Building Madison: Placemaking, Belonging, and the City We're Becoming

What does it take to build a city where every person truly belongs? In this episode of The UpWords Podcast, we walk the streets of Madison, Wisconsin — metaphorically and literally — with two people who have spent their careers shaping it.Host Rebecca Cooks welcomes Jason Ilstrup, president of Downtown Madison Inc., and Peter Tan, architect and Chief Design Officer Emeritus of Strang Inc., to discuss placemaking, the shifting character of downtown, the challenges of growth, and what it actually means to build a flourishing city for everyone.From the magic of Memorial Union Terrace to the bold vision of the Envision Madison plan, this conversation is for anyone who loves their city and wants to understand how to make it better.In This EpisodeWhy Jason and Peter both call Madison's Union Terrace the city's "living room"The transformation of the East Washington corridor over 30 yearsWhat the Envision Madison plan is — and how you can have your say in shaping itThe honest truth about gentrification: what it is, why it happens, and how good design can helpWhy development should always be seen as an opportunity, not a threatThe "triple bottom line" for flourishing cities: people, planet, and profitMadison's approach to affordable housing — and why the most sustainable building is the one that already existsGUEST BIOSJason Ilstrup — President, Downtown Madison Inc.Jason has been a Madisonian since 2007 and has spent his career championing the city's downtown. As a former general manager of Hotel Red and now president of Downtown Madison Inc. (DMI), Jason brings hospitality, energy, and a deep love for people to the work of urban strategy and placemaking. He is currently leading the private-sector component of the landmark Envision Madison planning initiative.Peter Tan — Architect & Chief Design Officer Emeritus, Strang Inc.Peter moved to Madison in 1991 and has spent over three decades shaping the city's built environment. As an architect, he believes deeply that good design belongs to everyone — not just those with means. He has been involved in landmark projects across Madison.Resources & LinksEnvision Madison: downtownmadison.orgCity of Madison planning resources: cityofmadison.comCONNECT WITH USSubscribe to The UpWords Podcast wherever you listen and visit slbf.org/studio to learn more about our work at the intersection of faith, the academy, and the marketplace.Send us Fan MailCONNECT WITH USSubscribe to The UpWords Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and visit slbf.org/studio to learn more about our work at the intersection of faith, the academy, and the marketplace.This episode was created by the SLBF STUDIO at Upper House.Produced by Daniel Johnson and Dave ConourEdited by Dave Conour