The Design Challenge

Friends of Nolen Waterfront is proud to partner with City of Madison on this project. Thanks to many donors, we were able to fund half of the Challenge stipends for the final three design teams.

The Lake Monona Waterfront Design Challenge is a competition to create a visionary, inclusive, and environmentally focused master plan for 1.7 miles of shoreline and 17 acres of Madison's foremost public lakefront. The Design Challenge process started in March 2022.

Teams Submit Master Plans

After 14 weeks of development, the design teams have completed their master plan submittals for the Lake Monona Waterfront! See the design reports, presentation plans, and introductory videos below.

Agency Landscape + Planning
Design report
Presentation plans
Video introduction
James Corner Field Operations
Design report
Presentation plans
Video introduction
Sasaki
Design report
Presentation plans
Video introduction

We need your input! Please join us in re-imagining possibilities for the Lake Monona Waterfront!
Take the City of Madison Parks ONLINE SURVEY!

The survey will remain open until March 23, 2023, and is part of an eight-week public review phase that began on January 26. City of Madison Parks will share the survey results and comments with the Lake Monona Waterfront Ad-hoc Committee.

View the design boards in person! The presentation boards are available for review at Madison Parks' new central office at 330 E Lakeside Street . The boards can be seen during Parks office hours, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

Comments and questions can also be submitted via email at lakemononawaterfront@cityofmadison.com.

About The Challenge

Based on RFQ submissions, the City selected three multi-disciplinary teams to participate in the Design Challenge. Each selected team will receive a contract for a set stipend of $75,000 to develop a waterfront master plan option and participate in the competition.

A City-appointed ad-hoc committee will review the master plan submissions and select a preferred master plan to proceed in the plan approval process. The selection includes the opportunity for the chosen design team to further contract with the City for plan refinement and schematic development.

A preferred master plan will be selected through public input and the City’s Ad-hoc Committee evaluation; The City of Madison Parks Division has allocated a maximum of $200,000 for the second contract award pending the negotiated scope of services with the selected Design Team.

The Design Challenge Check In

Agency Landscape + Planning

James Corner Field Operations

Sasaki

Guiding Design Principles

Master Plan Vision

The Lake Monona Waterfront master plan should transform Madison’s foremost public lakefront into a beautiful, activity-rich signature park. As a signature park, the lakeshore must embody the character and values of the city and foster a sense of civic pride. It must incorporate innovative and iconic features that are regional attractions, creating a “must-see” destination. The plan must provide an indelible experience unique to Madison. The Design Challenge is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of Madison’s urban waterfront.

Racial Equity and Social Justice

Racial equity and social justice must serve as primary planning principles for the Lake Monona Waterfront. The park must be a family-centered destination where people from diverse social, economic, and racial backgrounds feel comfortable coming together for social interaction, recreation, entertainment, and scenic enjoyment. The design of the Lake Monona Waterfront should promote cultural connections between all park users.

Sense of Place

The Lake Monona Waterfront should capitalize on the natural beauty of Lake Monona to create an iconic place and civic destination for all Madison residents and visitors. It must inspire a deep spiritual connection with nature, history, and place. The plan should promote innovation in public spaces and building, and preserve and enhance the community’s environmental, scenic, aesthetic, historical, and natural resource values.

Community Connections

The Lake Monona Waterfront is the central, physical link between Madison’s South, Downtown, East, and West neighborhoods. It is also a primary connection to the Alliant Energy Center campus and the emerging Destination District. The master plan must enhance and build upon existing connections beyond the immediate planning scope. The plan must seamlessly integrate into the fabric of the city and provide an environment for all visitors to move comfortably, safely, and enjoyably along the waterfront.

Lake Access

The Lake Monona Waterfront design should provide a graceful, barrier-free transition between Downtown and Lake Monona. It should reconnect downtown Madison to Lake Monona while improving lake access for all park users. The plan should promote and provide opportunities to engage with nature and enjoy the beauty of Lake Monona. More specifically, the designers are encouraged to consider a rich menu of water-based activities such as shore fishing, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, recreational boating, and swimming. The design must ensure all visitors have comfortable access to the waterfront, regardless of mode or method of travel.

Sustainability

The design of the Lake Monona Waterfront should be a fusion of environmental, social, and economic sustainability principles. This important waterfront site is an integral part of the Four Lakes Area Watershed. Its design should promote sustainable practices while improving the natural environment and supporting existing ecological systems. The master plan process is an opportunity to demonstrate the city’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure.

Public Space

The master plan should expand public gathering and event space along the lakeshore through innovative design. As previously stated, Downtown Madison is park deficient, and maximizing green space along Lake Monona Waterfront for programming and activity is central to the success of the planning initiative.

Public Art

The design of the Lake Monona Waterfront should include multiple opportunities for the public art to enhance the experience of park users. Installations and active participation by the city’s arts community should be encouraged during park development.

Education

The design of the Lake Monona Waterfront should incorporate opportunities for interpretation and education on the site’s natural, environmental, and cultural history.

Economic Opportunity

Similar to other visionary projects around the country, the Lake Monona Waterfront will be a catalyst for reinvestment through job creation, development, new businesses, and tourism.

Design for Philanthropy

The Lake Monona Waterfront should be designed for private philanthropic funding opportunities.