Groundbreaking for Madison Public Market set for this fall 

The Madison Public Market will break ground this fall and is set to open in spring 2025, according to the Capital Times. The projected cost for the project, which will be a year-round, indoor marketplace, is over $24 million. 

The project faced a series of setbacks previously, including a $5.2 million budget gap, but in February finally reached the required $3 million private funding goal to proceed with construction following a $1.5 million donation from CUNA Mutual. 

The Madison Public Market Foundation will manage the facility and is continuing to raise money to cover operating costs; it hopes to raise between $250,000 and $550,000 and is accepting donations online and via email. 

The market will house a food production facility, a food innovation center, an event space, and outdoor patios and plazas; it will feature locally grown foods and handcrafted artwork, jewelry, wearables, and collectibles. Plans include 30 permanent vendors in addition to pop-up stores and restaurants. 

The public market will be built on city-owned land, home to the former Fleet Services building at First Street and East Johnson Street. In June, an operating agreement and lease will go before the city council. The market is expected to attract over 500,000 visitors annually, support over 130 local businesses, generate $16 million per year in local sales, and create hundreds of jobs.