Middleton, WI March 2026

The Little Gym of Middleton

The Little Gym of Middleton

Big Confidence, Starts Small

Big Confidence, Starts Small

Gymnastics

Gymnastics

4

4 months–12

Home!

Home has taken on a new meaning for me in 2026. As Alexis and I welcomed our first child this past summer, I’m excited to share that I’m joining her real estate team to support our clients while we navigate this new season together. Don’t worry, the magazine is our other baby and won’t skip a beat. This move is simply about helping her and embracing this next chapter as a family.

Becoming parents has deepened our appreciation for what “home” truly represents: a place of comfort, connection, and where families are built. You’ll now see me alongside her each month in the Realty Report, offering insight on the local real estate market.

Home Tour - Thoughtful design supports the rhythm of daily life. Victory Homes of Wisconsin brings that philosophy to life with their Highland model in Middleton, where modern craftsmanship meets intentional, livable design. Its light-filled gathering spaces, four-season room, and an entertainment-ready lower level balance everyday function with moments worth hosting.

Protecting Your Home - Your home’s exterior should provide both curb appeal and be the first line of defense for everything inside. The Badger Company brings an education-first approach to exterior protection. Led by Waunakee native Kris Laufenberg, the team prioritizes transparency, precision, and long-term solutions, helping homeowners stay ahead of Wisconsin’s unpredictable weather to protect their assets.

Drawn with Intention - Home is a reflection of our most personal stories. Udvari-Solner Design Company honors this through a hand-drafted process that prioritizes intention over trends. For over thirty-five years, this firm has quietly crafted Madison residences that feel deeply grounded, layered, and dimensional.

Local Faces - Real estate is personal, especially when the people guiding you also call the community home. This month, we highlight local First Weber agents who live, work, and invest right here. With deep neighborhood knowledge and a connected real estate experience under one roof, these professionals bring clarity, confidence, and genuine local insight to every move.

Tone + Texture - Design comes to life through layers. Our style feature explores how tone and texture, through natural materials, woven accents, and strategic pops of color, can elevate any space. With expert tips from Houzz contributors, readers will find inspiration for creating a home that showcases their personality.

This Home Issue is designed to inform and inspire. We’re proud to share the stories, expertise, and local voices that help shape the homes and neighborhoods around us. COLE SPITLER, PUBLISHER

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Cole Spitler | cole.spitler@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jill Heilman | jill.heilman@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Alexis Venter | alexis.venter@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Jill Heilman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jill Heilman, Quinn Paskus, Chris Joyner Studio, © Jared Lightning, Pure Visuals, © Zillow Showcase, Detour Marketing

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

BEAUTIFUL SPACES, IMPECCABLY PLANNED

ARTICLE BY MIDDLETON CITY LIFESTYLE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY © JARED LIGHTNING, PURE VISUALS, © ZILLOW SHOWCASE, AND DETOUR MARKETING

DESIGNED

for Your LIFESTYLE

“FROM THE BARREL-VAULTED FOYER TO THE HOMEWORK NOOK, EVERY SQUARE FOOT OF THIS RESIDENCE AIMS TO ELEVATE AND ENHANCE YOUR EVERYDAY LIFESTYLE.”

Victory Homes of Madison has built a reputation blending modern craftsmanship with lifestyle-driven design. Their Highland model in Middleton is a stunning example of this approach, offering a one-and-a-half-story floor plan that balances grand scale with intimate warmth. Incorporating sophisticated entertainment spaces with the practical needs of a busy family ensures your home is ready for all angles of your life. Take a look at some of the features that make this customizable model stand out.

EXPLORE VICTORY HOMES’ HIGHLAND MODEL, SHOWCASING HIGH-END FINISHES IN A FUNCTIONAL LAYOUT DESIGNED FOR MODERN FAMILIES

WHERE DAILY LIFE COEXISTS

Entry through the barrel-vaulted foyer reveals a great room anchored by a modern linear fireplace with built-in cabinetry and traditional coffered ceilings. After passing the home office, this central hub flows naturally into the kitchen, where an arched entry highlights an oversized island featuring painted Maple DuraSupreme cabinets topped with quartzite countertops. The chef’s kitchen provides professional-grade functionality for the home cook, defined by ample counter space, high-performance GE Monogram™ appliances, and polished nickel Kohler fixtures. Adjacent to the kitchen, a working pantry with a speed oven keeps the main area uncluttered. This open-concept design maximizes natural light while maintaining clear, yet cohesive zones for cooking, dining, and relaxing, ensuring the main level is as efficient as it is visually striking for every family member.

