State Street Experiment
2024 Pedestrian Mall Experiment
In June 2023, Metro Transit's redesign project shifted bus routes off the 400-600 blocks of State Street. The removal of buses from these blocks spurred a community conversation about what could happen in that space. Many raised the possibility of creating a pedestrian mall, pointing to examples such as Pearl Street in Boulder, CO or Church Street in Burlington, VT. Initial conversations with various City agencies, and business and neighborhood groups were facilitated by the Downtown Coordinating Committee (DCC).
On September 5, 2023, the Common Council passed RES-23-00554, which directed staff to prepare an experimental pedestrian mall and street closure plan for the summer of 2024.
Shortly thereafter, Planning Division staff developed an initial pedestrian mall concept design, based on lessons learned from agency conversations as well as those with area businesses and residents. That concept was presented at a public meeting held on December 4, 2023 (presentation and video). #FlockToState envisioned the addition of benches and planters in the street, street painting and art elements with a flamingo theme, a nod to the Plastic Pink Flamingos (the City’s official bird) which fill nearby Bascom Hill.
On May 8, 2024, a ribbon tying event was held, signifying the street as officially closed to traffic and open to people. From then on, the 400-600 blocks of State Street were closed to vehicular traffic after 3:00pm on weekdays and after 10:00am on weekends. The experiment officially ended on October 30, 2024.
As directed by the Common Council, staff prepared a summary report of 2024 experiment. The draft was reviewed by the Downtown Coordinating Committee at is November 2024 and January 2025 meeting.
The resolution creating the 2024 Pedestrian Mall Experiment only authorized changes to State Street for that year. An extension of the experiment or more permanent changes to State Street will require Common Council approval.
Contact:
Dan McAuliffe
dmcauliffe@cityofmadison.com
608-261-9676