City to work with LAIC on converting former Runnings property into public recreation facility

A new use is being proposed for the former Runnings property in the city of Madison.  At Monday’s City Commission meeting, Lake Area Improvement Corporation Executive Director Brooke Rollag discussed with commissioners a proposal for Runnings to donate the property to the LAIC, who will convert it into a public recreation facility.   

Rollag said that they wanted to make the property into something usable.

Rollag said the LAIC is willing to accept the property and spearhead the necessary improvements before selling it to the city for the costs that are incurred.  She outlined how the project for the proposed facility would work.

Mayor Roy Lindsay said that the other buildings on the property where the old Runnings building is located, including the former grocery store and gas station, would be demolished.  Rollag said that the LAIC will utilize donations to convert the Runnings building, and estimate the cost for the demolition and removal of the other properties at approximately 70-thousand dollars.  City Administrator Jameson Berreth said that total cost could be higher than that, at around 80-to-90-thousand dollars.  

As far as improvements made to the former Runnings building, Mayor Lindsay said that there would need to be a re-appraisal of it.  Due to floodplain restrictions, improvements made to the structure cannot exceed 50-percent of its value.  Berreth said that the use of City labor or equipment could reduce some of the cost also.  

Commissioners Monday agreed to work with the LAIC in the project and plan to take over the property once it is completed. 

October 4, 2022