Madison Public Market – Madison Public Market

Madison Public Market Art Projects Take Shape

Posted on October 22, 2024 by James Shulkin

A Cap Times article dated October 17, 2024 highlights the various public art projects occurring at the Madison Public Market. In late September, the Common Council was presented with a mockup of 10 public artworks destined for the Madison Public Market. The Council approved the artwork, allowing for installation to proceed. As described in the article, the market, which is slated for a July 1, 2025 opening, will host a mix of publicly funded art made possible by public and private donations. Funding sources are: $56,000 is the Percent for Art allocation for the project (1% of city funds committed to any capital project exceeding $5 million); $140,000 from the Madison Arts Commission; $40,000 from the Madison Community Foundation; and $50,000 from the Hoke Family Foundation. Follow the link to read the entire article Madison Public Market Art Projects Take Shape to learn more, including attributions to the artists and their artwork.

Construction Update: July 2024

Posted on August 5, 2024 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.

Construction well underway at the Public Market

Posted on February 17, 2024 by James Shulkin

Demolition and construction at the future Madison Public Market began in earnest late in October of 2023. Since then, much progress has been made, as these photos suggest. Lots of work is necessary to renovate this former Fleet Service building, operated since the 1950’s by the City of Madison. Daniels Construction is the contractor selected by the City to make the Market a reality. The Market is slated to open in May 2025.

You’re invited to the Ready! Set! Market! Open House on Sept. 12!

Posted on August 24, 2023 by Amanda White

The Madison Public Market Foundation will host a Ready! Set! Market! event to offer a taste of what the Madison Public Market will be!

This open house will feature a mix of local vendors, including exciting newer businesses and a few of Madison’s long-time favorites. The event will take place at the future home of the Madison Public Market and TruStage MarketReady Hall (200 N. First Street) in what was formerly the retro-style Fleet Services Building.

Vendors will have available culinary offerings inspired by a variety of cultures, in addition to unique handmade goods. Please join leaders of the Madison Public Market Foundation, City of Madison, and diverse vendors for a celebration of entrepreneurship, equity, and community.

Ready! Set! Market! Open House
Tuesday, Sept. 12
5 – 8pm
Future home of the Madison Public Market and TruStage MarketReady Hall (200 N. First St. at E. Johnson & N. First)

Parking is available in the back of the building, in the nearby The Standard Madison apartment building, or on neighborhood streets.

This will be the only public event held at the Market’s future home before ground-breaking later this year! A big thank you to our friends at Chocolate Shoppe, who will be giving away free scoops of ice cream!

RSVP is appreciated but not mandatory – it will help get you through event check-in much more quickly.

RSVP HERE TODAY

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

We’re looking for volunteers to help with sign-in of guests, pre-event setup, trash collection, greeters, traffic control, and a few other areas. It’s a fun way to meet other Market enthusiasts and show your support. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity for the Madison Public Market, sign up now!

Sneak peak at some of the 20+ vendors who are scheduled to attend:

Auntie M’s Creations LLC
East Side Cakes
Madame Chu’s Delicacies
Forward Craft & Coffee
Creative Vixen Design
JNJ Gifts and More
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream
Wonder Cookie
Melly Mel’s Soul Food
Marieke Gouda-House of Gouda
Blain Arts
Love U Candle
Blue Violet Jams & Jellies
Newday Eastside Juicery
Kerol’s Kitchen
V Greenery
QB’s Magnetic Creations
Les Delices De Awa
Midwest Mujeres
Tortillas Los Angeles
Clean Fresh Food
Moses Sista

Entertainment will include:

Eric De Los Santos 5-6pm (xylophone & marimba)
– Carisacat 6-7pm (singer songwriter)
– Wendy O’Lynn 7-8pm (fiddler)

Urgent and Immediate Call To Action: Save the Madison Public Market!

Posted on August 30, 2022 by James Shulkin

We need your help! To help convince Mayor Rhodes-Conway and Common Council members that the community is solidly behind the Public Market, a groundswell of support must be shown.

