What began first as a sugar beet factory, then as a feed mill, has become a modern event space, stylish food court, and home to 15 Madison businesses meant to be a gathering place for all Madisonians.
You've probably heard Ian's Pizza is there, but did you know that 25% of the massive space is used to make artisanal kombucha? Or that the bollards out front to protect the building from a bad parking job are made of once-buried railroad tracks?
City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin sat down with Bryant Moroder from the Garver Feed Mill development team to hear the behind-the-scenes story of Madison's newest oldest gathering space.
What is the Garver Feed Mill?
It's a "treasure trove of history," says Bryant. Named after its second owner, James Garver, the Feed Mill was originally a sugar factory until Garver purchased it. But before you start wondering where Madison's sugar cane was grown, this sugar came from beets which dozens of local farmers began to grow in the early 1900s. According to Bryant, "10 million pounds of sugar [was] coming out of this facility."
When Garver purchased the property, he turned the 200,000-square-foot building into a factory for more nutrient-rich livestock feed. But by the 1970s, the building was foreclosed and lay vacant until the most recent renovation, which began in 2013.
Garver Feed Mill in its first iteration as a sugar beet factory
Now, Garver Feed Mill is an award-winning space for food lovers, big events, and local businesses where 180 people go to work.
Get Something To Eat or Drink
Ian's Pizza, of course, is a big draw. But there are so many others to get excited about. A few highlights include:
- Ledger Coffee Roasters - a local coffee roaster and coffee shop whose store opens right up onto the feed mill's patio (perfect for spring and summer).
- Roll Play Madison - the place for you to play your favorite board game – or try a new one from their collection – while enjoying boba tea and east asian food.
- Calliope Ice Cream - from lemon lavender to hot peanut butter, this ice cream shop will wow you with its diverse flavors.
But one new collaboration is opening doors for local farmers with the winter Dane County Farmers’ Market. You might be used to seeing them on the square during the summer, but now every Saturday from Jan. 4 through April 4 you can get fresh produce at the feed mill too. And in the summer, expect food trucks every Friday.
The REAP food group, also based at the mill, takes this effort further by trying to connect community members to better food.
Garver Feed Mill entrance on a beautiful day. (Photo courtesy of Garver Feed Mill)
Do Some Shopping or Self-Care
Besides food to enjoy right away, there are a few you can order too. NessAlla Kombucha is a woman-owned craft kombucha company who makes all their flavors right in the feed mill. You can find their kombucha at grocery stories around Madison or get it sent your way. And Sitka Seafood Market bills itself as "the best wild seafood" which offers "sushi-grade" fish shipped to your door.
You can also visit Kosa Ayurvedic Spa or Perennial Yoga for a chance to unwind, book an appointment at Beaut. Studios, or visit Grow Greenhouse to find some green friends for your space.
And if you want to host an event there, Starbound Catering offers in-house food while Twig and Olive Photography has you covered for capturing the moment.
There's lots to check out at Garver Feed Mill whether it's in Winter or Spring. Check out their website for the full listings of events and merchants.
