Madison Daily Leader - News - 12/28/2012 - Madison to see completed projects in 2013

12/28/2012

Madison to see completed projects in 2013

By ELISA SAND, Staff Reporter


	Hexom

Madison will see the completion of three major projects and the beginning of another in 2013. Looking back on the past year and ahead, Madison Mayor Gene Hexom can list big events in 2012 and more to come.

"All in all from what I see, I think we're getting Madison back on track," Hexom said.

Looking at different projects taking place around Madison, Hexom said that the $14.5 million in renovation work and new construction at Madison High School is definitely significant. Renovation work started this summer, and contractors will be working through December 2013 to complete the project.

"I can safely say it's the largest single building project in the city of Madison," Hexom said. "It will make a great difference in our community. The new gym will be widely used by the community for many things besides athletics."

In recent years, East River Electric made a significant investment with multiple renovation and construction projects.

"East River's presence there is a huge investment downtown," Hexom said.

Another project started this year, and scheduled for completion around August 2013, is Global Polymer's new building in the Lakeview Industrial Park. This 19-year-old business is relocating from Arlington to Madison.

Hexom said the announcement that Global Polymer was coming to town was big news for Madison.

Julie Gross, executive director for the Lake Area Improvement Corporation, said the owners of Global Polymer are looking forward to having their new facility completed, and the LAIC is excited about finishing work on a new road near Global Polymer.

Outside of that project, Gross said, the LAIC has been conducting an intersection analysis for the entrance roads to the industrial park at the request of the South Dakota Department of Transportation. Gross said the purpose of the analysis is to determine if turning lanes on the state highway are necessary.

Looking ahead, Gross said she has a good feeling about 2013.

"I would expect growth in the industrial park in 2013," she said.

In retail business, one of the biggest changes was Pamida's conversion to a Shopko Hometown.

"The Shopko change was big for Madison and a nice addition to the retail sector," Hexom said.

Another project that will be completed in 2013 is Inter-Lakes Community Action's new Head Start building.

"I'm really excited for that," Hexom said.

The Head Start building will be located on the corner of Van Eps Ave. and Center St. and signals the beginning of development on the lot across from City Hall. ICAP's long-term goal is construction of a new headquarters building there.

Yet another exciting announcement was made by Madison Community Hospital -- construction of a new facility beginning in 2013.

"If that materializes as planned (at $30-plus million), it will be the single biggest project in Madison," Hexom said. "If done as planned, with a new facility, Madison will be positioned very well for a full range of medical services."

Hexom said the city is planning a couple of key projects of its own next year, one of which, at $3.5 million, includes construction of a new reservoir and clearwell for above-ground water storage and some changes to the water treatment process. Also, about $500,000 in electrical upgrades will take place in the southwest and west-central part of Madison.