Celebrating 50 Years of Commitment: ULI's Legacy in Downtown Madison

For five decades, Urban Land Interests (ULI) has played a pivotal role in transforming Madison’s downtown. From building innovative office and apartment spaces to preserving the city's architectural heritage, ULI has helped shape the vibrant urban environment we know today. However, that wasn’t always the case. 

When Brad Binkowski and Tom Neujahr founded ULI in 1974, the city center was in decline. Residents and businesses were moving to the suburbs, and by 5 p.m., downtown streets were empty. Neujahr and Binkowski saw an opportunity to revitalize downtown Madison by investing in it and creating spaces where people could live, work, and play. 

ULI’s efforts to preserve, rehabilitate, and breathe new life into many of Madison’s historic buildings combined with major new developments have been instrumental in bringing energy, life, and activity to downtown. There have been many twists and turns over the years, including the recent COVID pandemic, but downtown Madison is once again a bustling hub of activity where people come to work, eat, socialize, and relax with friends.

Projects of the scale and magnitude that ULI has been a part of work best when effective partnerships are created with neighbors, lenders, the City of Madison, tenants, and contractors. “We build each project with great attention to detail,” said Brad Binkowski.  “Each project is designed and built to stand the test of time and to make the Madison community a better place.”

“And it’s not just about attractive spaces” adds Tom Neujahr, “after every lease is signed, the real work begins—ensuring that tenants can thrive in their spaces for years to come.”

“We’ve always seen property management as a natural extension of development,” says Neujahr. “We believe it’s our responsibility to make sure our buildings continue to serve the community long after they’re built.”

For the downtown businesses that call ULI properties home, this long-term commitment to provide exceptional service has been invaluable. 

One such tenant is locally owned Marigold Kitchen, a breakfast and lunchtime destination in downtown Madison known for its fresh, locally sourced meals and welcoming atmosphere. Located in one of Urban Land Interests’ mixed-use properties, Marigold Kitchen has thrived under ULI’s attentive management.

“We’ve always felt like ULI was a partner we could rely on. As our business grows, we have evolving needs. Having HVAC, electrical, and plumbing services all under one roof is vital to ensure the restaurant is well maintained. We appreciate the supportive environment ULI has fostered, and we are proud to have a history of over 20 years together.” shares Kristy and Clark, owners of Marigold Kitchen. 

This commitment to excellence extends to ULI’s residential properties as well. ULI has cultivated a loyal base of residents by prioritizing their satisfaction through regular building maintenance, upgrades, and the creation of active community spaces.

As ULI looks ahead to the next 50 years, the company remains committed to investing in and sustaining, innovative spaces that serve businesses and residents. Current president Bob Bruni acknowledges the critical role ULI’s team has played in the company’s success.

“Our success over the past 50 years has been driven by the extraordinary people who work here and their dedication to our mission,” says Bruni. “We’re excited to continue creating spaces where Madison can thrive.”

As ULI celebrates this milestone, the company extends a heartfelt thank you to the Madison community for its ongoing support.

 “Your trust and partnership have made our success possible, and we look forward to serving Madison for many years to come.”