What Are We Building? Sun Prairie

A native of Northwest Indiana and the Chicago area, Sun Prairie Alder Mike Jacobs has never been shy about speaking his mind.  We talked about the new newly elected mayor and alders, and some blowback to his recent comments related to the importance of experience on City Council.  We also got into his education and background as a historian and professor at UW Platteville Baraboo-Sauk County, being Catholic, and teaching about controversial subjects like the KKK and Uncle Tom's Cabin. Plus, I open the show with some updates of ongoing projects being built in Sun Prairie and thoughts on how Trump's tariffs will affect the "little guy."

After a few month hiatus, What Are We Building is BACK! Coming out of the gate HOT with blistering commentary on how Trump/Musk/DOGE, Cash Money, USAID, and Christian Values. Then, Andy talks with former Sun Prairie Alder Faustina Bohling about her time on the City Council and why (contrary to what you may have heard) supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a GOOD thing.

This month's guest is Dr. Brad Saron, Superintendent of the Sun Prairie School District. Naturally, we talked about the referendum, teacher pay, and the overall goals and accountability for the administration. Regardless of your opinion on the Referendum, I would encourage you to listen with an open mind and, if you still have questions, reach out to the district for answers. I also talked at the top of the show about the new Johnson Financial location, as well as several new ethnic grocery stores.

This month Andy's guest is Jennifer Lee of Faded Roots boutique.  They talked about being a small business entrepeneur selling eclectic fashion, as well as her experience moving to a new location and restoring a historic church downtown. Plus, Andy opened the show with some additional thoughts on the 1 Communications Dr site, as well a political endorsement and some events around town! 

Let's have more PhD's running for office please! On this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Regina Vidaver, Candidate for Dane County Executive.  From graduate school at UW to public health policy, we discussed her experience during the Covid pandemic and resettling Afghan refugees, as well as her time on the Madison City Council providing no-interest loans for child care and championing the Madison Public Market.  Plus, I shared my thoughts on why the Plan Commission's recent decision around the Black Men's Coalition housing project was a mistake.  

On a new episode of "What Are We Building?" Andy had the great pleasure of speaking with Wes Sparkman, currently the Director of The Tamara D. Grigsby Office for Equity and Inclusion in Dane County, and candidate for Dane County Executive.  They had a terrific conversation about Wes's journey from Chicago, to UW and the LaFollette school, to ultimately serving the community in a myraid of ways, including over 25 years in State and County Government. Wes is a dedicated public servant, who believes government can be an efficient, effective, force for positive change.  Give it a listen!   

I was supposed to speak with Dana Pellebon, who is running for Dane County Executive, but unfortunately she didn't show up for the interview. Instead, it's an all-Andy show and gave me a chance to yammer on about the proposal for Downtown at Bristol & Main, Sun Prairie's efforts to be more sustainable, and the decision to replace the St Mary's ER with a new surgery center.

Do you vote at Heartland Church or United Methodist?  You probably live in District 2 and can vote for a new City Council representative on April 2nd!  The 2 candidates running are Santiago Rosas and Bill Baker - Andy had them both on the most recent episode of "What Are We Building?"  Hear about their backgrounds, priorities for the city, and thoughts on recent projects like the Black Mens Coaltion housing and the proposed downtown hotel.

Maybe the biggest political name we've had on the show yet! Andy sat down with Wisconsin State Senator Melissa Agard. Among other things, he learns she's also running for Dane County Executive. Serious discussions about Cannabis legalization, Abortion Access, Taxes and more. Plus, Andy opens the show with a lot of news about what we're building in Sun Prairie: find out where we're getting more apartments, a new medical clinic, bar & grill, corporate HQ and a bank branch in 2024! Note: we have reached out to the other candidates for Dane County Executive and hope to have them on the show as well if they choose.

This month's guest is David Virgell, City Council Alder for District 4.  We had a great chat about the Westmount Roundabout, big cities vs small towns, and the Black Men's Coalition proposal.  Also, listener mail(!) and an update on Hyvee and the Corner of Bristol & Main downtown. 

Cassi Benedict wears a lot of hats, from working for the State of WI DPI to being a Mom of 2 kids and 4 pets, and she's looking to try on another one: City Council Alder. We had a great conversation about how her background and lived experience inform her views on policy and the role of city government.

How does growth and progress affect your civic pride and satisfaction with where you live? We talked about that and so much more in a spectacular conversation with Korab Krasniqi, a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones and owner of 240 E. Main St. Downtown. Korab's fascinating story led him to Sun Prairie, and also to understand the importance of building relationships, community and why "communication is life."

Hey Hey! Have you heard about the Heyday Development in Sun Prairie?  It's a brand new neighborhood of 4 and 6-unit townhomes at the corner of Bird and Egre Rd.  Ryan Swingruber, the Developer stopped by "What Are We Building?" to talk about the unique features of the properties, and how they're meeting the changing demands of renters from Millenials to Boomers.  We talked about renting vs buying, Internet, EV charging and a whole lot more...  

