A bar that once was one of Madison’s most popular drinking establishments does not have enough historic value for landmark protections, according to the Madison Landmarks Commission.
The Wisconsin State Journal reported the commission, at its Aug. 3 meeting, determined that the lore of the Wonder Bar, a Prohibition-era roadhouse, was not sufficient enough to provide it with landmark protections.
However, in a separate ruling, the commission did determine that the building does have some historic value.
As a result, a proposal by Range Hill Partners to demolish the building and redevelop the site, located near the intersection of East Olin Avenue and John Nolen Drive, now requires additional review.
Range Hill Partners would like to build a seven-story apartment building on the site.
