Mansion Hill project still in flux

The Madison Landmarks Commission once again denied the Steve Brown Apartments proposal for the Mansion Hill Historic District. Brown wants to raze the 10-story Highlander apartment building at 121 W. Gilman, move a vintage house at 123 W. Gilman, and demolish a home at 127 W. Gilman. Three five-story buildings with 60 apartments and underground parking would replace the structures. The commission denied Brown a certificate of appropriateness, saying the project is out of scale with the surrounding neighborhood.

There is also some opposition to moving the house at 123 W. Gilman because it was once home to Jim Yeadon and David Clarenbach, two pioneers of the gay rights movement. Brown said he would honor the two men by placing a plaque on the home to note its significance.

An attorney for Steve Brown Apartments said the developer is considering an appeal of the Landmarks Commission decision.