Olbrich Park - North Parcel Site Remediation Project

The Garver Feed Mill building was constructed in 1906 for the United States Sugar Company. The building was then renovated and home of Garver Feed & Supply Company from 1931-1967. After 1967, the site served various industrial uses. In 1994, it was designated as a City of Madison Landmark. Then in 2017 it was added to the State and National Register of Historic Places.

The building was restored by Baum Revision, LLC. and opened in 2018 as the Garver Feed Mill. The building is currently home to numerous commercial tenants and hosts public and private events. Adjacent land to the building is leased by Baum Revision from the City of Madison.

Micro-lodge Development

Along with the Garver Feed Mill, part of the development proposal included the development of micro-lodges to the north of the Feed Mill building to be constructed at a later date. Just like the area surrounding the Garver Feed Mill building, the land for the micro-lodge development was to be leased from the City if the agreement was executed. The agreement was never executed by the developer prior to expiration and the future of the site is now the responsibility of Madison Parks to develop as park land.

Current Land Ownership

Baum Revision leases the land surrounding the Garver Feed Mill building from the City of Madison. Baum Revision owns the Garver Feed Mill building and Cold Storage building. Madison Parks leases use of a portion of the Cold Storage building from Baum Revision.

Proposed Certified Survey Map and Re-zoning

Prior to restoration of the Garver Feed Mill building, the property was divided into separate parcels in order to accommodate the future micro-lodge development. Due to the micro-lodge development not moving forward, Madison Parks will be preparing a Certified Survey Map (CSM) in order for all park land to be on a single parcel. Madison Parks also intends to re-zone the park land to the Parks and Recreation zoning district. All of the parcels are currently in the Planned Development zoning district. These changes are intended to simplify the approval process for the development of the park land in the future.

• Soil sampling and testing has indicated that contaminated soil is present on the site.
  • Soil is contaminated with known carcinogens from direct contact with humans.
  • Food grown in contaminated soil is not safe for consumption
• Parks is working with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to establish site remediation requirements based on land use.
  • Parks staff will prepare and submit a materials management plan to WDNR for their review and approval.
  • Remediation requirements likely consist of capping the contaminated soil with clean fill. However, requirements are subject to WDNR review and may vary from initial expectations.