Garver Feed Mill’s Historic Transformation

The Garver Feed Mill on Madison’s near-east side recently went from a vacant fortress to a revitalized hub for local food artisans. An iconic symbol of Madison’s industrial, agricultural history, the mill was constructed in 1906 as a sugar beet processing facility. It became the largest factory in the state, and with it came a boom of economic development to Madison. In 1929, it was converted into a feed mill and granary, remaining a vital center for farmers around the region until 1997, when it was purchased by the city of Madison. The site sat empty until 2015, when Baum Revision, a Chicago-based real estate development company with a commitment to environmental sustainability through adaptive reuse, was brought on board to reactivate the historic building.

Photo courtesy Garver Feed Mill website.

This year saw the final stages of restoration of the Garver Feed Mill and its grand opening as a thoughtfully designed, dynamic space for food, mindfulness, yoga and community events. Foodie tenants include Calliope Ice Cream, Ian’s Pizza, Sitka Salmon Shares, NessAlla Kombucha, Underground Food Collective catering, plant-based Surya Cafe, and brand new micro-roastery Ledger Coffee Roasters. This kind of investment in turning existing vacant structures, especially those steeped in regional history, into robust sites of local business and economic opportunity is a forward-thinking, sustainable approach to the challenges faced by an ever-evolving city.

Photo courtesy Garver Feed Mill website.