Madison has long dreamed of a leafy “Central Park” in the blighted industrial corridor between East Washington Avenue and Williamson Street. Ambitious plans there have included water features, gardens, market space and walking paths.
While the concept has been generally well received — who’s against turning a train yard into a parkway? — hassles with the railroad, tight budgets and other priorities at City Hall have the project on a slow track.
But the area some real-estate types are now pitching as “Willy-Wash” is slowly emerging on its own as a center for housing, business, entertainment and employment rather than a respite from urban living.
Last week, the University Research Park gave the area a badly needed boost by unveiling its “Metro Innovation Center” inside the former Marquip factory at the corner of East Wash and Baldwin Street. Old-timers will remember the site as the Gisholt factory, which at one point made huge gun barrels for Navy war ships.