WHERE INDOOR SERENITY MEETS THE OUTDOORS

Located just off the dinette, the 4-season room offers a dedicated space to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Cedar plank walls and a second fireplace create a textured, warm environment that intentionally contrasts the home’s lighter palette. Large windows and sliding doors connect the interior to the covered porch and patio, allowing for an easy transition to the backyard. The architectural design focuses on maximizing views of the backyard while providing a climate-controlled setting for leisure. Positioned away from the main traffic zones, it serves as a quiet extension of the living space. It is a practical amenity that adds significant value and versatility to the home’s layout, regardless of the season.

WHERE LIFE INTENTIONALLY EXTENDS

The finished lower level expands the home by 1,840 square feet, prioritizing recreation and social flexibility. At its center is a sophisticated wet bar that overlooks a striking glass-front beverage room, creating an effortless atmosphere for hosting. This level is finished with the same attention to detail as the upper floors, featuring a spacious rec room,  lounge, separate media room for film nights, a dedicated exercise room, and a fifth bedroom suite. The layout is designed to handle large groups effortlessly while providing specialized zones for hospitality and hobbies. It reflects a comprehensive approach to modern living, where the lower level is an essential, high-functioning part of the home.

PLACE

Living in a house without a roof is essentially just camping with better appliances. It is a lighthearted way to describe a serious truth: the exterior of your home is the primary shield for everything you value. Often relegated to the ‘let’s pretend this doesn’t impact me’ side of a budgeting spreadsheet, the unpredictability of Wisconsin weather can leave homeowners unprepared, and a failing roof is no joke. The Badger Company understands the assignment; ready to act, evaluate, and inform. They guide with transparency, allowing the homeowner to set the pace through informed choices.

“Home is where your family is. It is what houses the most important things in your life. We protect that.”

Kris Laufenberg, a Waunakee native raised on a dairy farm, understood the value of hard work long before he ever set foot on a job site. By age sixteen, he was already roofing his first garage out of sheer interest. This quench to expand his knowledge in the construction field continued into college. A professor noticed him sketching roof designs instead of taking notes, recognized an obvious natural intuition, and encouraged Kris to lean into his talent. After years of operating a successful roofing business of his own, Kris joined forces with Mike Nolden at The Badger Company in 2018. Kris made such

an impression that by 2020, he gained official ownership of The Badger Company.

When taking over a well-oiled machine, it could be easy to proceed full steam ahead, relying on existing mechanics. For Kris, however, it was important to expand on the company values. Kris’ experience taught him that trust prevails above all else. To him, that meant values should be built on a foundation of honest communication, operating on the belief that a contractor should serve as a knowledgeable guide rather than a typical salesperson.

The team focuses on educating homeowners rather than pushing for premature

replacements. They know knowledge is power and highly encourage an evaluation prior to a catastrophe, as this allows you remain one step ahead of the storm. “We never make a sale during our first meeting,” Kris shares. “We are there for the homeowner to educate us on their specific issues so we can provide a real solution.”

Whether you prefer a traditional kitchen table consultation or a streamlined digital proposal, the goal is total clarity. This precision begins with satellite imagery that measures every facet down to the nearest quarter inch, ensuring exact material orders and transparent

“My goal has always been to bring a level of professionalism to the roofing industry that is generally not associated with the word roofer.”

pricing. This detailed approach extends to attic health, where they assess ventilation and insulation to prevent common issues like ice damming. As Kris explains, “A roof is a system. If the attic isn’t breathing correctly, even the best shingles won’t last their full lifespan.” This holistic view ensures they are solving root causes rather than covering them up.

The true attention to detail, however, is found in the labor itself. Tearing off a roof creates tons of debris, so the crew utilizes specialized equipment and extensive shielding to protect landscaping and minimize impact on the lawn. They follow rigorous rules with magnetic sweeps, circling the home far after the last nail is found. This commitment to safety allows families to return to their routines without worry. As Kris notes, “the final cleanup is just as important as the installation itself.”

