Author: James Shulkin

Momentum Builds as the Madison Public Market Prepares for a 2026 Opening

Posted on by James Shulkin

Merchant Buildout Construction is on the Horizon! 

Progress is happening behind the scenes as this long-awaited community destination comes to life. Currently, tenant build-outs are on the docket. Once construction schedules are finalized, the interior will start taking shape quickly. Previous posts have highlighted the public art that will fill the interior and exterior of the building. New exterior murals are turning heads and setting the tone for a vibrant, creative space. Staff hiring, event planning, and rental prep are all underway.

A Vibrant Lineup of Merchants
Expect a globally inspired mix of foods, specialty groceries, baked goods, handmade and personal items, and culturally rooted products. We will announce merchants as leases are signed.

More Than a Market
Look forward to pop-up events, rotating art, cultural celebrations, live music, workshops, youth programs, and private event rentals. This will be a true community hub from day one, making the Market a year-round destination.

The Madison Public Market will energize the city, support local entrepreneurs, and create a vibrant gathering place. It will be a destination that celebrates the diversity, flavor, and creativity that makes Madison special.

A Small Way to Support the Big Vision
With Giving Tuesday just a few weeks away, we invite community members who are excited about the Market’s mission to consider making a contribution. Every gift—big or small—helps us support local entrepreneurs, expand programming, and bring this vibrant space to life.

Stay tuned on our website and social channels for updates, behind-the-scenes news, and ways to get involved as we bring this project to life.

Art Installations Begin at Madison Public Market

Posted on by James Shulkin

Work is now underway to begin installing some of the first pieces of art at the Madison Public Market, which will serve as both a visual celebration and a bridge connecting visitors to the rich cultural tapestry of our city. When installations are complete, the Madison Public Market will showcase a vibrant collection of public artworks that reflect the diverse voices, histories, and cultures of the Madison community.

The Market will feature multiple murals and installations both indoors and outdoors. This week, exterior works are being installed in anticipation of the early 2026 Market opening. The first works going up include:

Elizah Leonard by Tom Jones

Jones is a Professor of Photography at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and creates work that examines American Indian identity, experience, and perception. His photography is held in prestigious collections including National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, National Portrait Gallery, and Metropolitan Museum of Art.

His work Elizah Leonard won second prize in The National Portrait Gallery’s 2022 triennial Outwin Portrait Competition.

Elizah Leonard is a champion dancer and recipient of an All-American Scholarship for wrestling. Jones photographed Leonard wearing a Fancy Dance shawl, made by her mother, and a beaded necklace and earrings, made by her grandfather. He then sewed beads, rhinestones, and shells directly onto the print, and finally photographed the resulting work. The photograph is being reproduced on the Public Market’s exterior wall along First Street in vinyl on aluminum composite panel.

Axolotl & Alma by Issis Macias & Rodrigo Carapia

Alma and Axolotl

These works from the Raíces en Color (Roots in Color) collection are collaborations that showcase the artists’ shared Mexican heritage through distinct artistic styles. Macias, the 2025 Latina Artist of the Year, started the works with her bold abstract compositions with contrasting colors. Then Carapia, a self-taught artist from Mexico City, superimposes vivid imagery celebrating Mexican culture.

The collection embraces both the common threads within Mexican traditions and beyond, while using color as a powerful symbol of the richness and complexity of cultural identity. The artists’ works in this collection were acrylic on canvas. The original painting of Alma is in the private collection of Sara and Carlos Alvarado.

For this installation, high resolution photographs were taken and the works are being reproduced in vinyl on aluminum panel at a larger-than-life scale. The murals will be located on two exterior walls that face the parking lot behind the building.

And Still, She Blossoms

This vibrant and engaging mural was created by Madison La Follette and Middleton students under the guidance of La Follette teacher Monique Karlen for the 2020 Downtown Street Art & Mural Project. The original sketch was created by Shantiana McNeal when she was a freshman at La Follette High School. Over the course of three days, the group continued to develop the design. High resolution photographs of the work were used to recreate the piece in vinyl on aluminum panel. The photos show the wood grain, screw holes, and brush strokes, honoring the original mural. This mural is also to be located on an exterior wall facing the parking lot.

The Madison Public Market is expected to open end in the first quarter of 2026. Art installation will continue while vendors move into the building.

Most of the public art will be in place for opening day, while some may be installed in Spring 2026. Additional projected installations include:

  • Huura Šgaach by Nipinet Landsem and Caitlin Newago
  • A Visual Land Acknowledgement by Jim Terry
  • Rainwater Cistern Wraps by Hello Madison
  • Greetings sculpture by Actual Size Artworks
  • Sky Sail by Ash Armenta

Additional art pieces are in the works and will be announced at a later date.

