Dane County Board moving ahead on Alliant Center redevelopment

March 09, 2017
County Board Chair Sharon Corrigan, 608.333.2285
County Board

                  Vandewalle firm hired to lead community engagement

 

In another step toward redevelopment of the Alliant Energy Center, Dane County has retained Vandewalle & Associates to help lead the community engagement process.

 

The Madison-based firm over the next six months will work with local officials and the public in helping to craft a vision for the 164-acre, county-owned campus.

 

“We’re thrilled to have someone like Vandewalle involved in this exciting venture as it evolves,” said Dane County Board Chair Sharon Corrigan. “They have a national reputation for quality work but also are very familiar with the local landscape.”

 

On Thursday, the full County Board will also hear a formal presentation on the final report from Hunden Strategic Partners for redevelopment of the AEC.

 

That presentation is scheduled for 6 p.m. prior to the regular 7 p.m. board meeting in Room 201 of the City-County Building at 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Madison.

 

The Hunden report released in draft form last month suggests the AEC redevelopment should include renovating and expanding the existing Coliseum building; expanding the existing Exposition Hall; adding one or more full-service hotels and developing a “Restaurant Road” with 4 to 6 establishments that could draw visitors year-round.

 

Vandewalle, whose headquarters is located within walking distance of the Alliant Energy Center at 120 E. Lakeside St., will now take the lead in working off those Hunden recommendations.

 

“Considering the site is literally in our front yard, we are really excited about the project and are anxious to get underway,” said Scott Harrington, a principal planner with Vandewalle.

 

Over the next six months, Vandewalle will conduct a process to include:

 

  • Clarity on the most important AEC functions and community objectives that should shape the Master Plan.

  • Proactive public awareness of the planning process, timeline and vision to create a common base of knowledge prior to any decisions

  • Clarity on the core uses, facility upgrades, and redevelopment/planning concepts to be included

  • Public input on objectives for AEC area redevelopment and general concepts to be considered

  • Defining the long-term vision for the entire AEC grounds

  • Redevelopment process framework and timeline for moving forward into Phase 1 and beyond

     

     

In Phase Two, a more detailed Master Plan would address both the current uses of AEC facilities but also explore potential future uses that could involve both the public and private sectors. Additional planning would include identification of key target industries such as agriculture and food Systems; health tech, life sciences and advanced manufacturing, in addition to tourism.

 

“There is a chance here to align future improvements and redevelopment initiatives at the AEC with the needs of these growing industry clusters and the Dane County economy as a whole,” said Harrington.

 

Also Thursday night, the full Dane County Board will consider:

  • Requiring county employees to consult with corporation counsel before disclosing any personal information regarding an individual’s sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic violence, status as a victim of sexual assault, status as a crime witness, receipt of public assistance or immigration status.

  • Supporting an application from the village of Mount Horeb for a $250,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for expansion of the historic Hoff Mall including adding 30 apartment units, more parking and upgrades to the commercial space.


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