Madison, Wisconsin is undergoing a period of significant development and strategic planning aimed at accommodating projected population growth and bolstering its economic position. A coordinated effort between the City of Madison and Downtown Madison, Inc. – dubbed “Envision Downtown Madison” – is currently underway, focusing on both immediate action and long-term investment in the city’s core.
The initiative, comprised of the City of Madison’s Downtown Area Plan and the Greater Downtown Economic Investment Strategy, builds upon the foundations laid by the 2012 Downtown Plan. The current planning phase includes extensive stakeholder engagement, with a public open house held on , signaling a commitment to inclusive urban development.
Several key projects are already in development or proposed. Among these is a substantial hotel complex at
929 East Washington Avenue. The project, spearheaded by Curt Brink and Kothe Real Estate Partners, will be a 15-story, 265-room dual-use hotel featuring both a Hilton Tempo and a Hilton Homewood Suites. Plans include a first-floor banquet facility and a sixth-floor lounge with bar service and outdoor amenities. The project is currently listed as “In Development,” with the most recent update occurring on .
Beyond hospitality, the city is also focused on enhancing its waterfront infrastructure. The Madison LakeWay Project, a master planning effort by Sasaki Design, aims to connect Downtown Madison to Lake Monona, improve access to the lake, enhance water quality and aquatic habitat, and celebrate the area’s architectural and cultural history. This includes recognizing the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright and acknowledging the historical presence of the Ho-Chunk people. The project is currently in the “Proposed” stage, with the last update recorded on .
A significant infrastructure undertaking, the Dane County Jail project, is also progressing. This involves the construction of a six-story tower intended to consolidate the county jail facilities, providing a total of 825 beds. The developer for this project is Dane County, and It’s categorized as “New” construction. Further details are available through Madison.com.
The impetus for this comprehensive planning stems from projections indicating substantial population growth for Madison over the next two decades. According to recent data, the city is expected to grow by approximately 100,000 people within the next 20 to 25 years, with recent growth concentrated in the downtown area and its surrounding neighborhoods. This growth is being fueled by expansion in key sectors including technology, biosciences, healthcare, finance, and real estate, leading to a more diversified and increasingly private-sector driven economy.
The “Envision Downtown Madison” plan recognizes the changing demographics of the city, noting the increasing influence of younger and more diverse populations in shaping its future. The initiative aims to manage and direct this growth to ensure the city’s long-term success, fostering a thriving economy and positioning Madison as a leader in balanced urban development.
Downtown Madison, Inc. Is actively soliciting updates on new development projects for inclusion in its development tracker. Individuals with information are encouraged to submit details via email, highlighting the organization’s commitment to maintaining a current and comprehensive overview of the city’s evolving landscape.
The coordinated approach between the city government and Downtown Madison, Inc. Underscores a strategic partnership designed to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid growth. The Downtown Area Plan will focus on guiding future growth, public policy, and investments, while the Downtown Strategy will concentrate on securing long-term investment that promotes viable, sustainable, and inclusive development. This dual-track approach reflects a holistic vision for the future of Madison’s downtown core.
The emphasis on stakeholder engagement, exemplified by the recent public open house, suggests a commitment to transparency and community involvement in the planning process. This approach is intended to ensure that the development of downtown Madison reflects the needs and aspirations of its residents and businesses.
The projects currently underway – the hotel complex, the LakeWay revitalization, and the jail consolidation – represent tangible steps towards realizing this vision. Each project addresses distinct aspects of the city’s needs, from accommodating increased tourism and business travel to enhancing public spaces and improving essential infrastructure.
The success of “Envision Downtown Madison” will likely depend on the continued collaboration between public and private sectors, as well as the active participation of the community. The plan’s emphasis on long-term investment and sustainable development suggests a commitment to creating a vibrant and resilient downtown area that can serve as a catalyst for economic growth and a source of civic pride for years to come.
