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        <title>Mad City Dream Homes Real Estate Blog, Madison WI</title>
        <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/2018-08/</link>
        <description>Your Madison WI real estate blog. News &amp; views about Madison area homes, condos &amp; South Central Wisconsin real estate. Questions? Call 608-852-7071</description>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/blackhawk-ski-club-provides-year-round-fun.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/blackhawk-ski-club-provides-year-round-fun.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>Blackhawk Ski Club Provides Year-Round Fun</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Blackhawk Ski Club is thriving and, as fall begins, the club is preparing to welcome new members. With six alpine skiing and snowboarding trails and miles of cross country skiing trails, more than 5 miles of mountain bike trails, 60 acres of land, even targets for biathlon participants, the club aims to make winter weather fun, and to make summer trails worth a visit, too. Blackhawk Ski Club is located in the Town of Middleton, on Blackhawk Road. It was founded 71 years ago by a group of ski jumpers who were seeking more space to practice. Today, the club sits next to Pleasant View Golf Course. It has expanded its offerings and aims to teach new generations to love the outdoors.


&quot;I wanted my kids to learn how to ski, and this was the perfect venue,&quot; says Rick Hardy, Board Member at Blackhawk Ski Club. Hardy joined the club when his kids were young.  They took ski lessons, learned to enjoy downhill and cross country trails, and later taught lessons at the club. He says the club is perfect for families with younger kids, as they provide lessons for beginners, programs and team opportunities for older kids, and training for both leisurely skiers and for serious competitors. Now Hardy's family enjoys the club's resources for simple family fun. &quot;I love having activities that I can enjoy with my kids, outdoors, all year long,&quot;  he says.


The club's benefits include four ski jumps, snow-making machines and lit trails. Snow is made consistently throughout the winter season. Cross-Country trails are groomed to accommodate both classic and skate skiing, and additional trails are groomed for fat-tire bike riding.  Summer means hiking and mountain-biking trails, also groomed by the club.


Memberships at the club can include access to all trails, or can be limited to a few activities. All are good for 12 months, with individual and family rates. Lessons are an available add-on for kids through middle school, and the club hosts teams for middle and high school skiers.  


Most members enjoy the club's resources for leisure. But some are there for more serious training. Cross Country skiers use the trails to train for the Birkie race.  The Blackhawk Ski Club has sent 3 ski jumpers to the Olympics, and most recently had a ski jumper place 7th at the Olympic Trials. &quot;We are a volunteer-driven organization, and a non-profit, but we have excellent training for our members,&quot; Hardy says. 


Last year, the club opened a new Chalet, complete with indoor plumbing. An open house is scheduled for September 9 at the new Chalet. Membership renewals take place on September 12, and new members can join on September 24. Lessons are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Private lessons are available for adults, and for those who can't get in to group lessons. See the Blackhawk Ski Club website to learn more about their facilities. The Blackhawk Ski Club aims to make outdoor activities fun for the whole family, and welcomes new members.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 30 Aug 2018 09:33:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/gleam-art-exhibit-olbrich-gardens.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/gleam-art-exhibit-olbrich-gardens.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>GLEAM art exhibit lights up Olbrich Gardens through October</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
** This article was originally written by Samantha Haas while a member of our team. You can learn more about Samantha and her work here. 


For the last few summers we've invited our eldest niece stay with us in Madison for a weekend, and each time we try to do something new together. This year, in an attempt to captivate her 8-year-old interest (aside from her handheld gaming device), we decided to explore some sights on the city's east side.


After enjoying sandwiches and macaroni and cheese at Monty's Blue Plate Diner and checking out the rising lake levels at Olbrich Park, we headed across the street at dusk to Olbrich Botanical Gardens for its opening viewing of &quot;GLEAM: Art in a New Light.&quot;





Before we got in line for admission we snapped a picture with the &quot;Grow&quot; Bucky on Parade statue in front of the building, which features textured poppy flowers, grass, roots, and clouds. Olbrich staff encourage people to arrive later in the evening to avoid long lines; however, we wanted to see some of the flowers before it got completely dark. It was worth the wait


&quot;GLEAM 2018 features artists and designers from right here in the Midwest, Pittsburgh, PA, Brooklyn, NY, down south in Tulsa, OK, and all the way across the Atlantic from the Netherlands,&quot; said GLEAM artistic director David Wells. &quot;These provocateurs design original light installations using everything from video projection and lasers to simple paracord string to create awe inspiring visuals.&quot;


