Construction Begins on Historic Garver Feed Mill 

Madison, WI (December 7, 2017) - Baum Revision is pleased to announce the purchase of the historic Garver Feed Mill building from the City of Madison. Construction has already started. The Garver Feed Mill, located next to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, will honor and preserve Madison's rich agricultural and industrial history by re-activating the building as a next-generation food hub. The renovated Mill will be transformed into a platform for local food businesses to grow, and in turn, will enhance Madison’s reputation as the Midwest’s center for high quality, locally made food and drink. Garver will provide visitors the opportunity to taste the best of Madison, tour the building and connect with the producers themselves.

Originally built as the US Sugar Beet Factory in 1905, the building was renovated into the Garver Feed Mill in 1929. In 1997, feed processing was discontinued, and the Mill was purchased by the City of Madison. For the past twenty years, the structure has stood vacant, waiting to become an essential part of the Madison landscape once more.

“This is a complex project and aggregating all of necessary funding was a monumental task. We’re so happy to be closed and under construction. Participating businesses are excited about being part of a reimagined Madison landmark and the convenience of being located next to one of Madison’s most popular destinations, Olbrich Gardens,” says Bryant Moroder, a member of Garver Feed Mill Development team. “Garver is sure to become a foodie destination for locals and out-of-towners alike. Private and public events will keep Garver bustling throughout the year, bringing people from near and far.”

The co-location of food-based businesses under one roof provides an ideal and vibrant platform for them to build on their strengths and collaborate. Signed leases for the building have been in the works for months and include Nessalla Kombucha, Ayurvedic Wellness, Sitka Salmon, Ian’s Pizza, Calliope Ice Cream and Underground Catering. Additional leases are out for signature.

“We are excited to be a part of this amazing project and proud to be involved in our community’s growth and sustainability.” says Vanessa Tortolano, co-founder of Nessalla Kombucha.

“We look forward to growing our Community Supported Fishery here in Madison and are even more excited to make Garver the center of it all.” says Nick Mink, President of Sitka Salmon Shares, a future tenant of the Garver Feed Mill.

Alder Marsha Rummel who represents the district where Garver is located says, “I am thrilled to have Baum Revision start to revitalize the Garver Feed Mill. Their vision for food-related ventures in the beautiful and historic building captured my imagination and those of many near east side neighbors. Saving Garver is a decade long effort for me and I’m ready to be awed when I visit on opening day!”

Matt Mikolajewski, the City of Madison Economic Development Director adds. “The City looks forward to the continued work, and completion, of the Garver Feed Mill project, as it will contribute to Madison’s growing local food economy.”

The vision for the Garver building is being financed and supported by the National Community Investment Fund, Brownfield Revitalization, Monona State Bank, City of Madison, an Idle Industrial sites grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation, Central State Bank, Hope Community Capital and additional private investments.

Construction on the project will be overseen by Bachmann Construction, a third generation family-owned business based in Madison. Bachmann, in conjunction with Baum Revision and other design team members, has already been working with city officials and historic preservation agencies to meet stringent historic approvals.

Baum Revision focuses on signature projects in urban environments that represent the principals' commitment to social responsibility, preservation, and sustainability. Inspiration for the Garver Feed Mill came from the recently opened Rockwell Building owned in part by Baum Revision.