James Madison Park- Retaining Wall Repair at Lincoln School Apartments
December 19, 2025 Update
Parks and Strand Associates have worked to develop another (3rd) alternative to replace the existing retaining wall while protecting the 24" oak tree adjacent to the drive.
This design alternative re-grades the hillside for a portion of the project and but replaces the wall to match the existing wall in the area surrounding the oak. Trees on the east end of the drive will still need to be removed but this provides protection for the oak.
While this alternative comes with some risks and tradeoffs, it was decided it was the best compromise. Parks will proceed with this Alternative 3 as we move towards developing construction plans and documents. Details of this Alternative 3 can be seen on the images from Strand Associates.
Project Details
James Madison Park
Project Information
Madison Parks plans to rebuild the existing retaining wall around the Lincoln School Apartments in James Madison Park.
Per the 1985 agreement between Lincoln School Apartments and the City of Madison, Parks Division is responsible for the repair of the existing retaining wall supporting the entrance drive to the apartment building.
This wall is currently in poor condition and is starting to fail. The wall supports the access drive to the apartment building and serves underground parking. Additionally, it's the designated fire access route to the building.
Madison Parks hired Strand Associates to evaluate the current retaining wall and provide several options for repair and/or replacement. Upon reviewing design alternatives, it was decided the most feasible option was to pursue a project to remove the retaining wall and regrade the hillside.
Design Actions Summary
- Remove the existing concrete retaining wall
- Patch and repair a portion of the access drive
- Regrade the hillside into James Madison Park to a more stable slope
- Re-vegetate the hillside so that it can be maintained by Parks staff
Park and Apartment Impacts
- The loss of several trees on the current hillside including a large oak tree near the wall
- Grading further out into James Madison Park
- Temporary loss of access to the underground parking during construction
Timeline
Parks intends to complete the design, permitting, and public engagement process in fall 2025 and early 2026. The project will then be bid for construction in summer or fall 2026. More updates will be posted here when available.
Project Updates
December 19, 2025 Update
Parks and Strand Associates have worked to develop another (3rd) alternative to replace the existing retaining wall while protecting the 24" oak tree adjacent to the drive.
This design alternative re-grades the hillside for a portion of the project and but replaces the wall to match the existing wall in the area surrounding the oak. Trees on the east end of the drive will still need to be removed but this provides protection for the oak.
While this alternative comes with some risks and tradeoffs, it was decided it was the best compromise. Parks will proceed with this Alternative 3 as we move towards developing construction plans and documents. Details of this Alternative 3 can be seen on the images from Strand Associates.
October 17, 2025 Update
Thank you to everyone who attended our 10/14 Public meeting. The meeting was recorded and can be viewed on the City website.
Parks staff will take all comments into consideration and provide an update on the next project steps when they are determined.
If you have further questions or comments, please reach out to Corey Stelljes at cstelljes@cityofmadison.com
September 10, 2025 Update
Madison Parks will hold a virtual public informational session via Zoom on this project on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 5:00pm. Advanced registration is required.
Parks staff will make a short presentation on the project and attendees will be able to provide comments or ask questions.
If you are unable to attend the meeting and would like to ask a question or provide a comment, please contact Corey Stelljes at cstelljes@cityofmadison.com.