MADISON, Wis.– Housing. High-rises. And less… mall?
Driving near East Towne Mall in its current state, you’ll notice dozens of closed stores and ‘For Lease’ signs. But soon, that could change.
Madison city planners are working on a massive, 800+ acre redevelopment that might seem to leave the mall behind, but that’s not the goal.
“I’m an east sider,” Rebecca Cnare said, proudly. “I grew up going to the mall. It’s exciting to think about how much that could change in my lifetime.”
Cnare is one of the city planners behind the redevelopment. She and fellow planner Linda Horvath are hoping their plan will feel more like Hilldale, a mixed-use center rather than a typical mall.
The project is massive: 800+ acres, from Stoughton Road to the Interstate and East Washington to the railroad.
Speaking of transportation, the city’s new Bus Rapid Transit system is the backbone of the project. Set to launch in 2024, the route will connect East Towne to downtown and downtown to West Towne, with stops every 15 minutes.
“A big push for us is also talking to the community,” said Horvath, citing equity and accessibility as key components of the redevelopment.
Horvath is working with traditionally underrepresented communities, like the Black, Hmong, and Latino Chambers.
“People want to see themselves in this area moving forward,” she added. “So far, we’re hearing two things loud and clear. People want affordable housing and affordable business spaces.”
Cnare and Horvath believe they can create both, by repurposing vacant department stores and replacing outdates ones, as well as building on parking lots.
“We’re trying to position this as an area that could really change,” said Cnare.
Both planners are clear: they want all of us to be part of this change, so they’d like to hear from you.
Click here to learn more about the East Towne Mall redevelopment or contact Cnare and Horvath.
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