Upon entering the visitor center, we were handed a map of all of seven exhibits, which for the first time also includes the Thai Pavilion. The bridge was lit over Starkweather Creek leading toward the pavilion, which featured &quot;Lasing Nang Talung,&quot; described as a &quot;mashup of traditional Thai shadow puppetry and futuristic laser Neo-Op art.&quot;





While walking toward the &quot;Prairie Cord&quot; wooden display in the Sunken Garden, we passed under a canopy of lights that flickered to the corresponding music, making for a magical entrance into the gardens.





Another neat display was called &quot;Connection,&quot; which is described as showing the relationship between the honey locust tree and the ground it grows from with threads simulating &quot;flows of energy or water between the roots and the branches of the tree.&quot;





While all of the exhibits captured our attention, we really enjoyed interacting with &quot;Reincarnature.&quot; Madison artists Benjamin Smith and Riley Hays created an immersive sound and odyssey inside of two giant chrysalises where you can stand or sit. One of them also has buttons you can push to change the color gradients, sounds, and visuals that &quot;paint reflective surfaces with a textured glow.&quot;





When it was almost dark, we were treated to an ethereal performance for the opening viewing by Cycropia Aerial Dance on the Great Lawn. However, we didn't watch the whole show because the mosquitoes chased us away, so be sure to bring along repellent.





We ended our tour inside the Bolz Conservancy to see &quot;Constellations,&quot; which uses video-mapped mirrors suspended from the ceiling that creates &quot;mystical&quot; moving shapes against the plants and walls.





GLEAM's regular hours are from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday evenings August 29-September 30 and 6:30-9:30 p.m. October 1-27, 2018. The last admission is sold a half hour before closing, but keep in mind it takes approximately one hour to view. There is also a cash bar available on Fridays and Saturdays in September and October so you can enjoy a beverage while walking through the gardens.


Visit Olbrich's website for a list of sunset and last light times so you can plan your visit accordingly. There are also a few dates that are only open to certain members, as well as exclusive photo shoots and exhibit walks with Wells.


Check it out


What: GLEAM Art in a New LightWhen: Evenings August 29-October 27, 2018Where: Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., MadisonCost: $15 adult ($11 member); $7 child ages 3-12 ($6 member); free 2 and underInfo: www.olbrich.org/gleam.cfm
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    <pubDate>Wed, 29 Aug 2018 11:12:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/maintenance-and-repairs-with-project-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/maintenance-and-repairs-with-project-home.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>Get proactive about maintenance and repairs with Project Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
** This article was originally written by Samantha Haas while a member of our team. You can learn more about Samantha and her work here. 





On a sunny August morning, dozens of volunteers sporting green &quot;Project Home&quot; T-shirts surrounded a house on Madison's east side, paint brushes and ladders in hand. It was one of the stops for the nonprofit's 30th annual Paint-a-thon, an event that brings people of all ages together to give a new coat of paint to houses of local owners who could use some assistance. (Click here to view video.)


Project Home got its start in 1970 as a group of neighbors helping neighbors with their homes. Over the years as the needs have grown, it has added more trained and certified staff, but it still continues its mission to improve the quality and affordability of housing for low-to-moderate income residents in Dane and Green counties.


The painting program is just one of many the nonprofit offers, including its newer water conservation program and Serving Those Who Served program, which along with its Blooze Krooze music festival and car show fundraiser helps military veterans with home repairs, accessibility modifications, and energy efficiency improvements.





Outreach manager Jason Hafeman has been with Project Home for nearly a decade, and he said there are tons of people who might not realize they could be eligible for these programs. &quot;Eighty percent of the median family income is the gauge for many of these programs,&quot; he said.