Public Art for the Madison Public Market has been made possible through the Madison Arts Commission’s Municipal Art and Percent for Arts funds, with additional support from private donors. Private donations include generous contributions from The Madison Community Foundation, The Friends of The Madison Arts Commission, and the Hoke Family Foundation.

For more information about Public Art at the Madison Public Market, email madisonarts@cityofmadison.com.

About the Madison Arts Commission

The Madison Arts Commission works to encourage artistic activities and performances throughout the city, supporting both emerging and established artists while enhancing the cultural landscape of Madison through public art initiatives.

 

Timeline For Opening Update – Early 2026

Posted on by James Shulkin

We know how excited the community is for the Madison Public Market and we share that excitement! While we had hoped to be open sooner, the reality is that we’re facing some necessary delays related to lease finalization and building improvements required to meet public health standards for food vendors.
These construction setbacks were not part of our original roadmap, but we’re working closely with the City of Madison to ensure that the Market opens safely, sustainably, and ready to support our amazing group of local entrepreneurs.
We’re now aiming for tenant construction to begin in fall 2025, with the grand opening of the Market in early 2026. In the meantime, we’ll continue to support our vendors and look for opportunities, like food tastings and pop-ups, to introduce them to you before doors officially open.
This project is about more than a building, it’s about creating opportunity, connection, and a home for Madison’s diverse cultures, crafts, and cuisines. Thank you for your continued support, understanding, and excitement.
Stay tuned,
The Madison Public Market Foundation

Construction Update: May 20, 2025

Posted on by James Shulkin

Daniels Construction and the City of Madison continue to make progress on the Madison Public Market. With Phase 1 of construction nearly finished, Madison Public Market Foundation can commence with Phase 2 – creation of individual merchant stalls. Here are some photos from a May 15 tour. Our goal is to open on November 1, 2025.

The view shown above illustrates the grandeur of TruStage MarketReady Hall. This will be the site of special events, pop-up markets and seating overflow during Public Market operating hours. The windows face East Washington Avenue and the apartment building housing Mint Mark.

Above, the main corridor for the Public Market section of the building. Merchant stalls or on the right and left. The sink and hood denote a location of a restaurant merchant making fresh foods on site.

Another view down a central corridor of the Public Market section. Note the kitchen facilities in these stalls, indicating the location of restaurant merchants. The windows face First Street.

More kitchen type stalls along the main corridor within the Public Market.

Also in the main Public Market Hall. Here’s a look down a main corridor.

A larger restaurant space showing dishwashing setup and ventilation hood.

A full kitchen to be used for merchants is on site. This can be especially useful to merchants who will prepare food on site, but do not require full kitchen and hood ventilation at their individual stalls.

Kitchen facilities

Kitchen facilities.

Construction Update: March 2025

Posted on by James Shulkin

Due to construction delays, the Madison Public Market is expected to open in the fall of 2025. Progress is proceeding quickly and turnover of the building to the Madison Public Market Foundation is expected to occur in May. At this time, the Foundation can more effectively complete the buildout of the merchant-vendor spaces and install a vast array of exciting art pieces. Photos of the current status of the renovations occurring at the former Fleet Service building are provided.

This view looks across the Public Market Hall where 30+ merchants will sell their wares – food, art, and more. You can see the outlines of many vendor stalls taking shape. The vantage point is from the public mezzanine.

This view looks down the main corridor of the Public Market portion of the building. Merchant – Vendor stalls are shown on the right and left. Those with cooking and washing facilities are locations for restaurants.  The door at the end will be replaced with glass-filled doors that can open on days of pleasant weather.

Above is the view inside TruStage MarketReady Hall. The space will be largely empty except during regular special events, private events, musical and other entertainment events, pop-ups, food cart gatherings and more. Visitors will be welcome in this area to lounge with their meals anytime the Market is open. To the right is the Mezzanine which also provides public seating, bathrooms and the Market Foundation office space.

Another view inside the Public Market space. Imagine vendors throughout this area.

Above, more of the Public Market space, to be filled with 30+ merchant vendors.

TruStage Market Ready Hall – a public space for special events or just hanging out. The blue pipe along the ceiling carries rainwater to be used to flush the toilets. On the left is one of four cisterns that collect rainwater from the roof.  These will be decorated with vinyl graphics – cranes, flamingoes, muskies and cows.

Above, a view from the Mezzanine looking down a main corridor of the Public Market. This view looks towards East Johnson Street.

Above, inside the Mezzanine. Decorative tile work is being installed. The wall on the right will hold a Madison Food Culture History art exhibit. This area will contain extensive public seating and has views of both the Public Market and TruStage MarketReady Hall.

Above is a view from the Mezzanine looking over TruStage MarketReady Hall. This sun-filled area will be a popular place for special events, viewing exciting artwork installation and just hanging out. A bar will be located at the back against the wall. The garage door will be replaced with one that is glass-filled. This perspective is towards East Washington Avenue.

