Category: Updates

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.

Call for Artists! City of Madison Sponsored Mural at the Madison Public Market

Posted on by James Shulkin

Call for artists! Especially pertinent to landscape artists. Outdoor mural at the soon to open Madison Public Market. The large-scale exterior mural, measuring approximately 12 feet high by 52 feet wide, will be prominently featured on the market’s façade at 202 N First Street. With a budget of $25,000, this opportunity invites professional artists and artist teams to create a piece of art that celebrates the botanical heritage of south-central Wisconsin.  https://www.cityofmadison.com/news/2025-03-20/madison-arts-commission-seeks-artist-for-landscape-mural-at-new-public-market

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: [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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!

Construction Update: December 2024

Posted on by James Shulkin

Progress continues with construction of the Madison Public Market. Now, individual vendor market stalls are taking shape, the parking lot has been poured, landscaping is occurring and the exterior is close to finished. A tour on December 9 resulted in these new photos.

This view shows the main entrance from the large parking lot behind the Market.
This exterior view is taken from First Street. This shows one of many exterior seating areas. A beautiful mural will occupy the large exterior wall.
Another exterior view shows new curtain wall windows for TruStage MarketReady Hall. These face the City of Madison pumping station.
Here’s a view of the main MarketHall looking towards First Street. Note the beginnings of vendor stalls and the high ceilings. Incredible artwork will be hung here.
Another view inside MarketHall, this time looking towards the entrance from the back parking lot.
Continuing our tour of the main MarketHall, here you see the entrance from East Johnson St.
Here’s a view from inside the First Street entrance. It’s actually twice this size as the space is duplicated from behind the camera.
This view is from inside TruStage MarketReady Hall, facing the curtain wall window treatment.
The Mezzanine, as seen from TruStage MarketReady Hall, will provide public seating, administrative space and a view of the entire Market.
This view from inside TruStage MarketReady Hall, shows the wide corridor that connects it to the main MarketHall. The cistern on the left is one of three that will store ‘grey water’ used to flush toilets. The Mezzanine is above.

Now Hiring – Chief Operating Officer and Executive Assistant

Posted on by James Shulkin

NOTE: As of 12/13/2024, the application period has closed for these positions.

As we move closer to the Madison Public Market’s opening this summer, two important positions must be filled. The Madison Public Market Foundation (MPMF) is now hiring a Chief Operating Officer to help support Phase II of the facility construction project, and ongoing operations once the Market is open for business. Phase II includes the tenant build-out phase, as well as establishing business services, and the policies and procedures associated with the same. The COO will provide strategic, operational, and financial insight to the CEO while fulfilling the mission and vision of the MPMF and the Market.

MPMF is also hiring an Executive Assistant. The Executive Assistant to the CEO is essential to fulfilling the market’s mission and vision, not only by providing high-level administrative support but also by managing office operations. In this dual role, they ensure organizational efficiency, streamline communication, and create a productive environment that allows the CEO and team to focus on strategic goals and community impact.

For more information and to apply, visit our Indeed.com page.

Construction Update: July 2024

Posted on by James Shulkin

Progress continues at a rapid pace inside 202 N. First Street, the future home of the Madison Public Market and TruStage MarketReady Hall. Daniels Construction reports that all is moving along as planned and on time. A recent tour resulted in the photos that demonstrate the current status of the project. Photo 1) This provides a view of TruStage MarketReady Hall, the portion of the market that will house the production facilities for small food business startups. It will also provide a significant amount of event space for private functions and Market sponsored events. 2) Inside TruStage MarketReady Hall will be three large cisterns that collect rainwater from the roof. The water will be recycled for use in the Market’s bathrooms. The concrete pad shown will host the cisterns – each decorated with artistic vinyl wraps. 3) Market Hall will house the market, made up of 30+ vendors of all types. In the photo, you can begin to see the structures that will become walls separating the vendor locations. This view faces East Johnson Street (to left) and First Street (to right). 4) Again, Market Hall progress is shown. This view faces First Street. On the right, you can see the gas and plumbing lines for the dozen or so mini restaurants serving fresh, made-to-order foods. 5) Last, an exterior view from First Street. The facade has seen new holes cut into the concrete walls to accommodate the main pedestrian entrance and large, glass-filled windows and doors.