Unfortunately, what he has seen throughout the years are instances where living conditions in some homes have deteriorated to the point where they are &quot;too far gone&quot; for the budgets of these programs to make an impact. That's why it's so important to be proactive about home maintenance and repairs, from a leaky roof or missing piece of siding to electrical or plumbing concerns. &quot;We can help take care of maintenance issues and smaller repairs now so they don't become big costs down the road,&quot; he said. &quot;The intent is to upkeep the property so people can stay in their homes.&quot;





While there are other organizations that do similar things as Project Home, what sets it apart is that it's not a regional branch of a larger national organization. Hafeman said while this has somewhat hindered its visibility, the nonprofit can be more &quot;responsive and mobile and make adjustments as needed&quot; because it only has its board to answer to rather than a corporate hierarchy. Plus, Project Home has seen great support from both county governments, and its employees enjoy working toward the same goal. &quot;I see companies looking for skilled tradespeople, and so many people stay here (at Project Home), which speaks to how we treat our employees, the belief in what we're doing, and our team's commitment to the community.&quot;


A few years ago, Project Home also launched its Optimus division so the staff can be hired out as contractors at market rate for people of any income level. &quot;We have free estimates and bid on projects of all sizes and shapes,&quot; Hafeman said, including kitchen and bathroom remodels, window and door replacements, energy efficiency projects, decks and ramps, and water heater, toilet, and plumbing repairs. What's unique is that the proceeds from these jobs go to support Project Home's other programs.





Hafeman said the Optimus initiative was in response to the funding cuts to government-funded programs such as weatherization. Project Home wanted to create enough work for its staff while also generating funds to support the nonprofit. In the last three years, Optimus has done about 60 projects each year and is booked out a couple of months in advance.


Project Home also holds free home maintenance classes at local libraries throughout the year. Homeowners can ask questions, be more informed about hiring contractors, and learn about topics such as cost effective energy improvements, common bathroom repairs and replacements, basic household plumbing, and painting tips. &quot;We want to share our knowledge with people in the community and help them have a safe, comfortable and healthy home,&quot; Hafeman said.





Since Project Home is tapped into a network of private, city, state, county, and federal programs, Hafeman said he recommends people reach out to them rather than spending hours sifting through information on their own. Especially since there are many variables that come into play, from deferred or forgivable loans to subsidized labor rates. &quot;Email (info@projecthomewi.org) or call us (608-246-3737) so we can help identify programs you're eligible for and ways we can help,&quot; he said.



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 27 Aug 2018 10:24:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/grant-priehs-combines-an-eye-for-design-with-skilled-handyman-services.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/grant-priehs-combines-an-eye-for-design-with-skilled-handyman-services.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>Grant Priehs Combines an Eye for Design with Skilled Handyman Services</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Sometimes it takes a turn of events for you to find your passion. For Grant Priehs, a move to Madison was the impetus to explore new opportunities and do what he loves.


Priehs left work as an Art Director at a fast-paced marketing agency and began a successful career as a handyman in Madison. His company, Honey Do Handyman Services, has provided a rewarding way to help others. “Every homeowner has a list of things they notice every day - small tasks or updates that they just never get to; their ‘Honey-do’ list. But when you’re selling your home, you don’t want to have potential buyers leaving a showing with a dozen things they’ve noticed,” he says.


Priehs enjoys helping people complete projects they may not have the time or ability to complete on their own.  His design background and attention to detail provide the added skills needed to make a big difference in any home. 


For example, consider a home that needs to sell, but lacks some curb appeal. Priehs knows how small changes can greatly improve the overall look of the home. He also has the resources and abilities to make those changes for a client. Changes could include updating landscaping, adding a new paint color, or power-washing the home. He can help a client troubleshoot, and determine a cost-effective solution.


Priehs specializes in the smaller jobs- like installing new lighting, adding a backsplash, installing new sinks or door pulls and repairing furniture. &quot;A lot of the larger contractors really only take the big jobs. I enjoy the smaller projects, and I specialize in providing high quality service for projects that seem small, but make a huge difference in a home,&quot; he says.  


He's also skilled at furniture repair, and enjoys making used items look new again. &quot;It's nice to see an item refreshed or re-purposed in a new way,&quot; he says.  Furniture repair also comes with the benefit of reducing waste, and making the most out of available resources.


Priehs is willing to provide service estimates in advance. He is skilled with quick turnaround, and he's also willing to help customers select the right products before an install happens.


You can reach Grant Priehs at 773-307-5288 or by email at grantpriehs@earthlink.net.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 24 Aug 2018 07:12:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/the-2018-real-estate-market-actual-versus-predicted-trends.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/the-2018-real-estate-market-actual-versus-predicted-trends.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>The 2018 real estate market: actual versus predicted trends</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Late last year we published our predictions for the 2018 real estate market. So far 2018 is playing out largely as expected. Here's our quick overview of this year's predicted and actual trends.