The Public Market Foundation has fulfilled its commitment to raise a significant amount of money for the project, developed a brand and marketing strategy, worked with City staff to complete the design process, and engaged the community to create a strong foundation for a successful Market. The project is shovel-ready!

Despite the progress made to bring our dream to fruition, the proposed Madison Public Market is again in danger!

A sudden and unexpected funding crisis has developed. Recently, the City withdrew its application from a $3.45M Federal Government Economic Development Administration grant opportunity, a vital part of the funding plan. Because of the nearly two-year pandemic-induced delay, anticipated costs of construction subject to inflation may add an estimated $1.8M. The project now has a $5.25M gap in funding.

The Mayor’s 2023 capital budget reauthorizes the current $7M in TID funding, but does not include additional City dollars to fill the $5.25M gap. As the Market is a City project, we must implore the City to immediately fill the funding gap to keep the project moving forward. The $5.25M can come from the E. Washington Corridor TID#36, instead of general borrowing. This TID is spinning off $10M annually for the next five years, meant to be reinvested in city economic develoment projects. The Public Market is a perfect use for these dollars.

Market funding will be discussed by City Alders when the capital budget goes to the Finance Committee in mid-September. This is our chance to have the additional $5.25M amended to the 2023 City capital budget.

Your supportive emails to the Common Council members are crucial, now more than ever. Please ask them to add $5.25M to the 2023 Capital budget. If this doesn’t occur, the Market will face yet another significant delay. Your messages to the Alders should occur prior to the September 12 Finance Committee meeting, and again before they meet to approve the Capital Budget on September 28. Messaging should continue as often as possible until such time that the Common Council votes on the Capital Budget in November.

A quick note to the alders is great! Please clearly say that you are strongly supportive of the Madison Public Market. If you wish to say more, we have provided “talking points” you may wish to use in your communications with the Alders. Write to them at:

Common Council Alders: [email protected] or https://www.cityofmadison.com/Council/contact/

To find email addresses of your individual Council Alder: https://www.cityofmadison.com/Council/councilMembers/alders.cfm

Judge’s Ruling re: Homeless Shelter Bodes Well for Market’s Progress

Posted on November 23, 2021 by James Shulkin

The City of Madison has been hosting a men’s homeless shelter in the former Fleet Services building since the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Recently, the Common Council approved the purchase of a vacant big box location on Zeier Road, near East Towne. The City intends to use this site as a temporary location for the men’s shelter and continues to search for a permanent location. A private lawsuit was filed seeking to prevent the re-location of the homeless shelter to the Zeier Road site. In a favorable development for the commencement of Market construction, slated for fall 2022, a judge has declined to halt the City’s plans for the temporary shelter, allowing the City to proceed with their temporary shelter plans. Read the Madison.com article describing the details of the lawsuit and the judge’s decision.

Madison Public Market Foundation leads with development and operations planning

Posted on August 30, 2019 by Amanda White

For many years, a vibrant and highly regarded public market has been the dream of entrepreneurs, community leaders and City of Madison employees. To make this dream a reality, the community-led Madison Public Market Development Committee (MPMDC) ushered approvals through the Common Council, coordinated with City planning and economic development staff, and created a comprehensive business plan for the Market.

As plans proceeded, it became evident that the City’s role should be limited to critical matters related to the physical building of the Market including site selection, architectural design and construction. Their efforts, combined with the contributions of countless others, helped to create a timeline that calls for the opening of the Madison Public Market in Fall 2021.

Early in the planning process, it was determined that neither the MPMDC nor the City of Madison would be responsible for daily Market operations. The City’s primary role is to lead the renovation of the Fleet Services building (the Market’s future home) and maintain ownership of the building and land.

With that in mind, the Madison Public Market Foundation was created in May 2017. Operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Foundation has already taken the lead in fundraising efforts and community engagement. When the Market is open, the Foundation will manage day-to-day operations. Until then, the Foundation will lead in vendor selection, the employee hiring process (including the Executive Director search), raise $4 million to create the Market, and work closely with the City on the architectural design so that the needs of vendors and tenants are met.