What are We Building? is back with a terrific conversation with Izzy Hassey Nevarez of Centro Hispano. Great to hear about the amazing work they're doing in Madison and Dane County to support the Latin community. We talked about Izzy's journey from Chicago to Juneau to Sun Prairie and the debate over the best way to do corn on the cob! Please check out their 1st ever Summer Resource Fair on Thursday, July 20th from 3-6pm at 1632 W. Main St! 

Turning on a faucet and flipping on a light switch is something most of us take for granted...but we shouldn't. On a special "joint episode" of What Are We Building? and "Roundabout Sun Prairie", we did an interview with Rick Wicklund, Utility Manager for Sun Prairie Utilities. We talked about the unique structure of a municipal utility, it's obligation to the public, and their plans for a new office space and warehouse facility. Rick also addressed the recent issue with high levels of fluoride in the water and how it was fixed.

On a new episode of "What Are We Building?" I shared some additional thoughts about the recent controversy surrounding the situation with a transgender student in the East High Locker Room. Then, I sat down for a chat with my good friend Jenni Lippitt, Director of Property Management for the Alexander Company. Jenni is a wealth of knowledge about apartments, and had heaps of excellent information about the "behind the scenes" of why affordable housing is important to any community. She also had some pointed criticism of the Colorado Commons project on Main & Thompson and some ideas of what we SHOULD be building in Sun Prairie.

I've been wanting to do this one for a long time!  On the latest “What Are We Building?” I sat down for an interview with Sun Prairie's District 3 Alder Mike Jacobs.  We had a wide-ranging discussion about what drew him to academia and City Council, as well as apartments (of course!), the history of anti-intellectualism and the value of sustainability to our present and future.

This episode includes an interview with Sun Prairie's Planning Director, Josh Clements.  They talked about Josh's journey to planning and how he feels that working on issues in the public sphere can really help people.  Josh had some unique perspectives on housing (affordable and otherwise) and why people seem to always prefer single family homes vs apartments.  They also talked about the new Starbucks, Cousins Subs and Capital Fitness. Andy also reminds everyone to vote for School Board, Municipal Judge andWI Supreme Court in the upcoming spring election on April 4th!

We are BACK! After a few months off, Sun Prairie's What Are We Building? podcast returns with the perfect guest: Taylor Brown, Director of Economic Development for the city, knows exactly what we're building. We did a whirlwhind tour of construction projects around town - updates on the area around Metro Market, HyVee, new Apartments, Main St, Downtown and MORE!

Part 2 of my interview with Mayor Paul Esser. We talked about specific projects and important issues affecting Sun Prairie, from the bus line and BRT, to affordable housing, apartments, and racial diversity. Sorry to say this will be my last show for awhile - I'll be taking some time for a summer hiatus. I haven't ruled out bringing the show back - in Sun Prairie someone's always asking "What Are We Building?"

In honor of recording over 50 episodes of "What Are We Building?" I sat down for a chat with the guy in the big chair: Mayor Paul Esser. In Part 1, we talked about the Mayor's experience growing up in Madison, joining the army and attending college amidst the Vietnam era, and how he first got involved in politics in Sun Prairie. Also, some news and reflections about 2 years and 50+ episodes at the beginning of the show. Stay tuned for Part 2 of the interview, airing next week.

Donna Mackey has lived in Sun Prairie for 32 years. As a military wife, she moved around a lot and had multiple careers, so we had a lovely chat about why her family chose to put down roots and settle here. From the richness of ethnic diversity to the sense of community and connection, Donna's perspective on what Sun Prairie is building is especially valuable and fascinating. I also opened the show with thoughts on the recent local elections for City Council and School Board.

Our special LIVE broadcast on election night April 5, 2022. It's a little long, but it was a really fun, interesting discussion between myself, Bill Baker and Tony Klemme, joined by all the new faces coming to City Council and School Board: David Virgell, Diana McFarland, Latoya Holiday and Brent Eisberner. We had a lot of time to wait for the results, so in between we managed to have a few laughs while talking about serious topics like race, diversity and Voter ID. There was also singing at one point.

On the newest episode of "What Are We Building?" Andy concludes his series of interviews with all of the candidates running in the local election on April 5th. On this show, you'll hear from Diana McFarland, Steve Schroeder, and Latoya Holiday. Plus an announcement about a special LIVE episode...tune in on election night to hear Andy and a few special guests announce the results as they come in.

This week I continue the series of interviews with the various folks running for local office in the April 5th election. In this show hear from Lisa Goldsberry and Stephen Elmer, 2 of the 5 candidates for school board. Next week we'll have Diana McFarland, Latoya Holiday and Steve Schroeder. I opened the show with some thoughts on the school district, and making sure we remember how good we have it, even as we work to make things better...