Prediction: Madison condo prices will rise by at least 8 percent. 


Actual: The average Madison condo price is up by 9 percent through the first 7 months of the year; the price per square foot is up by 7 percent. 





Prediction: Madison home prices will rise by at least 5 percent. 


Actual: Both the average price and the price per square foot are up by 4 percent through the first 7 months of the year. 





Prediction: New home construction will remain low. 


Actual: Housing starts remain low by historical standards. Building permits are up by only 2 percent from last year. 





Prediction: Home and condo supply will remain historically low. 


Actual: Madison currently has only 1.5 months of single family home supply.  





Condo inventory is also very low. The local condo market has only 1.7 months of supply.   





Prediction: Foreclosure and short sale listings will be in short supply. 


Actual: Although foreclosures are increasing locally, they remain low by historical standards. 





Prediction: Home and condo sales will plateau. 


Actual: Madison home sales are up by only 1 through the month of July. Sales are being restrained by low supply. 


 


Madison condo sales are lower by 2. 





Prediction: Demand for real estate will remain very strong. 


Actual: There remains a large pent up demand for real estate. How do we know this? Very few listings are expiring in Madison, which is an indication of a market that has more buyers than sellers. Right now expired single family home listings are at the lowest levels on record. 





Expired condo listings are at historically low levels, too. 


 


Prediction: Income properties will be hot commodities in 2018. 


Actual: Multifamily properties are in high demand. Right now there are only 2.2 months of supply in local income property market. 





Our expectations for the rest of 2018


We expect the high demand/low supply market to continue throughout all of 2018; however, the fall and winter months will offer buyers some good opportunities to purchase with less competition from other buyers. Every market and every season is unique, so reach out to your favorite Mad City Dream Homes agent when you have questions about your market and your real estate goals. We're here to consult with you in 2018 and in the years ahead. 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 22 Aug 2018 05:44:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/agora-art-fair-offers-beauty-in-their-community-gathering-place.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/agora-art-fair-offers-beauty-in-their-community-gathering-place.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>Agora Art Fair Offers Beauty in their Community Gathering Place</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Saturday opens the 10th Annual Agora Art Fair at the Fitchburg Agora. Greek for &quot;gathering,&quot; the Agora is a retail space surrounded by natural prairie and beautiful scenery at 5500 E. Cheryl Parkway. Beginning at 10 a.m., more than 100 vendors will be set up, and ready to display their creations for all to see. 


The vendors are all local or regional. Come enjoy their creations, ask questions, and learn more about their artistic process. &quot;We want visitors to take in art for the senses: a beautiful mix of art, architecture, nature, music, food and community&quot; says Steve Leverentz, coordinator for the festival.


The Agora Art Fair is a friendly place, and visitors enjoy meandering through the tents, shopping for the perfect piece, and experimenting along the way. The Children's Art Yard offers multiple projects for younger visitors to try, including beading, mask making and sculpture. The projects require about 20 minutes to complete, and are provided by the Woods Hollow Children's Center.


The fun isn't limited to children. Adults will be offered several opportunities to have a hands-on experience at the fair. Dane Arts Mural Arts will be demonstrating mural painting, and offering participants the chance to try painting and participate in a community art project. The Yahara Bay Distillers are providing a workshop to make your own 3RD GEAR Bourbon Old Fashioned coaster. Finally, an adult coloring contest will challenge you to create your own work of art (and you'll earn a 3RD GEAR Old Fashioned from Yahara Bay Distillers at Nesbitt Road). 


Beyond the tents, look up and enjoy art in the sky. Artists take great pride in their kite creations, and will be flying them high for all to see. 


In addition to the artist tents, visitors will enjoy live music at two different stages. The music areas offer seating and shade, and are the perfect place to relax. Vendors will offer a long list of delicious food and drink options, with treats geared for all ages (and even gluten free, vegan and paleo treats). The Wisconsin Craft Beer and Wine tent will provide a cool beverage, and serve as a fundraiser for the Fitchburg Chamber of Commerce.