To highlight their dedication even further, they understand the major impact this industry has on the environment and take extra steps to divert 100% of their

waste from the landfill to a recycling facility that repurposes it into material for Wisconsin highways. Kris views this as a non-negotiable part of being a responsible local business.

Aware that integrity starts from within, Kris prioritizes his team by providing year-round employment, a rarity in an industry known for seasonal layoffs. The office crew and sub-contracted workers engage in intensive training to stay ahead of building codes and new technologies. By investing in his team, Kris ensures that every person on a job site takes personal pride in the work.

Ultimately, The Badger Company’s success is built on the trust earned from neighbors. Whether it’s donating a roof to Habitat for Humanity or restoring the siding on Town Hall, Kris takes immense pride in seeing their work around the area. By focusing on quality and honest communication, he’s ensuring that the most important places in our community are built to last generations.

PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST

ROOFING

When you need a new roof for your home, count on The Badger Company. Our residential roofing team is committed to completing every home roofing project with excellence and integrity. We are also proud to say The Badger Company is a GAF Master Elite® Certified contractor. That places us among the top 3% of U.S. roofing contractors in the industry!

SIDING

Installing new siding is a great way to add color and fresh style to your home. The Badger Company is Certified to install James Hardie Fibered Cement Siding, LP SmartSide and CertianTeed Vinyl. You can have peace of mind knowing your siding is being installed by experts.

GUTTERS

From replacing old gutters to a new installation, The Badger Company is dedicated to working with you to implement a solution that meets your needs. We repair and install seamless gutters, downspouts and gutter protection. The Badger Company can installs six-inch gutters and price five-inch gutters.

The Badger Company is your one-stop shop for all of your exterior needs. Roofing, Siding, & Gutters!

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, and Member SIPC. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and MLPF&S are wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. The Bull Symbol and Merrill are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® , and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S. A Senior Portfolio Advisor can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis custom investment strategies, selecting from a wide range of Merrill model portfolios and third-party investment strategies. © 2025 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. MAP6209646 | AD-01-25-2573 | 470944PM-0124 | 02/2025

UDVARI- SOLNER DESIGN COMPANY

Experience the Intentionality of Design as a Second Language

ARTICLE BY JILL HEILMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY QUINN PASKUS, CHRIS JOYNER STUDIO

For over thirty-five years, Udvari-Solner Design Company has quietly shaped some of the most thoughtful residences in the Madison area. Their work is defined by intention, layered with meaning, and built to endure. Following the light, they work with the land and you.

“The most compelling homes are the ones that could only exist for that client, on that site, at that moment.”

For Principal Designer Mark Udvari-Solner, design is instinctual; a visual language learned young and spoken fluently ever since. When he began drafting alongside his father at age twelve, he developed an innate relationship with space that shaped his entire perspective long before he dreamed of founding his own business. Years later, you can still find him at the drafting table.

This hand-detailed process begins with a comprehensive study of topography and light that guide the exploration of scale as Mark incorporates a client’s ideas into the realm of possibilities, allowing the home to emerge as a response to its surroundings rather than an imposition.

Supporting Mark’s vision is a collaborative team of designers who carry the projects from first sketch to final execution. Central to the firm is Alex Coyne, Mark’s lead designer of more than a decade, whose technical fluency and deep understanding of the firm’s ethos help translate Mark’s hand-drawn concepts into detailed construction documents. The continuity between drawing and digital documentation creates a unique duality within their practice.

Whether designing a ground-up residence or reworking an existing structure, the design process is responsive and intentional, guided by each client’s vision. That range and adaptability over time have fostered long-standing relationships

with local builders, underpinned by reliable trust and shared understanding that allows each project to unfold with ease.

2025 marked a meaningful evolution for USDC with the integration of Haven Udvari-Solner, daughter of Mark, who joined the studio to lead its expanded interior design practice. As an editor of interiors, she seeks to create a narrative, written by her client, of lifestyle and soul. Hired to translate your personality into visual art, you become more like a partner, getting to know each other on an introspective level. With her perspective providing the space to delve deeper into your limits, you can be sure your heart will feel content within it.

When large-scale design and the interior story are developed in parallel, each informing the other, the result is a home that feels considered in its entirety, from how it sits on the land to how it is lived in every day. Each project begins with understanding how a client lives, moves, gathers, and retreats. From there, a singular concept emerges, one that guides every material, proportion, and decision, seamlessly connecting interior and exterior into a cohesive whole.

