Judge Doyle Square is named for James E. Doyle, a federal judge for the Wisconsin Western district from 1965 until his death in 1987. (In case you’re wondering, former Wisconsin Governor James Doyle is Judge Doyle’s son.) The historic federal courthouse where Judge Doyle presided is now the Madison Municipal Building, and the block also includes a municipal parking garage. The city has long yearned to reap some tax revenue off the publicly owned two-block square, located halfway between the state capitol and the Monona Terrace, and is now working through a request for proposals to redevelop the site. The project, with an estimated $200 million price tag would be the most expensive development project the city has ever undertaken. It would also include $100 million in tax increment financing to construct a luxury hotel on the site. Citizens Against Subsidized Hotels, or CA$H, has organized to oppose the project and is working feverishly to collect 16,000 signatures to force a referendum on the issue. Sean Carroll of CA$H joined the Buzz.
Listener Sponsored Community Radio in Madison, WI