Gather at the Agora Art Fair, take in the beauty, and enjoy an outdoor excursion in Fitchburg The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 17 Aug 2018 09:59:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/energy-efficient-upgrades-to-reduce-expenses-now.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/energy-efficient-upgrades-to-reduce-expenses-now.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>Home Energy Assessments Help You Reduce Expenses Now</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
When you think about home improvements, it's common to think of the aesthetic work. Many times, the first upgrades are adding solid surface counter tops, wood flooring, or updated paint colors. These changes are all significant, and add value to your home. But while they make a beautiful impact, they will not save you money. Your monthly bills will see the greatest reduction by making changes to the energy efficiency of your home. 


Focus on Energy partners with 108 participating statewide utilities to make these cost savings possible. Their programs include simple things like swapping out old light bulbs for energy efficient models, providing incentives for the purchase of a Smart Thermostat, and they also include more significant projects, like adding insulation or replacing HVAC equipment. 


&quot;To achieve the greatest benefits, it is best for existing homeowners to view their homes as systems with many different parts all working together. The right mix of improvements can make a huge difference in a home’s performance. Even if you already have ideas for specific areas in your home you want to address, a Home Energy Assessment is the best place to start,&quot; says Steve Pipson, Outreach and Technical Advisor at Focus on Energy.


To have one completed, you simply need to find a contractor (known as a trade ally) working with Focus on Energy. This can be done at the Focus on Energy website (www.focusonenergy.com/trade-ally/find). Current utility bills will be reviewed at the Home Energy Assessment, and the representative will test your house with a blower door and look at air leakage and insulation levels with an infrared camera. As an added safety precaution, all combustion equipment is tested, too. They may also suggest adding insulation to water pipes, or caulk to windows and doors. From there, they will also give you recommended updates, and supply you with information on how your home upgrades can benefit from Focus on Energy Programs.


&quot;Focus on Energy is funded by utility customers of the 108 participating statewide utilities. As a utility customer, this is a great way to get your money back. Focus on Energy offers programs and financial incentives to both residential and business customers,&quot; says Steve Pipson, Outreach and Technical Advisor at Focus on Energy. 


The benefits of Focus on Energy are available to all eligible utility customers, regardless of income. The amount of the incentives available depend on your home's needs, your interest in pursuing changes, and your income level. Two tiers of benefit levels are presented, and all are eligible for the program. 


The program saves money and energy, and it also provides measurable benefits to the local community and the entire State of Wisconsin.


&quot;For every dollar invested in Focus on Energy, another $5.63 is returned. This is good for the state, and good for the consumer,&quot; says Pipson. To learn more about Focus on Energy, go to their website at .
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    <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2018 09:35:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/theater-is-alive-and-well-around-town.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/theater-is-alive-and-well-around-town.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>Theater is Alive and Well Around Town</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
As the summer season begins to wrap up, local community theaters are ready to open the curtains and showcase the productions they've been practicing all summer. Dane County has no shortage of arts entertainment. The Overture Center for the Arts hosts big name traveling productions, and a long list of local theater groups, including Children's Theater of Madison and Forward Theater. And while these productions are always excellent, there is another crowd of theater groups worth checking out.


The Oregon Straw Hat Players offers amateur theater that is well worth a visit. The group produces a variety of shows throughout the year, and offers a full musical performance each summer. This summer they've been working on Hello Dolly, and will provide the final performances of the production this weekend.  The show takes place at Oregon High School, with both matinee and evening performances. Ticket information can be found here.


Middleton Players Theater is providing another option for weekend entertainment. Now in their 25th year, the community theater is launching Legally Blonde this weekend. This is their second summer show, and a third, Sweeney Todd, will take the stage in September. All MPT shows are performed at Middleton High School. Ticket information for Legally Blonde can be found here. 


Verona Area Community Theater is done with their summer shows, but will be hosting auditions next weekend for their fall line-up. This group focuses on producing theater for all ages, with a wide variety of shows, each including a different age group.


Sun Prairie Civic Theatre and Stoughton Village Players also offer community theater classes, shows and opportunities. Each of the programs listed here are volunteer driven, and are driven to produce high quality performances, and high quality experiences for the participants in their productions. If you're looking for some quality, on-stage entertainment, the Madison area has a long list of options to enjoy
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    <pubDate>Thu, 09 Aug 2018 20:09:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/mount-horeb-downtown-redevelopment-plan.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/mount-horeb-downtown-redevelopment-plan.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>Mount Horeb: Growing village accentuates downtown businesses beyond Trollway</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
** This article was originally written by Samantha Haas while a member of our team. You can learn more about Samantha and her work here. 





