Public market closer to reality

Plans for Madison’s first public market are shaping up as the city and a developer work to finalize plans not only for the $14 million market but also for a private component that could bring between $30 million to $40 million in investment, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.

The private component could include commercial space, offices, housing, and retail. Plans would raze the existing strip mall on the site at 1858 E. Washington Ave.

The project is anticipated to provide incubation space for 35 businesses, create 265 full-time jobs, result in more than $12 million in annual food sales, and have an annual impact of $22 million.

A second phase would convert the current Fleet Services Building at 200 N. First St. into a regional food hub for storage and distribution.