The First Settlement District continues to be a dynamic and changing neighborhood. It’s a blend of old and new, rentals and owner-occupied residences, historic buildings, thriving restaurants, taverns and coffee shops, and newer developments such as the Lake Front Porch at Crowley Station and the conversion of the historic Madison Saddlery building into a boutique hotel.
Our neighborhood is located in the shadow of the Wisconsin State Capitol on the narrowest part of the Isthmus, putting both downtown lakes within easy walking distance. The Lake Monona shoreline will soon see major upgrades as construction begins on the Madison Lakeway project. There’s also easy access to Metro’s BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), and to the extensive network of bike paths with recently completed improvements of our streets. We’re also the top contender for the location of the future Madison Amtrak Station!
The First Settlement District has significant opportunities for growth and for adding hundreds of units of housing. There are two city blocks primed for redevelopment including the City owned Brayton Lot and the GEF 2 and 3 buildings that were recently sold by the State. Currently, the WMC site (501 E Washington Ave) is being redeveloped into an apartment building offering work-force housing.
Get involved and meet your neighbors – send an email to firstsettlement@capitolneighborhoods.org!
