📝 Mardi Gras in Madison

🍃 New Landmark Coming to Picnic Point

• UW-Madison alumnus and local philanthropist Jerry Frautschi has made a $14.3 million gift to build a visitor and education center at the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. The new center will showcase the university’s sustainability efforts and support hands-on learning and research for more than 25 academic programs.
• The new building will feature an accessible upper-level deck with sweeping views and act as a “front door” to the preserve. The university says it intends to have the Frautschi Center certified as the state’s first “Living Building” and that it will be the first net-positive energy building on campus, meaning it will produce more energy than it consumes.
• Construction on the 9,000 square foot building is slated to start in 2025, and the center is scheduled to open in 2026.
• Frautschi and his family are major local philanthropists, most notably they gave a $205 million gift to build the Overture Center. [UW-Madison, Cap Times]

👮 UWPD Chief Resigns

• UW-Madison Police Chief Kristen Roman resigned — rather abruptly — from her role Monday. Roman served as UWPD chief since 2017. Prior to that, Roman was with the Madison Police Department for 26 years.
• The university announced UWPD assistant chief for administration and support Brent Plisch will fill the role in the interim. Plisch has been with UWPD since 2005. The university will conduct a nationwide search for the next chief. [UW-Madison]

💗 Need V-Day Inspiration?

• Valentine's Day is tomorrow and whether you’re celebrating with a significant other, friends, or just looking for a good time on your own, we’ve got a bunch of suggestions for you. From coffee and cocktails to local adventures, check out some of Madison Minutes readers favorite local date spots. [Madison Minutes]

This week, the Dane County Humane Society would like to introduce you to Dozer. This 9-year-old pup may be a senior, but he’s still a young boy at heart. Dozer loves to play fetch, especially with soft toys. He also loves receiving lots of pets and he’s great at snuggles.

Dozer is looking for a calm and quiet home without small children where he can enjoy being a lazy couch potato when he feels like it. He doesn’t have a lot of experience meeting other dogs, and he could be okay with a laid back pup, but introductions should be done slowly. Because Dozer is looking for a special home, he is a member of our Lonely Hearts Club and his adoption fee has been reduced.

The Man Behind Madison’s Iconic Signs

You’ve most likely noticed Dan Yoder’s handy work when driving through Madison. His company, Sign Art Studio, is responsible for the city’s most iconic signs: the huge new Orpheum marquee on State Street, the classic restored Badger Liquor sign a block away, the elegant, retro cool-looking Harvey House sign, and hundreds more.