Representatives from the Student Tenant Union, UW-Madison declared 617 Mendota Ct. as the "winner" of their Worst House In Madison contest for 2008.

Student Tenant Union organizers Jason Wargolet and Joseph Lindstrom spoke at a press conference in front of the "winning" residence, explaining how the combination of lack of needed repairs, an unresponsive landlord, and troubling safety and security concerns earned the Mendota Ct. residence the nod.

"We picked this particular residence because the landlord clearly hasn't invested the necessary resources or time for the upkeep of this apartment, and the price was paid in a threat to the tenant's very safety. We hope students remember this before ever renting from Patrick Properties," said Lindstrom.

Wargolet added, "We hope to let landlords know that if they don't maintain apartments and follow the laws and ordinances that we have here in Madison, it will be noticed and publicly brought to light, and future renters will see that. We hope to cultivate a competetive environment for downtown landlords to provide the highest quality housing possible."

Before leading media representatives through a tour of her apartment, the current tenant, Karley Gifford, described her experience living with mice, a leaky roof, problems with locks and doorknobs, and an inadequate response from her landlord, Patrick Properties, to a pair of recent break-ins.

"I'd say the worst part about living in the Worst House In Madison is sleeping with the lights on because I'm afraid someone's going to come in in the middle of the night," Gifford explained.

Lindstrom noted that the city building inspector reported water damage and falling ceiling tiles, numerous portions of cut and torn linoleum, chipped paint and splintered wood on the walls, and an improperly boarded-up emergency exit door among the apartment's potential code violations.

As the winner of the contest, Gifford received a smattering of gift certificates from local businesses, as well as a visit from Building Inspection.

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