I'm continuing my series of shows talking with the various candidates running for City Council and School Board. This week I spoke with the 2 gentlemen running for District 4 Alder: David Virgell & Russ Wied.

This week, Andy talks with District 2 City Council Candidate Brent Eisberner about his time in the Marine Corps, working as an attorney and standing up for the "little guy." Andy also opens the show with some choice words (good & bad) about traveling for his new job, and news about an approved rental unit development project on the North side of town at Bird & Egre Rd.

Ann Maastricht exemplifies the spirit of "What Are We Building?" From a recent expansion to future plans for new spaces, the Sunshine Place represents the best of what Sun Prairie is building as a community. They talked about how her organization has helped out in the the aftermath of the gas explosion, as well as adaptating and thriving during the challenges of the pandemic. I also opened the show with some new projects just beyond Sun Prairie's borders...a proposed new Amazon warehouse in Cottage Grove and plans for a new library concept or "Imagination Center" on Madison's east side.

On this week' new episode of "What Are We Building?, find out where we're getting a new Jiffy Lube, the latest with the new Kwik Trip, and "Project Delta" which could be a major new employer in the Business Park. Then Andy interviews the city's Transportation Coordinator, Alexander Brown. They talk about buses, BRT, Shared Ride Taxi, bikes and all the many ways Sun Prairie citizens are "on the move"!

It's a family show on "What Are We Building?" for the first episode of 2022! I had the great joy of interviewing my son Henry, who has the starring role in Aladdin, the musical being performed by the Sun Prairie Middle Schools this year. Henry and his friend Ben Lippitt (who plays Jafar) talked about what it was like to audition and prepare for their first theater roles and what they've learned from the experience. I also opened the show by talking about the new Kwik Trip that was rejected by the City Council at their meeting in December.

Way back in February of 2020, Bill Connors was my first guest on "What Are We Building?" and now he's also the first repeat guest. We had a great chat about the new proposal at Bristol & Main, the second Culvers, and the new Kwik Trip on Broadway and Windsor. Then we dug into the use of "Tax Increment Finance Districts" or TIDs, which are a hugely important driver of Sun Prairie's growth and development.

This week I'm pleased to welcome Montie Bowie to the studio - we had a terrific conversation about Sun Prairie's growth, making the community better and accepting change vs the status quo. I also shared more thoughts on the proposed building for Bristol & Main at the site of the 2018 Explosion and how we should remember that tragedy.

This weeks's episode of "What Are We Building?" is a little different. With so much going on, there wasn't time for a guest, so I'm taking listeners on a little tour of all the various development projects around town. From the west side to Praire Lakes, Main Street and Downtown, listen for updates on buildings currently being constructed and other projects that are approved or being looked at around Sun Prairie.

If you're going to ask "What Are We Building?" Taylor Brown is the right person to ask. On this week's show, Andy has a long-overdue chat with Sun Prairie's economic development director about a BUNCH of topics, including the new branding initiative, industrial expansion, housing, downtown development and how to bring good paying jobs to the community.

2nd episode with with Sun Prairie's Representative to the Wisconsin State Assembly: Gary Hebl. In Part 2 of our interview, we talked about the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the State's response to the pandemic, and the why the Media Center is one of the things that makes Sun Prairie a great place to live. Growing up as the middle child of 17 kids, Gary learned early on how to be a problem solver, leading him to law school and eventually shpaing his values in politics.

Believe it or not this is my 40th(!) episode of "What Are We Building?", and I was honored to have a very special guest: Gary Hebl, Sun Prairie's Representative in the State Assembly. We talked for almost an hour, so I broke the interview into 2 episodes. In part 1 we start out talking about Wisconsin vs Notre Dame and the Ryder Cup before getting into a more serious discussion about fair districting maps and how gerrymandering affects state government. Part 2 of the interview will be out in a couple of weeks. I also opened the show with a rundown of several major building projects going on in Sun Prairie.

One of the joys of doing my radio show and podcast "What Are We Building?" are the new people I get to meet and learn about. Today's interview with Kendall Brunker of Brass Tacks Resale and the Makers Market certainly qualifies! It was an excellent conversation about creativity, entrepeurial spirit and supporting local small businesses... I also opened the show talking about the Sun Prairie's "re-branding" initiative....

On this episode, Andy has some thoughts on Corn Fest and where it needs to be MORE diverse. Then stay tuned for a delightful conversation with Sara Klemme, President of Madison Festivals, the non-profit responsible for "Taste of Madison." Listen for some great "behind-the-scenes" info about how Taste was affected by COVID this year. They also talked about the importance of community events in general, restaurants, volunteering and more!

