Claim OwnershipWhat Are We Building? Sun Prairie
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© Andy Shayner
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A podcast and radio show talking about new building projects, development and growth in Sun Prairie, WI. From the Sun Prairie Media Center and 103.5 The Sun.
82 Episodes
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Turning on a faucet and flipping on a light switch is something most of us take for granted...but we shouldn't. On a special "joint episode" of What Are We Building? and "Roundabout Sun Prairie", we did an interview with Rick Wicklund, Utility Manager for Sun Prairie Utilities. We talked about the unique structure of a municipal utility, it's obligation to the public, and their plans for a new office space and warehouse facility. Rick also addressed the recent issue with high levels of fluoride in the water and how it was fixed.
I’ve been wanting to do this one for a long time! On the latest “What Are We Building?” I sat down for an interview with Sun Prairie’s District 3 Alder Mike Jacobs. We had a wide-ranging discussion about what drew him to academia and City Council, as well as apartments (of course!), the history
of anti-intellectualism and the value of sustainability to our present and future.
This episode includes an interview with Sun Prairie's Planning Director, Josh Clements. They talked about Josh's journey to planning and how he feels that working on issues in the public sphere can really help people. Josh had some unique perspectives on housing (affordable and otherwise) and why people seem to always prefer single family homes vs apartments. They also talked about the new Starbucks, Cousins Subs and Capital Fitness.
Andy also reminds everyone to vote for School Board, Municipal Judge andWI Supreme Court in the upcoming spring election on April 4th!
We are BACK! After a few months off, Sun Prairie's What Are We Building? podcast returns with the perfect guest: Taylor Brown, Director of Economic Development for the city, knows exactly what we're building. We did a whirlwhind tour of construction projects around town - updates on the area around Metro Market, HyVee, new Apartments, Main St, Downtown and MORE!
Part 2 of my interview with Mayor Paul Esser. We talked about specific projects and important issues affecting Sun Prairie, from the bus line and BRT, to affordable housing, apartments, and racial diversity.
Sorry to say this will be my last show for awhile - I'll be taking some time for a summer hiatus. I haven't ruled out bringing the show back - in Sun Prairie someone's always asking "What Are We Building?"
In honor of recording over 50 episodes of "What Are We Building?" I sat down for a chat with the guy in the big chair: Mayor Paul Esser. In Part 1, we talked about the Mayor's experience growing up in Madison, joining the army and attending college amidst the Vietnam era, and how he first got involved in politics in Sun Prairie.
Also, some news and reflections about 2 years and 50+ episodes at the beginning of the show.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of the interview, airing next week.
Ann Maastricht exemplifies the spirit of "What Are We Building?" From a recent expansion to future plans for new spaces, the Sunshine Place represents the best of what Sun Prairie is building as a community. They talked about how her organization has helped out in the the aftermath of the gas explosion, as well as adaptating and thriving during the challenges of the pandemic.
I also opened the show with some new projects just beyond Sun Prairie's borders...a proposed new Amazon warehouse in Cottage Grove and plans for a new library concept or "Imagination Center" on Madison's east side.
One of the joys of doing my radio show and podcast "What Are We Building?" are the new people I get to meet and learn about. Today's interview with Kendall Brunker of Brass Tacks Resale and the Makers Market certainly qualifies! It was an excellent conversation about creativity, entrepeurial spirit and supporting local small businesses...
I also opened the show talking about the Sun Prairie's "re-branding" initiative....
Andy's guest on this episode is Mary Ellen Havel-Lang. Mary Ellen is a registered write-in candidate for the Dane County Board District 20 special election on Aug 10th! They talked about her extensive background serving on the Sun Prairie School Board and Youth & Families Commission. Andy also shares his thoughts on the concept plan for new single-story rental units being proposed on North Bird St, and previews the Taste of Madison.