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Above, you’ll see how the individual merchant-vendor stalls within the Public Market area are laid out. Ventilation hoods indicate where restaurants will prepare fresh foods.

One more view of the Public Market space. This view looks towards First Street.

Madison Public Market opening delayed to late fall – Cap Times

Posted on by James Shulkin

An article published in the March 31 edition of the Cap Times provides an update as to the expected Public Market opening date. The articles states that the Madison Public Market Foundation had intended for the market to open this July, but construction delays have pushed back the opening date, according to CEO Keisha Harrison.

“Due to the construction delays and the extended timeline that allows the Foundation to begin buildout of merchant spaces, we are most likely anticipating a late fall 2025 opening date,” Harrison wrote in an email to the Cap Times.

Bliss Devereaux Anderson appointed Chief Operating Officer

Posted on by James Shulkin

The Madison Public Market Foundation is pleased to announce the hiring of our inaugural Chief Operating Officer, Bliss Devereaux Anderson.

Over the past 15 years, Bliss has been an outstanding leader, role model, and immovable force in the community and now brings seasoned  experience in strategic planning, organizational development, advocacy, and community building to the Public Market. She worked previously as the Executive Director of a non-profit organization for 12 years and has experience helping minority-led organizations build and grow their business. She is elated to build equity through entrepreneurship here at Madison Public Market.

In 2014, Bliss was recognized by the Mayor for her efforts to impact change in the community. In 2015, Bliss was a Brava Woman to Watch and in 2017, she received the Jefferson Award for her commitment to fight for social justice and equality for African American and low-income families. As Chief Operating Officer, she will be committed to inspiring and building partnerships with Madison’s local businesses while fulfilling the mission and vision of the Madison Public Market Foundation.

Bliss began in her new role on February 10 and will be primarily responsible for  tenant operations and facility management, among other duties.



Call for Madison Public Market merchants continues as construction nears completion

Posted on by James Shulkin

Progress on the Madison Public Market continues at a rapid pace as the City of Madison and Daniels Construction are close to completing the massive overhaul of the former Fleet Service building at 202 N. First Street, Madison. The Market is expected to open to the public in July of this year. With that in mind, the Madison Public Market Foundation is again advising those interested in becoming merchants at the Market to express interest by completing the Merchant Interest Form on the Market’s website.

At this time, the application process, which requires the previous submission of the Merchant Interest Form, only applies to those merchants who seek a continual lease up to three years and will be open during the market’s core hours. At this time, core hours are Wednesday–Thursday: 10 AM–6 PM, Friday: 10 AM–8 PM, Saturday: 8 AM–6 PM, and Sunday: 9 AM–4 PM. (Closed Monday and Tuesday).

Construction photos from early February are shown below. The photos will give prospective merchants an idea of how many of the interior spaces are designed. Selected merchants will work with the Madison Public Market Foundation to build out their space specific to their operations. More to follow as construction progresses.

Outreach to Prospective Market Vendors Begins

Posted on by James Shulkin

Many prospective merchants have submitted the Public Market Merchant Interest Form, and Market staff have now begun to reach out to those selected to continue with the merchant application process. If you are one of those who submitted the interest form, and have been contacted by the Market, please complete the following as application to the Market and email to: leasing@madisonpublicmarket.org.

Business plan or company synopsis

Short biography or resume of all owners and key employees

Products and/or services listing

3-year income and projection (use spreadsheet from SCORE.org)

If currently in business, three most recent years of annual sales

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed once all materials have been submitted. You will be notified if we want additional information or to invite you for an interview and tour of the space. We appreciate your understanding that we have had an overwhelmingly positive response and may not be able to respond to everyone individually.

Please take note that this solicitation is for merchants who want a continual lease up to 3 years and will be open during the market’s core hours. Those who wish to sell intermittently (e.g., one day per week; one week only; Saturdays, etc.) will be advised in the coming months on how to apply for use of a kiosk.

If you have any questions, please consult our website or email leasing@madisonpublicmarket.org.

Last Chance: Be Recognized as a Public Market Champion!

Posted on by James Shulkin

As the 2024 season of giving comes to a close, we ask that you join those supporters who will be permanently recognized on the Market’s Global Table giving wall. We’re so grateful for these much needed gifts to support diverse entrepreneurs and start-up programming.

There’s still time for you to join with us! Thanks to a generous matching gift from PRL Keystone Foundation, all donations will be doubled up to $50,000 through December 31. We’re getting closer to our match – over $35,000 has been raised. Help us cross the finish line!

The deadline for being included on the Giving Wall is December 31, 2024.

Please consider a celebratory finale gift today. Share this special invitation and opportunity to make a positive, meaningful difference in our local community with your family, friends, colleagues and networks!