best Thrifts
In the latest on the race for Wisconsin governor, democratic candidate Missy Hughes dropped out of the primary Monday and endorsed Lt. Go...
MMSD’s Proposed Property Tax Hike, Concerts on the Square Kickoff, and a T-Ball Legend
The Madison school board is looking to increase property taxes by 8.5% for the upcoming school year. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin...
WI Governor Race Updates & Assembly District 76 Forum Takeaways
There are still seven candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for the Wisconsin Governor’s race. With the August 11 primary less t...
The Ultimate Madison Ice Cream Showdown
There are so many great local spots in town to get ice cream. From Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream to Babcock Dairy Store, Madison is rich wit...