The city of Madison’s initial plans for the plazas at the top of State Street feature tables, planters and programming aimed at drawing more people to the area and addressing public safety concerns, Isthmus reports.
The design concepts come as Madison makes ongoing investments in placemaking, a process that works to draw pedestrian traffic to underused areas and create safe, shared spaces.
In April 2024, city planners began a process to find uses for spaces that are currently surrounded by redevelopment projects like the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, the Wisconsin History Center and the Churchill Building. For more than a decade, these spaces have seen increased criminal activity compared to surrounding areas.
Potential designs would add more lighting, revamp pedestrian plazas and make space for food carts and vendors. City planners would reportedly look to partners like the Wisconsin Veteran’s Museum, Downtown Madison Inc. and the Business Improvement District to develop programming opportunities to draw additional traffic.
Final designs are anticipated to be revealed by winter.