Known as the Troll Capital of the World, Mount Horeb is more than a Scandinavian tourist destination. As this village grows on the west side of Dane County, just a half hour from Madison, it has managed to retain its authentic and walkable downtown, small-town charm, and beautiful views of the Driftless Area.





More than 7,000 people and 250 businesses and organizations call this place home, and the energy has contributed to a strong downtown corridor. Historic buildings are being repurposed, and more businesses and housing developments are branching off of the “Trollway” and the five roundabouts on the east side of the village.





Among them are Miller and Sons Supermarket, Sjölinds Chocolate Factory (which also has a Main Street location with coffee and sweet treats), and Duluth Trading Company’s expanded flagship store and new world headquarters set to open in fall 2018. Mount Horeb is also between the Lands’ End headquarters in Dodgeville and Epic Systems in Verona, making it a prime location to live, especially for young professionals.





With a desire for continuous improvement and growth while retaining its small-town feel, the village is looking to increase residential housing opportunities that cater to a younger demographic. There are several new subdivisions for single-family, condos, and apartments, especially on the south west and east sides of town, and resale values have increased over the last decade.





In 2017, the community also voted to approve a $38.5 million referendum for the Mount Horeb Area School District to upgrade and renovate some of the buildings in the next few years, primarily adding new classrooms and science labs to the high school that has been experiencing record attendance.





According to Mount Horeb’s Downtown Redevelopment Plan produced in 2017, recent developments that have the potential to be “economically transformative” include the new 64-room GrandStay Hotel &amp; Suites, upscale Gallina/Hoff Mall apartments above retail shops like Marah’s Elegant Bridal and Bistro 101, and the Mount Horeb Area Historical Society’s Driftless Historium, a museum and research center that shares the story of how the community has evolved in the landscape overtime.








Around every turn there is more to explore. Enjoy wine at Botham Vineyards and the farm-to-table restaurant Campo di Bella, loose leaf tea at Telsaan, and hundreds of bottled craft sodas and kettle corn at The Pop Place. 





Or, for those looking to travel back in time, head to Schubert’s old fashioned diner and bakery, where you can take a seat at the counter, a booth, or outside on the sidewalk under the shade of an umbrella and sink your teeth into Norwegian lefse.





Areas for opportunity, according to JoEllen Graber, then marketing and tourism director of the Mount Horeb Area Chamber of Commerce who now holds a similar position with the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce, are daytime dining options downtown since many are closed in the afternoon, as well as a large restaurant that can hold more people for weddings and tour groups. She said Mount Horeb has an old-town feel to it, but people are progressive in that they are willing to try new things and learn from failures. For example, the village is home to more gift shops and less antique stores than it used to be, but there are still several eccentric shops.


Check out the walls of dolls at aptly-named Forever Dolls &amp; Antiques, colorful yarns and fiber classes at The Cat and Crow, year-round decorations at Olson’s Christmas House, and handcrafted wood items at Artisan Woods Gallery. And racking in over 1.5 million visitors per month on its website is Wisconsin Surplus Online Auction, an unassuming downtown building that works with the villages in the area to sell lawn mowers, vehicles, and other equipment all over the state.


Main Street is primarily for retailers and restaurants rather than services, which Graber said makes it a walkable area for people to enjoy. “A lot of businesses are converted from houses, which maximizes space and gives a quaint and cool vibe with a lot of character,” said Tiffany King, the new executive director of the Mount Horeb Area Chamber of Commerce. That includes the home decor and women’s clothing store, McFee on Main, which opened in 2016 and received a bronze medal in Madison Magazine’s 2018 Best of Madison awards. King said a word she hears a lot when people talk about Mount Horeb is that it’s “unexpected” -- in a good way.


Many businesses have taken advantage of the village’s Tax Increment District-funded façade improvement program, while others have been tapped as potential renovation targets. Carol McChesney Johnson, the executive director of the Mount Horeb Area Economic Development Corporation (formed as a nonprofit in 2013 to help with revitalization), said this program has “enhanced the community overall.” 





