New Downtown Plan Sets a Vision for the Future

Plan Introduced to the Common Council

Madison's new Downtown Plan was introduced to the Common Council on Tuesday evening. The plan describes an exciting vision for the future of Downtown and includes a comprehensive set of nearly 200 recommendations to be carried out over the next twenty years to help achieve that vision. Concepts for transforming a portion of Law Park into a signature City waterfront park on Lake Monona, and for establishing a pedestrian-bicycle path along the Lake Mendota shoreline are two highlights of the plan. The Law Park proposal features a pavilion building based on a boathouse designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for this site, temporary boat docking, and two land bridge / plazas connecting the park to the heart of Downtown over John Nolen Drive. The Lake Mendota Path would connect James Madison Park to the UW Memorial Union and Picnic Point. The Downtown Plan protects and strengthens Downtown's unique neighborhoods and districts by articulating what makes them special and providing recommendations that build on those assets. It recommends taking a more holistic approach to some of Downtown's historic districts, such as the Mansion Hill and First Settlement neighborhoods, beyond the current regulation-based approach. The plan also includes recommendations for other distinctive areas, such as the State Street district. The plan provides the capacity for a potential $2-2.5 billion dollars in new development. Based on conservative estimates, this plan accommodates 4,000-5,000 new dwelling units and 4-5 million square feet of new commercial development over the next twenty years. The plan also identifies potential improvements to make it easier to get to, through, and around Downtown. It recognizes that for the Downtown to continue to grow, a balanced transportation system must be provided that recognizes the finite capacity of isthmus streets. The plan identifies several potential circulation system changes and provides numerous recommendations for changes to be more fully evaluated as part of the city-wide transportation study that is set to commence in early 2012. Madison Mayor Paul Soglin said, "This plan, which sets the tone for building design, lakefront and park development, as well as transportation in Madison's downtown, represents years of work and study by many dedicated staff and citizens. I look forward to working with those involved as this moves forward." The Common Council referred the plan to more than a dozen City boards, commissions, and committees for their consideration. Recommendations from these bodies will be forwarded to the Common Council prior to the adoption of the plan. Additional information can also be found on the project's website: www.cityofmadison.com/downtownplan ####

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