City Cast Madison
🚗 Lake Street Ramp project hits a turning point
January 15, 2025 · —Rob Thomas
Good morning, Madison! Do you like animals? Henry Vilas Zoo is planning an “empathy evaluation” to gauge how emotionally connected visitors feel with the animals they see at the zoo. The idea is that if humans feel empathy towards the animals, we’ll be more likely to support conservation efforts. But, sorry, they won’t let you hug them 🐘
What's CITY Talking About?
🏗️ First Phase of Lake Street Ramp Project Completed
- The first phase of the multi-use public-private project replacing the old Lake Street Ramp has been completed, city officials said. The first “public” phase involves a 410-stall parking garage and intercity bus terminal replacing the old garage.
- Now, it’s Mortensen Development’s turn to build the second “private” phase of 213 student housing units. The entire 12-story project is scheduled to be finished by the summer of 2026 and ready for UW students to move in that fall. [City of Madison]
👮 Madison Has a New Interim Police Chief
- John Patterson, Madison’s assistant police chief, will temporarily fill the void left by departing Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes. Barnes is heading to Seattle at the end of January to serve as that city’s top cop.
- Patterson, who has been with the department for 26 years will serve as interim police chief until the Police and Fire Commission name a permanent successor. [WKOW]
⚖️ Abundant Life Shooting Prompts New Anti-Violence Office
- In the wake of the Abundant Life Christian School shooting in December, Gov. Tony Evers is creating a new statewide office meant to reduce gun violence across Wisconsin.
- Evers signed an executive order Tuesday to create the Office of Violence Prevention, launched with $10 million in leftover federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. School districts, law enforcement agencies, and others can apply for grants from the office to fund efforts to reduce gun violence. [Cap Times, Gov.’s Office ]
Sponsored Content
Madison Symphony Orchestra Performs All-Beethoven Concert
Join the Madison Symphony Orchestra January 17, 18, and 19 for nights of pure Beethoven music. We're excited to feature pianist Orli Shaham, violinist Gil Shaham, and cellist Sterling Elliott on Beethoven's Triple Concerto, as well as feature the MSO on Beethoven's Leonore Overture and Symphony No. 2!
Where Is It?
⬆️ Last Week’s Photo
This staircase is located in the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art!
🎉 Congratulations to Chauncey H. for being the first person to guess right!
⬇️ This Week’s Photo
Do you know where this mural is located? A few clues:
- It’s located on Madison’s west side
- The artist Liubov Szvwako, who goes by “Triangulador,” was inspired by the designs he saw on riverboats on a trip to Brazil when creating this mural
- If you can tell me what business is right next door to the mural, you’ll clean up!
What To Do
Wednesday, Jan. 15
- 🇪🇬 The Great Pyramids of Giza at Middleton Public Library
- 🎶 The Aden Stier Quartet at Lucille
- 🎹 Madison Jazz Jam & Workshop, "Intro to Playing Chord Changes" at COPA
- 🍜 Saffi Saana Mediterranean Collaboration - Wednesday, January 15th at The Deliciouser
- 🎻 Sugar Maple Concert Series: The Faux Paws at North Street Cabaret
- ❓ Trivia at Starkweather Brewing Company at Starkweather Brewing Company, SwBC
- 🎶 VINYL LISTENING PARTY: MOS DEF - "Black On Both Sides" at Lola's
📰 Extra! Extra! Meet the Madison inventor who wants you to have some whips in your whip! Candy Phelps was inspired to create a licorice dispenser that mounts on the sunroof of your car after seeing one in “Wayne’s World.” And, yes, her name really is Candy 🍬
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