Madison Public Market Achieves LEED Gold Certification
The City of Madison Engineering Division is proud to announce the Madison Public Market Facility has achieved LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
The Madison Public Market, which will be located at 202 N. First Street, in Madison, Wis., will be a community gathering space and host to diverse merchants and vendors. It will be a year-round destination for community connection and supporting growth of new and established businesses. The Madison Public Market adds to the City’s LEED efforts for all its buildings.
“We're thrilled that the Madison Public Market has achieved LEED Gold certification, demonstrating our deep commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” Madison Public Market Foundation CEO Keisha Harrison said. “This milestone reflects the values of our community and sets the stage for a market that will serve Madison for generations to come. When we open our doors, visitors will experience not just a vibrant gathering space with incredible local food and artisans, but a building that exemplifies our dedication to a healthier, more sustainable future.”
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized green building certification system that evaluates buildings on their environmental performance. LEED-certified buildings aim to use less energy and water, reduce waste, and create better spaces for occupants. Achieving LEED Gold certification means a building has met specific standards for sustainability, from energy efficiency and renewable energy use to indoor air quality. These buildings cost less to operate over their lifetime and provide healthier work environments.
This is the City’s fifteenth LEED certified project, and tenth city project to achieve LEED Gold status. This achievement exceeds the City of Madison’s recent Common Council resolution requiring LEED Silver minimum for renovations of City facilities on City-owned land.
LEED Gold Highlights for the Madison Public Market
- New energy-efficient windows and doors provide natural light and views
- Reduced air infiltration
- High performance LED Lighting
- High performance HVAC system
- Energy efficient appliances
- Building is ventilated per ASHRAE standards which exceed code requirements
- Ventilation is filtered at a high level (MERV 13)
- Only low VOC materials and products were used
- Low flow plumbing fixtures reduce water consumption
- Asbestos was abated and removed as part of the renovation
- Enhanced storm water management system
- Direct access to the city bus system and ample parking for bikes
- Solar PV panels supplement electrical energy use
- Rainwater Cistern system for use by restroom toilet fixtures
The City of Madison Engineering Division’s Facilities staff partnered with MSR Design for the design of the project, and Daniels Construction on the construction of the project.
Background on Madison Public Market
The Madison Public Market is the result of multiple decades’ worth of research, planning, and engagement with the community. The total cost of the project, including planning, design, and construction, was approximately $23.6 million, and the project is on track to be finished under budget.
The Madison Public Market is designed to be a vibrant, inclusive gathering space, fostering equity through entrepreneurship and celebrating local culture by bringing together diverse foods, handcrafted arts, and traditions.
“Beyond sustainability, the Madison Public Market represents a major investment in local economic development and food equity,” Harrison said. “We're creating opportunities for entrepreneurs—especially those from underrepresented communities—to launch and grow their businesses. With year-round operations and direct access to public transit and bike infrastructure, we're building an accessible destination that will strengthen our local food system and bring people together across all backgrounds.”
It will feature produce from Wisconsin farms, culturally-diverse prepared food, locally-made food products, and handcrafted arts, crafts, and other merchandise. It aims to be an inclusive community gathering space with local art, music, and events that bring people together.
