December 2022 | Advocacy Opinion
Filene House Threatened
By John Rolling
This month we hear from Madison resident John Rolling about his work on a Madison Landmark designation for the Filene Houses as it faces a proposal for demolition.
In 1950, the Filene House at 1617 Sherman Ave. was dedicated by US President Harry Truman as the national headquarters of Credit Union National Association. Over the next 29 years, the Filene House office building housed the staffs of CUNA and its affiliates while they promoted the spread of the credit union movement across North America and the wider world.
In 2022, Chicago-based Vermillion Development proposes the demolition of the historic home of credit-unionism and redevelopment of the 8-acre site with a rental apartment project of 445 units.
I am currently preparing a nomination for City of Madison Landmark designation for Filene House.
Filene House by John Rolling, November 22, 2022
Head shot of Edward Filene above building, CUNA’s monthly magazine, The Bridge, June 1950
Crowd at Cornerstone Laying Ceremony, CUNA’s monthly magazine, The Bridge, June 1950