Major Benefits to Library
West Washington Avenue has been and will continue to be the premier gateway to Downtown Madison. The proposed site for the new library will raise its prominence by placing it on this important street in the heart of the Capitol. The West Washington location offers significantly higher intrinsic value over the library’s existing site for several reasons.
- The new Central Library will enjoy increased exposure to area residents and visitors. Traffic counts are very strong along West Washington Avenue, and the higher elevation of this site will increase the Library’s visibility and prominence in the community.
- The new library will enjoy easy access by bike, bus, auto or foot. A Madison Metro bus stop is currently located in front of the proposed entrance, and the library will be connected to 400 stalls of new structured parking.
- The existence of significant technology infrastructure at Network222 can be leveraged for the new library to allow for state-of-the-art technology capabilities.
- The new library will enjoy a stronger relationship to the State Capitol building, Capitol West, Loraine Condos, Metropolitan Place, Capitol Lakes senior community, and the greater Bassett Neighborhood.
