W
est Bend is set to lose a piece of its history as Russ Darrow plans to demolish the old Madden Law Firm/Valley Bank/M&I Bank building at 325 Valley Avenue. The site will be expanded to accommodate more space for the auto lot.
The property, spanning 78,247 square feet, is slated for demolition and expansion under SP-24-018, a proposal submitted by MWD West Bend II, LLC. The West Bend Plan Commission will discuss this matter on December 3, 2024, at City Hall's council chambers.
A notable event occurred on Valley Avenue in June 2011 when the M&I Bank was robbed by an individual on a bicycle. Russel Smith, 50, had recently been released from prison and was later apprehended hiding near Ridge Run Park.
Historically, Valley Avenue was initially named Shady Side Lane before being renamed in 1988 due to the Valley Bank Corporation's purchase of adjacent property. Former City Engineer Ken Pesch recalled the reason for the name change: the bank wanted to avoid having a "Shady Side" branch. The area was subdivided by Dave and Audrey Bohn, who chose the original name Shady Side Lane when preparing the plat.