Recently, the Foundation hired Megan Ballard as Project Manager, charged with the task of implementing the Market’s operating plan. With a background in the commercial real estate industry, including managing and leasing shopping malls, Megan brings a wealth of experience critical to the operations of the proposed Madison Public Market. “I am so pleased to serve in this role”, says Ballard. “We have already made so much progress in terms of community outreach, in support of our MarketReady vendors, in fundraising activity and in creating innovative architectural designs for what will be an amazing asset for Madison and beyond.”

Ballard says that with the progress made towards building the market, this is a very exciting time. “Our next steps are those that prepare us for operationalizing the business plan in a manner that assures the Market’s financial success. Finalization of the architectural plans, including specifications for vendor siting, allows us to begin the process of selecting Market vendors. We’ve had tremendous interest expressed by local and regional businesses – both large and small. Very soon, we will develop both the rules and regulations for Market participation and define the leasing process.”

Business operators interested in opportunities at the Madison Public Market are encouraged to complete and submit the Madison Public Market Vendor Interest Form available from the City of Madison.

The look and feel of the Market is also a front-burner issue. The Foundation has engaged local communication design firm Zebradog (pictured right) to create a memorable and welcoming environment within the 50,000 square feet of the former Fleet Services Building. The Foundation will be responsible for selecting the building’s artwork, storytelling features and ongoing marketing and promotions for the Market, including regular community cultural events featuring area musicians, performers and artists.

Community engagement has long been a critical component of the Market’s development efforts, and the current status of the Market’s design incorporates thousands of public comments provided through surveys and public input sessions. The City of Madison has scheduled another Info & Public Feedback Session:

Thursday, September 5
6:00 pm
Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King Blvd., RM 215
More Info Here

Attendees can view detailed designs of the proposed market, including the mix and layout of merchants at the market, event spaces, outdoor plazas, and potential community arts/exhibit spaces. There will be an update on pedestrian, bike and vehicle access and site design for what is currently the City’s Fleet Services Building at East Johnson Street and First Street.

The Foundation continues to update and engage with the community through Taste of the Madison Public Market events, active Facebook and Instagram pages, regular eUpdates, and presentations at Rotary, Kiwanis, Downtown Madison, Inc., and other forums.

The Madison Public Market Foundation Board members include:

Jamaal Stricklin (President), SuperCharge! Foods
Megan Ballard, Madison Commercial Real Estate
Sujhey Beisser, Park Bank & Five Senses Palate
Karen Crossley, community leader
Victoria Davis, Associated Bank
Rebecca Prochaska, Potter Lawson
Anne Reynolds, Madison Public Market Development Committee
Donale Richards
John Starkweather, Boardman Clark
Amanda White, Consultant (non-Board member)

Additionally, the Foundation created the Madison Public Market Advisory Council, consisting of community leaders who meet quarterly to provide guidance to the project. These members include:

Betty Banks, African American community historian and organizer
Craig Bartlett, Associate Publisher-Owner, Isthmus Publishing
Peter Cavi, First Vice President, Merrill Lynch
Al Cooper, Coordinator, Dane Dances
Suzanne Fanning, VP of Marketing Communications, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
Greg Frank, VP of Community Relations, Food Fight Restaurant Group
Peter Gray, Executive Search Consultant, QTI
Alison Helland, Attorney, Boardman & Clark
Jonny Hunter, Co-Founder, Underground Food Collective
Ken Monteleone, Owner, Fromagination
Melanie Ramey, Communication Coach and Speaker
Helen Sarakinos, Executive Director, REAP Food Group
Trey Sprinkman, Owner, Sprinkman Real Estate
James Shulkin, Windflower Consulting, Windworker Studio and Fishmonger Studio
Steve Suleski, VP Board Relations, CUNA Mutual Group
Missy Tracy, Municipal Relations Coordinator, Ho Chunk Nation/Ho Chunk Casino

