August 2022 | Advocacy Opinion
Landmarks Commission’s Decision
Splitting the Old Spring Tavern Property is Heartbreaking and Flawed
This month we hear from Kurt Stege, advocacy committee co-chair, about the recent decision regarding the Old Spring Tavern.
Because I lack professional training in historic preservation, I’m typically willing to defer to the opinion of someone who has that training. So it goes when Madison’s Preservation Planner stakes out a position. But I can’t swallow that position (in this case one that was largely adopted by the Madison Landmarks Commission) when it is counter to the standard established by Madison’s Landmarks Ordinance, contrasts with the views of other preservation professionals, and has overwhelming opposition from the neighborhood.
Photo by Kurt Stege
Perspective from the driveway entrance to the Tavern/Inn site. Photo courtesy of Kevin Pomeroy
Though not shown as such on the map, Spring Trail is not a through street to Council Crest, but a dead-end at the approximate location shown. Helpful context may also be provided by the Google satellite view of 3706 Nakoma Road here.