About

Vision Statement

The Madison Public Market is a vibrant, inclusive gathering space, fostering equity through entrepreneurship and celebrating local culture by bringing together diverse foods, handcrafted arts, and traditions. It is a year-round destination for community connection and supporting the growth of new and established businesses.

It will feature produce from Wisconsin farms, culturally diverse prepared food, locally made food products and handcrafted arts/crafts. It is a cherished and inclusive community gathering space with art, music, and events that bring people together.

Guiding Principles 

Vendors First 

The Public Market is a place of commerce. It succeeds if, and only if, the vendors within it thrive; the design will prioritize the user experience of vendors and visitors to create a functional, inspiring, and enduring market.

Equitably Designed 

The market building and grounds will be designed to be welcoming and inclusive of people from diverse cultures, backgrounds, ages and abilities. 

Budget Driven

The design will maximize value with each decision, use minimal new material. Consider short- and long-term advantages, and account for life-cycle costs. 

Beautifully Simple 

The design will leverage the existing building’s assets to create a modest, beautiful, robust consignor for the vibrant and variable market contents 

Nourishing

The building and grounds will support the wellbeing of our planet, its inhabitants, and the local community, through healthy, sustainable design. 

Of Its Place 

The building and site will reflect the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Isthmus through material choices, views, and connectivity, and reflect its past and future. 

Connected

The site will receive pedestrians and all modes of transportation, and create connections to Burr Jones Park, the Yahara River, nearby paths, neighborhoods, the greater Madison metro area, and local and regional farming. 

All-season Draw

The design will support and enhance indoor and outdoor experiences for every season. 

Adaptable 

The design will provide daily flexibility, mid-term adaptability and long-term resilience through simplicity, smart planning, and design. 

Functional 

Supporting financial success with innovative, nimble, sustainable, intuitive operations.