Andy's guest on this episode is Mary Ellen Havel-Lang. Mary Ellen is a registered write-in candidate for the Dane County Board District 20 special election on Aug 10th! They talked about her extensive background serving on the Sun Prairie School Board and Youth & Families Commission. Andy also shares his thoughts on the concept plan for new single-story rental units being proposed on North Bird St, and previews the Taste of Madison.

This week's "What Are We Building?" addresses a "hot topic" in Sun Prairie right now- the petition circulating to change the way we elect School Board seats. My guests this week are two of the women leading the effort: Lisa Goldsberry and Tracy Frank. We talked about voting, representation and how decisions made in the school district can impact the foundation of what we're building as a community. I also weigh in on the proposal for a new self-storage facility on the west side of town. As usual, you can listen live at 2pm Tuesdays & Thursdays on 103.5 FM, on the Sun Prairie Media

Another fun episode with Kristin Grissom - we talked about her background and SEVERAL new projects at different parks around Sun Prairie. Plus, Andy talks about being involved in 2 potentially illegal activities at the beginning & ending of the episode, as well as the Scavenger Race event on July 31 and his new TV show "Roundabout Sun Prairie" starting this month!

Steve Hanrahan has lived in Sun Prairie for 37 years, so he's especially pleased to see Habitat for Humanity undertaking a massive new project in town. We talked about Habitat's process and the many benefits to volunteers, families and the community as a whole. Plus, updates on development at 2 hugely important locations: the old McGovern's site at Main & Bird and the site of the gas explosion at Main & Bristol.

In this episode Andy gives an overview of the plans to bring new bus service and BRT transportation to Sun Prairie. Then he's joined by Analiese Eicher, Chair of the Dane County Board of Supervisors. They talked about a bunch of stuff she's involved with at the city and county levels, like the Planning Commission, Landfills, Parks, and COVID. As a self-described millennial and the youngest person to chair the Board, we also talked about how to get younger people more involved in politics and issues that affect their community.

In Part 2 on my interview with Jim Durham of Quarra Stone, we dive into why Quarra chose Sun Prairie as the location for their new headquarters, as well as the building itself and how the space will help them interact with the artists who create their stone pieces.

Quarra Stone's work is known all around the world, but their new headquarters will be in Sun Prairie, WI. I spoke with Jim Durham, Quarra's President and Owner, about their amazing projects from the US Capital and MIT, to the incredible monument to enslaved laborers who built the University of Virginia. It was such a fascinating conversation that we broke it into 2 parts - stay tuned for Part 2 on the next episode of "What Are We Building?" Andy opens the show with a recap of ongoing construction projects around town (and some things that aren't happening yet), as well as the city's recent ban on Conversion Therapy.

On this week's “What Are We Building?”, I spoke with Hugh Cha about our shared experience growing up in Wausau, and his evolution into a reluctant leader for people of Asian descent in Sun Prairie. I also talked about getting nominated by Mayor Esser to serve on the Museum board and the importance of our shared history as a foundation for what we're building today and into the future…

To open the show I had one more thing to say about speed limits on Main St...then we get an update from Bill Connors about several new parks being built in different areas of the city, along with some other development projects and plans for new single family homes. Then, this was one of my favorite interviews I've done so far! I talked to Adam Bougie, owner of Glass Nickel Pizza in Sun Prairie about how he got started in the pizza business, his experience on the day of the explosion downtown, and his efforts to get a new location built. Plus, some promising news about progress at the site of the explosion on Main & Bristol.

There's LOTS to talk about, so we've got a BIG show this week on What Are We Building? Andy starts off with a surprising take (with the help of a special guest) on why a 25 MPH speed limit on Main St is a BAD idea. Then he breaks down the recent local election results, followed by updates on new daycare centers and the BRT bus line. The show wraps up with an extended interview with Faustina Bohling, Sun Prairie's newest Alderperson - they talk about her blue-collar roots, work in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and (surprise!) apartments & housing.

This episode of What Are We Building? Includes an interview with City Council Candidate and general man-about-town, Bill Baker. Great conversation about Bill's involvement with the media center, as well as housing, public safety and taxes. Andy also shares his experience about getting his first COVID shot, and how it might feel to finally get back to normal at the new Wetmore Park splash pad…

In this episode, Andy has some exciting breaking news about what's coming to Main St, and then talks to Bob Jokisch, the incumbent running for re-election to City Council in Sun Prairie. We get to know Bob's background working in public service, and delve into a lot of important in topics like apartments, crime and racial justice initiatives. Great talk!

Part 2 of "What Are We Building?" episode with the Sun Prairie School Board Candidates. Andy shares some quick thoughts on the "extended" education community we're building in Sun Prairie, and then hear Part 2 of his conversations with Bryn Horton, Alwyn Foster, and Becky McCright about the issues facing the school district and the community overall.