Johnson Street celebrates the end of road construction
Adler Ledell Zellers, District 2, and Madison Mayor Paul Soglin deliver remarks ahead of the ribbon cutting ceremony at Jam on Johnson, an event held in Tenney-Lapham to mark the end of road construction.Tenney-Lapham residents celebrated the end of the long East Johnson Street construction project with a block party of sorts - Jam on Johnson. The event was a chance for attendees to explore various local businesses, while listening to live music, playing games, and sampling local fare. Sponsors included Yelp in partnership with the Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Association, Capitol East Business Association and Next Door Brewing (which also supplied a variety of brews to sample).
Corey Dane, community director for Yelp in Madison, said that the businesses "faced construction challenges for several months" and that it "was hard on some."
"Jam on Johnson is a unique way to get people out and about. [Our goal] is to support and shine a spotlight on businesses," Dane said.
Jam on Johnson kicked off with an official ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Paul Soglin and District 2 Alder, Ledell Zellers. The ceremony marked the end of the vast majority of construction. Finishing touches will continue for a week or so according to Wade Huston of R.G. Huston Company Inc., the general contractor for the project.
All photos and collages by Aparna Vidyasagar.
Yelp community director and Tenney-Lapham resident Corey Dane (left) holds a Jam on Johnson 'passport'. Dane is also a Tenney-Lapham resident (L). Once participants visited 10 locations they were eligible to enter a prize drawing (top).
Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Association president Patty Prime (black cap), Ald. Ledell Zellers (holding scissors), and Madison Mayor Paul Soglin cut a ribbon to open the Jam on Johnson.
Tenney-Lapham residents Andrew and Michelle Mathewes pose with their Lego creation at Johnson Public House's Lego contest. All photos will be posted on Instagram (#legomyjohnsonstreet) and winners will be chosen by Johnson Public House staff.
Dr. Steven Wilke opened Wilke Chiropractic and Wellness just prior to the start of construction. Wilke said he was "ecstatic and joyful" that construction was now at an end and that he is "looking forward forward to business getting back to normal."
Local framing store U-Frame-It displayed images from the construction project as postcards
Christa Parmentier, baker at Sophia's Bakery and Cafe cuts slices of cherry cheesecake.
Patrick DePula (in black) of Salvatore's Tomato Pies speaks to attendees. Salvatore's brought various pizzas to sample, including vegan options (right). Salvatore's Tomato Pies will officially move to Johnson Street later this year.
As the sun sets, traffic moves freely in both lanes of traffic along the newly paved and reconstructed Johnson Street.- Login or register to post comments
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