Sun Prairie Rising Podcast

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.

On this week' new episode of "What Are We Building?, find out where we're getting a new Jiffy Lube, the latest with the new Kwik Trip, and "Project Delta" which could be a major new employer in the Business Park.

Then Andy interviews the city's Transportation Coordinator, Alexander Brown.  They talk about buses, BRT, Shared Ride Taxi, bikes and all the many ways Sun Prairie citizens are "on the move"!

It's a family show on "What Are We Building?" for the first episode of 2022!  I had the great joy of interviewing my son Henry, who has the starring role in Aladdin, the musical being performed by the Sun Prairie Middle Schools this year.  Henry and his friend Ben Lippitt (who plays Jafar) talked about what it was like to audition and prepare for their first theater roles and what they've learned from the experience.

I also opened the show by talking about the new Kwik Trip that was rejected by the City Council at their meeting in December.

Way back in February of 2020, Bill Connors was my first guest on "What Are We Building?" and now he's also the first repeat guest.  We had a great chat about the new proposal at Bristol & Main, the second Culvers, and the new Kwik Trip on Broadway and Windsor.  Then we dug into the use of "Tax Increment Finance Districts" or TIDs, which are a hugely important driver of Sun Prairie's growth and development.

This week I'm pleased to welcome Montie Bowie to the studio - we had a terrific conversation about Sun Prairie's growth, making the community better and accepting change vs the status quo.  I also shared more thoughts on the proposed building for Bristol & Main at the site of the 2018 Explosion and how we should remember that tragedy.

This weeks's episode of "What Are We Building?" is a little different.   With so much going on, there wasn't time for a guest, so I'm taking listeners on a little tour of all the various development projects around town.  From the west side to Praire Lakes, Main Street and Downtown, listen for updates on buildings currently being constructed and other projects that are approved or being looked at around Sun Prairie.

If you're going to ask "What Are We Building?" Taylor Brown is the right person to ask.  On this week's show, Andy has a long-overdue chat with Sun Prairie's economic development director about a BUNCH of topics, including the new branding initiative, industrial expansion, housing, downtown development and how to bring good paying jobs to the community.

2nd episode with with Sun Prairie's Representative to the Wisconsin State Assembly: Gary Hebl.  In Part 2 of our interview, we talked about the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the State's response to the pandemic, and the why the Media Center is one of the things that makes Sun Prairie a great place to live.  Growing up as the middle child of 17 kids, Gary learned early on how to be a problem solver, leading him to law school and eventually shpaing his values in politics.

Believe it or not this is my 40th(!) episode of "What Are We Building?", and I was honored to have a very special guest: Gary Hebl, Sun Prairie's Representative in the State Assembly.  We talked for almost an hour, so I broke the interview into 2 episodes.

In part 1 we start out talking about Wisconsin vs Notre Dame and the Ryder Cup before getting into a more serious discussion about fair districting maps and how gerrymandering affects state government.  Part 2 of the interview will be out in a couple of weeks.

I also opened the show with a rundown of several major building projects going on in Sun Prairie.

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....