Committee approves application to UW–Madison for a low-cost placemaking capstone project

The Economic Development Committee voted on July 30 to authorize staff to submit an application to the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Department of Landscape Architecture for a two-semester graduate capstone studio to study downtown placemaking.

Ginger, who presented the opportunity, said the fall semester would focus on research and analysis, with the spring semester producing a vision framework and site design. She estimated community expenses would be limited to student room and board and minor costs — commonly between $500 and $1,500 in comparable communities — noting final engineered plans would require a licensed engineer and additional funding if the city pursues construction.

Committee members asked about the application deadline and expected timing; staff said they would submit ahead of the early-August deadline and expect to learn whether the city was selected before the start of the fall term. Final student deliverables would be presented to the committee in May.

The committee approved submitting the application by voice vote and directed staff to proceed. Members noted that if the capstone recommended site changes, the city would retain review authority through future approvals and any purchase or developer agreement steps.