Madison’s Community Development Authority (CDA) is actively exploring the feasibility of implementing a geothermal system in its ambitious multiphase revitalization project focused on a portion of “the Triangle” area in the city’s downtown, the Wisconsin State Journal reports. The comprehensive renovation, with an estimated budget of around $300 million, is set to transform a portion of downtown Madison.
Currently, the CDA owns 336 housing units across five sites and a small Asian grocery store situated on a 10.5-acre plot bordered by West Washington Avenue and South Park Street. The overarching master plan envisions a complete redevelopment of this site, featuring multiple buildings with approximately 1,216 housing units.
The proposed geothermal system, if implemented, would become the city’s largest and could effectively heat and cool all the housing units. The system is anticipated to be constructed beneath playing fields at Brittingham Park, situated across the street from the redevelopment site. Geothermal technology harnesses the stable ground temperature to efficiently regulate the temperature in buildings.
Currently employed at three fire stations, a library support facility, and the Pinney Library on the East Side, geothermal has become a trusted system in Madison. Future plans include its utilization in the expansion of the Warner Park Community Recreation Center on the north side, as well as in two upcoming projects: the $25 million homeless men’s shelter on the far east side and the $18.6 million Imagination Center, a facility combining a library, park pavilion, and city services at Reindahl Park on the far east side.
While the geothermal system might entail an additional cost of up to $5 million compared to conventional alternatives, the system is anticipated to yield more than 20% in energy cost savings over time.
