Work underway in Madison's Magnolia District
MADISON — Work is underway on a new 9,000-square-foot, two-story, historically inspired brick building in The Magnolia District development situated on 9 acres downtown.
Madison developer and contractor Greg Johnston’s construction company, Old Town Construction of Madison, is serving as the general contractor on the Magnolia District project that is located near the intersection of Madison Avenue and Magnolia Street.
With an anticipated completion date of January 2022, the new building will offer 4,500 square feet of retail space on the first floor and 4,500 square feet of office space on the second floor.
Land for the new building was recently opened up when Johnston moved two historic buildings to another part of the property and is renovating them to serve as new offices for Elliot Law Firm and other tenants.
Once the new building is completed Rock’s Barber and Style will move from its present location at the corner of Madison Avenue and Magnolia Street into the new building.
Rock’s is currently housed in a cottage-style house that was built in the 1920s. When Rock’s vacates this building, Johnston said he plans to move the old house to the location where the other two historic buildings have already been moved.
The Magnolia District project began in 2004 through the efforts of Johnston, and his parents, Brent and Cynthia Johnston, to restore historic buildings in the area and recreate historically accurate new buildings to offer Class A professional office space, and bring high-quality local retailers and fine dining to the area.
When complete, the Magnolia District will include 10 buildings with 71,000 square feet of space for restaurants, retail and professional offices.
Johnston’s office is situated in the heart of The Magnolia District in a cottage-style house that was built in 1903 and has been in Johnston’s family since 1972.
“I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to express my passion for development and construction on a project with which I have a lifelong, personal connection,” Johnston said.
Johnston’s development partner is Chuck Bell, a Madison pharmaceutical executive and entrepreneur.
“The rich history and beauty of The Magnolia District site in historic downtown Madison make this project unique,” Bell said. “I love history and I think we have the opportunity to create an environment that offers modern amenities in a warm, historically inspired setting.”
The developers are working closely with the City of Madison to ensure that the Magnolia District will blend seamlessly with the Madison at Main development that the City of Madison has planned for its adjacent property.
The developers said they hope The Magnolia District will continue to serve as a catalyst for the development of the City’s property.
“I am glad to see all of the activity at The Magnolia District,” said Mary Hawkins-Butler, Madison mayor. “I am also pleased that the historic buildings on the site were preserved. I know this will be a wonderful addition to downtown Madison.”