The Wisconsin Historical Society is even reviewing a nomination signifying the Mount Horeb downtown area as a National Historic Main Street District. She hopes more restaurants, stores, and boutiques stay open longer, especially during the summer months, which would be more attractive to new businesses and residences. The downtown redevelopment plan also calls for the addition of more event venues and gathering spaces, like a village square, downtown.


As for recreational opportunities, there are several in and around Mount Horeb. The Military Ridge State Trail parallels Main Street, giving walkers and bikers easy access to refuel at local establishments, such as pizza at Grumpy Troll Brew Pub or sandwiches at Sunn Cafe, or fix a flat tire at Trail This Bicycle Shop. People can also head to Stewart Lake County Park or the aquatic center for a dip in the summer, Tyrol Basin to ski or snowboard in the winter, and Norsk Golf Club to play nine holes of golf or go bowling. Other popular attractions include the expansive views at Blue Mound State Park and the Cave of the Mounds, where it’s 50 degrees year-round underground. 











“It’s authentic, genuine, and unique, and the community itself is incredibly inviting and embracing of people coming in,” McChesney Johnson said. That welcoming mentality is definitely on display during Mount Horeb’s annual events, such as the Art Fair in July, Brew Fest in September, and Fall Heritage Festival in October. King said that the “community is definitely very much a family; everyone pitches in and puts 100 percent of effort into the things we do,” which is even more apparent during the volunteer-run Summer Frolic.





And you’re sure to remember the village’s display of carved wood and concrete trolls scattered throughout downtown. “People love looking at the trolls and taking pictures with them,” King said. To learn how the Trollway came to be in the 1980s when the bypass was built, stop by the Scandinavian Open House Imports or the chamber/visitor center on Main Street. In folklore, Graber said trolls are said to “protect the jewels of the earth,” which is interpreted in Mount Horeb as its wonderful citizens.





For more information about housing in the area, check out our Mount Horeb guide and contact us today
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    <pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2018 15:14:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/national-night-out.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/national-night-out.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>National Night Out in August builds police and community relationships</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
** This article was originally written by Samantha Haas while a member of our team. You can learn more about Samantha and her work here. 


National Night Out, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, is being celebrated in thousands of neighborhoods throughout the country this month. The 35th annual crime prevention event, typically held the second Tuesday of August, promotes police and community partnerships aimed at making &quot;our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live,&quot; according to its website.


In Dane County, several communities are planning their own National Night Out events, many featuring free food, games, safety demonstrations, visits from emergency personnel and tours of their vehicles, and information booths by local businesses. People of all ages are invited to get to know their local police, fire, and EMS departments and learn about crime and drug prevention awareness in a positive environment.


MiddletonWhen: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 1Where: Lakeview Park, 6300 Mendota Ave., MiddletonActivities: Face painting, food, prizes, bike checks, meet local law enforcement agencies and first responders, learn safety tips from local businesses and organizations including UW Burn Center, Safe Kids, Dementia Friendly Communities, and Reach A Child.


OregonWhen: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, August 7Where: Kiser Fireman's Park, 245 Brook St., OregonActivities: Food, games, demonstrations, meet local police, fire, EMS personnel and see emergency vehicles, booths for area organizations and businesses, free shredding services until 7 p.m.


VeronaWhen: 5-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 7Where: Hometown Festival Grounds, 111 Lincoln St., VeronaActivities: Med Flight helicopter tour, horse patrol, K-9 demonstration, police officer dunk tank, Kid Care ID program, public safety-related informational booths, bouncy houses, DJ music, raffle, food featuring free pork roast, hot dogs, corn on the cob.


WaunakeeWhen: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 8Where: Village Park, 410 E. Main St., WaunakeeActivities: Games, prizes, free brats and hot dogs, numerous displays by various law enforcement agencies. 


Sun PrairieWhen: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, August 9Where: C.J. Bird Elementary School, 1170 N. Bird St., Sun PrairieActivities: According to the police department, several firetrucks will also be present at the annual event. High attendance is expected as the community has rallied around the department following the Sun Prairie explosion in July, which killed a firefighter, injured other people, and damaged downtown.  


MononaWhen: 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 14Where: Winnequah Park, Nichols Road near Healy Lane, MononaActivities: Games, bouncy houses, fire trucks, meet police officers, firefighters, parks and recreation departments, and K-9, Let's Eat Out food carts.
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    <pubDate>Wed, 01 Aug 2018 08:24:00 -0500</pubDate>
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