The firm, small by design, prioritizes depth over volume. Collaboration and engagement throughout the entire life of a project naturally evolves into lasting friendships, with trust emerging from the quiet confidence that they are as invested in your home as you are.

The work resists formula. It challenges the expected. Encourages vision.

For those ready to step away from the noise of trends and engage in a sound design process, the conversation begins at the drafting table.

Your Local Faces

Meet Some of the Trusted, Local First Weber Agents

ARTICLE BY MIDDLETON CITY LIFESTYLE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Rooted in Middleton and focused entirely on you. Our agents do more than just work here; they live here, volunteer here, and invest in the very neighborhoods that make Middleton thrive. From supporting local events to building lasting relationships that strengthen our

Tommy Van Ess Realty Group

The Tommy Van Ess Realty Group, featuring Tommy Van Ess, Laura Callahan, Sean Sweeney, and Devon Van Ess, is Wisconsin’s top First Weber team, serving the Greater Madison area and clients statewide. They represent all property types, including luxury estates, farms, land, condos, restaurants, and commercial spaces. Our reach extends from Lake Superior to La Crosse to Milwaukee, with trusted experience handling high-profile and confidential listings. Known for white-glove service, they support clients well-beyond the transaction.

Jeff Kuhl & Jaclyn Cuningham

Jeff & Jaclyn - Your Friends in Real Estate. They have a deep love for the communities they work in. Jaclyn can be found boating around Lake Mendota with her husband, son, and Yorkie or enjoying the Madison food scene. Jeff is a lifelong resident of Monona. You can catch him at his Dog Bar and Biergarten, The Boneyard , or watching a Badger game. Don’t just choose anyone to help buy or sell your home; choose a friend. Your Friends in Real Estate.

community, they bring insight and connection to every client experience. Their active local involvement ensures they understand the market from the inside out, allowing them to position your property for maximum success.

At First Weber, we back that personal expertise with a comprehensive real estate experience. Our mortgage, title, and insurance services are all conveniently provided under one roof, so every step is connected and every detail handled. No loose ends. No guesswork. Just clarity and confidence from start to finish.

Keith McNeely

Keith is passionate about helping clients achieve their goals. Whether finding their dream home, selling current property, or investing in properties, Keith crafts personalized strategies tailored to each client’s unique needs. His background includes hands-on experience rehabilitating homes with his family, service as a U.S. Marine Corps Infantryman in the Silent Drill Platoon, and a B.S. in Economics from Purdue University-North Central. A Madison resident with his wife, two children, Keith enjoys running, biking, swimming, and has completed two Ironman triathlons.

Gabriell Hamele

Gabriell Hamele is a passionate, full-service Realtor serving clients throughout the Madison area. As a top-producing, referral-based agent with over 16 years of experience and a Broker’s license, she specializes in waterfront and luxury homes, new construction, relocations, and more. Gabriell is actively involved with United Way of Dane County, Downtown Madison (DMI), and the Middleton Chamber of Commerce. Outside of real estate, she loves lake living and enjoys renting a pontoon at the Marshall Park boat launch on Lake Mendota.

As Wisconsin’s most established real estate brand, we pair decades of proven experience with a modern approach. You’ll have the confidence of working with trusted professionals who guide you every step of the way so you feel supported throughout your transaction.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or planning your next move, First Weber delivers more than transactions. We help you put down roots, grow relationships, and create a future in a community you love.

One connected experience. Every step, every service. That’s the First Weber promise.

TONE + TEXTURE

STYLE YOUR HOME IN TONES AND TEXTURES WITH DESIGN HELP FROM HOUZZ INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTS

ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN

WOVEN + KNOTTED

LIVING BOHO-CHIC WITH WOVEN TEXTURES AND MACRAMÉ

Decorate your space with handmade textures such as the modern, maker revival of 1970s macramé and year-round tropical feel of wicker. MACRAMÉ Made through knotting instead of weaving, macramé can add a unique touch in many various ways. Houzz contributor Laura Gaskill suggests incorporating it as nursery decor, plant hangers, wall hangings and modern fiber arts. WICKER According to Houzz contributor Yanic Simard, “the best way to really embrace the luxury-cottage appeal of wicker and rattan is to combine different forms of the two in one space... Look for other unexpected places to add a natural twist to your home with a new material woven into your palette.”