Ballard is optimistic that with the most current building design plans, the brand identity developed by Zebradog, and the upcoming Info & Feedback session, the Foundation can intensify efforts to raise the requisite capital from donors. “With the expertise of Amanda White Consulting, we have already raised more than a million dollars of our four million dollar goal. Our capital campaign is just getting started, and I’m confident that once everyone knows the scope of our plans and sees the architectural renderings, they’ll come together to support this important project.”If you are interested in getting involved with the Public Market through participating in the Advisory Council, Board of Directors, or volunteer opportunities, please contact Megan Ballard at [email protected].

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James Shulkin is a communications professional and artist. He is the Principal at Windflower Marketing & Public Relations, Chief Kinetic Officer at Windworker Studio and creator at Fishmonger Studio. He’s also a member of the Madison Public Market’s Advisory Council.

MarketReady 2018: By the Numbers and the People Behind the Numbers

Posted on November 29, 2018 by mapubmrktadmin

Special thanks to our guest blogger, James Shulkin, member of the Madison Public Market Advisory Council!

It’s been just over a year since the inception of the MarketReady Program, an effort to prepare a number of talented chefs, makers and other entrepreneurs with the skills needed to create successful businesses. Funded by the City of Madison and launched in partnership with North Side Planning Council, FEED Kitchens, Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation and Dane County University of Wisconsin Extension, MarketReady provides business training, mentorship, and start-up capital ($37,500 in 2018) to a diverse group of thirty area merchants. The goal has always been that, with the right kind of encouragement, these individuals might some day become successful vendors at the highly anticipated Madison Public Market.

As 2018 comes to a close, we look back on the resounding success of both the MarketReady Program and the individuals that have contributed so much to these efforts.

The MarketReady vendors are a special group. They are mostly women (63%) and people of color (83%). Thirty three percent (33%) are first generation immigrants. In fact, MarketReady focuses on supporting communities that face structural barriers to business ownership. Specifically, the program was created to Encourage and stimulate the creation and acceleration of businesses owned and operated by women, persons of color, the economically disadvantaged and others in need of a new career path.

The majority of these businesses offer food products, with some selling textiles, artwork, body care products or other services. You may be familiar with some of the more visible vendors such as Laurel Burleson (Ugly Apple Café), Josey Chu (Madame Chu), Luis Dompablo (Caracas Empanadas), Jasmine Banks (Perfect Imperfections), Donale Richards (Off the Block Enterprises) and Monica O’Conell (Curtis & Cake), to name a few. All of the MarketReady merchants can be found here.

Led by Ian Aley, MarketReady Coordinator, and Michael Miller, City of Madison Business Assistance Specialist, the organization’s staff provides and arranges for training of all kinds, providing financial services, technical assistance, referrals and access to micro-grants.

“The MarketReady staff and I are humbled and inspired by the group’s hard work, sense of humor, and willingness to share ideas,” says Aley. “We facilitate connections, but so much of the creativity, experience, and strength comes from within this group of entrepreneurs.”

During the first year of the MarketReady program, direct services to the vendors included:

educational events and workshops (1,046 hours)
direct business consultation (585 hours)
business coaching (181 hours)
peer-to-peer support sessions (29)

Partnerships with the University of Wisconsin Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic, the law firm Boardman & Clark and Heartland Credit Union have provided consultation and coaching to participants.

The MarketReady vendors have also given back to the community, including directly to those future Public Market visitors particularly anxious to sample product offerings. To date, more than 2,000 people have attended three “Taste of the Market” events featuring many of the vendors. In addition, 14 MarketReady participants offered 37 classes at Meadowridge Public Library, providing an opportunity to test recipes, make sales, and connect with neighbors across the city.