Steve Hanrahan has lived in Sun Prairie for 37 years, so he's especially pleased to see Habitat for Humanity undertaking a massive new project in town. We talked about Habitat's process and the many benefits to volunteers, families and the community as a whole. Plus, updates on development at 2 hugely important locations: the old McGovern's site at Main & Bird and the site of the gas explosion at Main & Bristol.
In this episode Andy gives an overview of the plans to bring new bus service and BRT transportation to Sun Prairie. Then he's joined by Analiese Eicher, Chair of the Dane County Board of Supervisors. They talked about a bunch of stuff she's involved with at the city and county levels, like the Planning Commission, Landfills, Parks, and COVID. As a self-described millennial and the youngest person to chair the Board, we also talked about how to get younger people more involved in politics and issues that affect their community.
In Part 2 on my interview with Jim Durham of Quarra Stone, we dive into why Quarra chose Sun Prairie as the location for their new headquarters, as well as the building itself and how the space will help them interact with the artists who create their stone pieces.
Quarra Stone's work is known all around the world, but their new headquarters will be in Sun Prairie, WI. I spoke with Jim Durham, Quarra's President and Owner, about their amazing projects from the US Capital and MIT, to the incredible monument to enslaved laborers who built the University of Virginia. It was such a fascinating conversation that we broke it into 2 parts - stay tuned for Part 2 on the next episode of "What Are We Building?"
Andy opens the show with a recap of ongoing construction projects around town (and some things that aren't happening yet), as well as the city's recent ban on Conversion Therapy.
On this week’s “What Are We Building?”, I spoke with Hugh Cha about our shared experience growing up in Wausau, and his evolution into a reluctant leader for people of Asian descent in Sun Prairie. I also talked about getting nominated by Mayor Esser to serve on the Museum board and the importance of our shared history as a foundation for what we’re building today and into the future…
To open the show I had one more thing to say about speed limits on Main St...then we get an update from Bill Connors about several new parks being built in different areas of the city, along with some other development projects and plans for new single family homes.
Then, this was one of my favorite interviews I've done so far! I talked to Adam Bougie, owner of Glass Nickel Pizza in Sun Prairie about how he got started in the pizza business, his experience on the day of the explosion downtown, and his efforts to get a new location built. Plus, some promising news about progress at the site of the explosion on Main & Bristol.
This episode of What Are We Building? Includes an interview with City Council Candidate and general man-about-town, Bill Baker. Great conversation about Bill’s involvement with the media center, as well as housing, public safety and taxes. Andy also shares his experience about getting his first COVID shot, and how it might feel to finally get back to normal at the new Wetmore Park splash pad…
In this episode, Andy has some exciting breaking news about what's coming to Main St, and then talks to Bob Jokisch, the incumbent running for re-election to City Council in Sun Prairie. We get to know Bob's background working in public service, and delve into a lot of important in topics like apartments, crime and racial justice initiatives. Great talk!
Part 2 of "What Are We Building?" episode with the Sun Prairie School Board Candidates. Andy shares some quick thoughts on the "extended" education community we're building in Sun Prairie, and then hear Part 2 of his conversations with Bryn Horton, Alwyn Foster, and Becky McCright about the issues facing the school district and the community overall.
Get to know the 3 candidates running for Sun Prairie School Board on this episode of "What Are We Building?" Andy opens the show with updates on 3 big projects in Sun Prairie: the new Hy-Vee grocery store, splash pad at Wetmore Park, and Quarra Stone, whose new company headquarters could make Sun Prairie a destination for world-renowned architecture. Then he's joined by Bryn Horton, Alwyn Foster and Becky McCright for a "rapid-fire" interview about their backgrounds and a few of their favorite things.
Part 2 of the interviews will air next week.
On this episode of "What Are We Building?" Jimmy says it'll be an early spring, and I weigh in on the teaching controversy at Patrick Marsh Middle School. Then, enjoy the conversation with Svetha Hetzler, Director of the Sun Prairie Public Library, about the magic of libraries and their plans for growth. Also, some good news for people that might have outstanding overdue fines...
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