AGAINST THE GRAIN

TIPS FOR DECORATING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS

Houzz contributor Katie Treggiden offers many ways to incorporate natural materials and natural-state timber into your home, including using wood to cover one wall in a home for a pleasing accent wall; featuring your firewood as a striking, stacked display; and mixing different types of wood and different finishes in the same space. “A simple way to incorporate the wood trend is to expose structural wooden beams already present in your home,” Katie says. “Instead of painting them or boxing them in, leave them raw or give them a coat of wax to enrich the tones.”

BRIGHTS + WHITES

ADDING TASTEFUL POPS OF COLOR TO YOUR WHITE ROOM

Do you feel like your all-white room is missing something? Houzz contributor Kelly Porter bets what’s missing is energy.

“The best way to add a spark to any space,” she says, “is with bright color.”

Kelly says green is one of the easiest colors to live with, looking organic even in its more vivid tones.

“When searching for the perfect bright green, think springtime—fresh green grass and newly sprouted leaves,” she says. “These greens have lively undertones that will look comfortable and warm in your white space.

Other colors Kelly recommends adding as accents are yellow, royal blue, orange, blue-purple, red-purple and sky blue.

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction

at future.citylifestyle.com

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 1ST

Between the Acts - Middleton Performing Arts Center

2100 Bristol Street, Middleton | 2:00 PM

Between the Acts brings together beloved Broadway selections and classical favorites in an engaging concert experience. Presented by Capital City Theatre, the performance features professional musicians, choir, and soloists showcasing works by iconic composers, culminating in a powerful presentation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Requiem

MARCH 7TH

Holistic

Healing & Wellness Fair

1313 John Q. Hammons Drive, Middleton | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Holistic Healing & Wellness Fair offers a day dedicated to exploring alternative and integrative health practices. Attendees can connect with wellness professionals, browse natural products, and attend educational talks throughout the day. The event provides an inviting space for learning, relaxation, and discovering new approaches to personal well-being.

MARCH 14TH

Pi Day at Hubbard Avenue Diner

7445 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton | 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Celebrate Pi Day with a full day of pie-themed fun at Hubbard Avenue Diner. Enjoy special pricing on slices, a variety of fresh pies, pishaped sugar cookies, and a morning pie-eating contest. Pick up a commemorative T-shirt that unlocks future pie deals or preorder whole pies to share with friends and family.

MARCH 14TH

Waunakee Wellness & Energy Fair

333 S. Madison Street, Waunakee | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Celebrate health, energy awareness, and community connection at the Waunakee Wellness & Energy Fair. This free morning event invites people of all ages to explore informational booths, enjoy health screenings, and discover energy-saving tips. Local groups representing preschool through senior services share resources, and visitors can enter for chances to win door prizes.

MARCH 14TH

Live Music: David Hecht at Capital Brewery

7734 Terrace Avenue, Middleton | 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Spend a Saturday evening with acoustic tunes performed by veteran musician David Hecht at Capital Brewery’s Bier Stube. Enjoy complimentary live entertainment alongside the brewery’s selection of beers and drinks. This laid-back local music night invites friends and neighbors to gather, relax, and soak up good music in a welcoming atmosphere.

MARCH 23RD

STEAM Week: Mad Science — Fire and Ice

7425 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton | 1:30 PM

Kick off STEAM Week with an exciting live science show featuring the Mad Science team from Milwaukee. Experiments will explore dramatic reactions involving temperature, gases, and physical forces. Guests of all ages can watch playful demonstrations like fog effects and floating objects that reveal science concepts in a fun, family-friendly setting.

Want to be featured?

This Is What Dream Homes Are Made Of

A home is more than just its walls, floors, and furnishings—it’s a place where feelings and emotions are shared. It’s a place you can truly unwind after a long day and look forward to returning. And in a dream home, this comfort level reaches new heights.

A dream home is one that exceeds your expectations and meets all of your needs, even ones you didn’t realize you had. It reflects your personal style and gives you a sense of serenity. Dream homes can be large and luxurious or compact and cozy, with unique interior features created just for the homeowner.

So, even if you’re not sure what defines your dream home yet, are you still willing to make that dream a reality? Then Victory Homes is here to help you.

Find a Model Home Near You!

Open Every Saturday & Sunday, noon to 4 pm, or by appointment. Closed holiday weekends.