Members of the Downtown Coordinating Commission debated a new design Thursday that would change the face of Madison’s most distinctive streetscape.

The design includes plans to line State Street with art-etched granite strips as well as create an overarching tree canopy. It also proposes the creation of a “flex zone” between pedestrian areas and all sidewalk furniture for easier access to restaurants and shops.

City planner Brad Murphy said the cost of the project will be approximately $15 million, not including the $500,000 already spent in planning. The city is guaranteed $1 million from Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., but planners are still in the process of securing the remaining funding.

“We are still trying to identify main potential sources,” Murphy said. “We are looking at state and federal funding.”

Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said he supports the project and feels State Street is in need of a new design.

“I do unfortunately feel that, for all of its greatness, [State Street] has a tired, worn look that could use some sprucing up,” Verveer said.

However, commission member Paul Haskew said the current design will damage the character of State Street and is not considering the needs of the public.

“I’m afraid we’re compromising with mediocrity and that we’re not doing much for the public,” Haskew said. “This design is supposed to be timeless, but this is timeless to the degree of boring. All of those things that are the essence of State Street are being abandoned for flexibility and timelessness. This design needs to be significantly fine-tuned to support public’s interest rather than just the stakeholders who have paid attention throughout the process ”

Murphy said the current plan is a compromise between many different ideas that will improve State Street overall.

“This has been a long process and there have been lots of alternative plans,” Murphy said. “This is the one that gained the most support. This is a solid plan and will become a State Street people will be very proud of when it is complete.”

Some of those who attended the meeting objected to the lack of drinking fountains presented in the plan.
“There is one public drinking fountain in Peace Park,” Verveer said. “There needs to be several more included in this plan.”
Murphy said these and other concerns will be considered before the final construction plans are completed next year.