Madison Town Park

In 2000, a planning micro-study suggested westward expansion of Downtown Madison. The Downtown Development Authority of Madison (DDA) – responsible for economic restructuring – found the area full of potential when researching its next revitalization effort. The idea of recapturing a town square emerged, providing Madison Main Street a gathering ground for community activities. Acknowledging that public commitment spurs private investment, the concept of installing “green infrastructure” became pivotal. 

The Madison Bicentennial Committee led efforts to secure construction funds, leveraging the park’s promise as a legacy gift. Individuals, families, and foundations gave generously for development, and many professionals and businesses offered in-kind services and products. DDA retained Heery International as the Project Manager to coordinate the endeavor. By December 2009, development was essentially complete: $3.l million (nearly 58% private and grant funds). 

Downtown Madison gained its outdoor venue. Town Park has also proved itself, as envisioned, as a catalyst project, encouraging substantial perimeter investment around a public asset: increasing the tax base from $2.1 to $21.3 million (914%), adding 176,500 sq.ft. of new space, and creating 150 new jobs. Utilizing historic context, Town Park is the nexus of a six-block downtown expansion.