“We look forward to the opening of the Public Market,” adds Aley. “In the meantime, this community of vendors will continue to develop new product lines, hone their business plans, and build relationships with customers and each other. There is a strong sense in the group that the success of one business in the Public Market will be tied to the success of their neighbors. We will continue to build capacity and connections. When the Public Market opens, we will be ready.”

MarketReady Merchants Shine This Holiday Season

Posted on October 25, 2018 by Amanda White

Many of the Madison Public Market’s MarketReady merchants are already up and running, ready to make your holidays shine!

You don’t have to wait for the Market to open to experience the unique, high quality products and gifts these businesses have to offer this holiday season. Support small, local businesses right here in Madison and you’ll find unique gifts, catering, and more.

(The MarketReady Program is designed to prepare multicultural entrepreneurs who have dreamed of starting a food-based or craft-based business for success in the new Market through business training, mentorship, and/or start-up capital.)

Featured above: Holiday Cookie Box from Curtis & Cake

Holiday Party Catering

You bring the guests, they’ll bring the incredible food! These MarketReady merchants provide quality catering for corporate or private events large and small.

La Joe Bla, LLC
dZi Little Tibet
Madame Chu Delicacies
Melly Mell’s Catering
The Ugly Apple

Gifts for Everyone

Find unique gifts for everyone on your list while supporting our local economy and strengthening our communities.

Artesan Fruit
Curtis & Cake
Madame Chu Delicacies
Madre Yerba
Off the Block
Perfect Imperfections
QB’s Magnetic Creations
SuperCharge! Foods
Tortillas Los Angeles
Wisconsin Mujer

Holiday discounts

Many MarketReady merchants are offering special products and discounts for the holidays. Check out the MarketReady Holidays page for all the details.

MarketReady Program Participants in the Media Spotlight

Posted on February 24, 2018 by James Shulkin

Previous blogs on this page have described the activities of the MarketReady Program. Sponsored by the City of Madison and administered by the Northside Planning Council on behalf of the Madison Public Market, MarketReady provides training, supportive services and micro-grants for entrepreneurs interested in becoming Market vendors. Program recipients are typically individuals from groups facing historic barriers to entrepreneurship, including low income, immigrants, women, displaced workers, veterans and LGBTQ individuals.

MarketReady staff provide hours of individual and group-based guidance, mentorship and other hands-on support to the new business owners. Many are becoming successful beyond their dreams, and the local media is taking notice. During the last month or so, MarketReady vendors were featured in print, online, on television, and in podcasts.

Kristina Abasso and her Abasso Market Deli venture was featured in the Capital Times Bright Ideas of 2018 series. The article Bright Ideas 2018: Open a vegan Native American deli describes her public market plans for a plant-based deli featuring tribal sourced ingredients.

Donale Richards was also featured in the same series. Bright Ideas 2018: Listen to kids, especially those facing barriers describes his upbringing in Madison as well as his journey through UW and current role with Mentoring Positives. This organization is the driving force behind Off the Block Salsa, a local favorite and potential Public Market vendor.

SuperCharge! Foods, located across First Street from the proposed Madison Public Market site, was written up on the Capital Times front page and featured in a podcast. Read about their success in The Big Squeeze: Madison juice bars get in on cleansing kick. The Corner Table podcast with Jamaal Strickland, SuperCharge! sales director, is also a fun listen. SuperCharge! Foods is now providing goods to a juice bar vendor in the Milwaukee Public Market. This will help them get a sense for future demand at the Madison Public Market.

Jasmine Banks and her Perfect Imperfections body care products company was the subject of the Isthmus article Perfect Imperfections presents a healthy alternative in body care. The current product line includes deodorant, lip balm, body oil, natural scrubs whipped body butter and more.

Monica O’Connell of Curtis & Cake takes the cake with a double whammy in media attention. Her wedding cakes were showcased in Brava Magazine and she also enjoyed a Wisconsin Life feature video produced by Wisconsin Public Television.

Please reach out to these and other MarketReady participants to wish them well. Even if they have not received media attention recently, they deserve your encouragement and support.

Thanks!