Olin Park Pavilion - Normal Hall - Rehabilitation

Madison Parks is initiating a rehabilitation project for the Olin Park Pavilion.

The pavilion, originally built in 1884, is formally designated as a Local Historic Landmark known as Monona Lake Assembly Normal Hall.  Today  “Normal Hall” functions as the Olin Park Pavilion.  

The landmark building requires substantial structural and exterior repairs. The existing wood joists and flooring are have deteriorated due to rot caused by inadequate ventilation of the building's substructure.

Retaining a wood-joist supported floor will require significant improvements to the subfloor ventilation, including the addition of exterior ventilation panels, the installation of ventilation fans, and electrical improvements. The required improvements would significantly increase the rehabilitation project cost, in addition to the long-term building operational costs.

After evaluation by Madison Parks and City Engineering, the preferred approach is to replace the wood joist system with a concrete floor. A concrete floor will provide a more durable, resilient, and cost effect structural system. Installing a concrete floor will also support the long-term preservation of this landmark building.

The building's exterior also requires rehabilitation to address mold and rot damage to the pavilion's siding, doors and windows.

Madison Parks will host a public information meeting to share additional project details. Once the meeting date and time are set, Parks will provide notifications on the project webpage, through Parks social media outlets, and with postcard mailings to area residents.

See City of Madison Engineering Division, for more information on this co-led project. 

We look forward to reviewing this important preservation project with you!