The Madison Plan Commission on Nov. 17 approved a package of actions to allow Madison Water Utility to replace and reconstruct Unit Well 12 at 801 South Whitney Way.

Planner Tim Parks outlined three related requests: a Landmarks referral on demolition after a Category B finding, a rezoning recommendation from Conservancy (CN) to Parks & Recreation (PR), and a conditional use for a pumping station and reservoir. Parks said staff believes the project can meet adopted plan standards and noted the PR district better accommodates the lot coverage needed for the proposed facility.

Isaac Steinmeier, representing Madison Water Utility, told the commission the project appears in the utility master plan dating to 2006 and underwent design and permitting work from 2014–2017 before budget constraints delayed construction. “This project has been in development over 20 years,” Steinmeier said, adding the upgrade would convert the facility to supply two pressure zones and address Wisconsin DNR deficiencies, including separate chemical feed rooms and restroom improvements.

Preservation staff had found the existing 1957 limestone pump house to retain architectural integrity; the Landmarks Commission issued a Category B finding. Water utility staff and consultants described attempts to preserve and add onto the building but said bids to do so were prohibitively high. The applicant team said they will preserve the existing well hole and reuse the historic entrance stone while replicating other stone elements in new material.

The commission first moved and approved the demolition permit, subject to conditions from reviewing agencies. It then unanimously recommended the CN→PR rezoning to the Common Council. Finally the commission found conditional use standards met and approved reconstruction of Well Unit 12 and its reservoir, noting the project will require a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals for a 30‑foot side yard prior to final sign‑off.

Alder John Ugare moved each of the motions; each passed without objection. Staff and the applicant said preservation documentation and a historic conditions survey are conditions of approval as recommended by Landmarks.