By Shelby Deering | Photo © Garver Feed Mill

Some old buildings never get to relive their glory days and are demolished to make way for modern-day structures. Madison’s Garver Feed Mill, originally constructed in 1906 and serving as a sugar beet processing facility, could have met the same fate.

The building sat empty for nearly two decades, until a Chicago developer saw it still had many good years left and could serve an entirely new purpose, and construction got underway in 2017.

Garver Feed Mill has been a hustling, bustling East Side hub since 2019, brimming with businesses like beloved local chain Ian’s Pizza, Perennial Yoga and Kosa Ayurvedic Spa. Live music and the sounds of Dane County Farmers’ Market shoppers fill its expanse.

And that’s just a typical day for the public at the feed mill. It also holds one-of-a-kind event spaces, such as the Garver Lounge, a private, rentable space where craft cocktails and chic eats abound, and Garver Canvas, which hosts art exhibitions and events for regional artists.

IDEAL FOR EVENTS

Bethany Jurewicz, director of Business Operations at Garver Events, explains they offer a totally customizable experience featuring multiple spaces, in-house food and beverage options and audio-visual equipment. They also have all-inclusive packages.

The main space, otherwise known as the atrium, can seat 400 lecture-style or host a 500-person reception. As a bonus, all atrium rentals include use of a double-sided bar with lounge spaces on each side.

“Each lounge is available as a standalone space, perfect for breakout space, a VIP section or a small gathering. The smaller lounge seats 25 at tables and the larger doubles that capacity,” Jurewicz explains.

As for Garver Canvas, the art-filled space can accommodate 100 lecture-style and 75 seated at tables. It also includes a private bathroom, private entrance and dedicated break-out space.

LOCAL & SUSTAINABLE

Garver Feed Mill is truly a celebration of Madison and its surrounding areas. Garver Kitchen is their in-house catering entity that “values supporting the local food economy,” as Jurewicz puts it. They have a keen emphasis on working with local farmers and distributors whenever possible, in order to create menus that highlight Wisconsin’s vibrant food scene. Even the bar almost exclusively serves regional beer and spirits.

Jurewicz notes Garver supports the local food economy through sourcing and provides a platform for local entrepreneurs and farmers to vend. “We host the Dane County Late Winter Farmers’ Market (DCFM) January through April and an all-female art and food festival, Femmestival, every February,” she says.

Garver Events also strives to reduce as much waste as possible. For instance, kegged wine is primarily served at events, which reduces bottle waste. Clients are encouraged to use in-house plates and utensils by including cost in the rental fee. And single-use products are compostable.

A UNIQUE VENUE

Between the 40-foot ceilings and wall of windows, not to mention the industrial-cool brick-clad walls, Garver Feed Mill has room to move and visual appeal. That feeling of spaciousness continues onto the sizable outdoor patio. And did you know that if you hold an event at Garver on a Friday between May and September, you’ll get to end the day with free live music and food trucks on the patio? As Jurewicz says, it’s “definitely a unique perk that only comes with having your event at a space that also programs for the general public.”

The building’s tenants can also provide add-ons like spa treatments, candle making and take-home terrariums. All things considered, an event at Garver Feed Mill is simply a study in style from beginning to end.

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