James Madison Park- Retaining Wall Repair at Lincoln School Apartments
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.
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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.
