University unveils master plan

University officials are detailing a master plan that will guide development of the UW–Madison campus for the next 20 years.

More than a year in the making, the plan lays out ways to make the campus more livable, workable and sustainable by examining existing and proposed buildings, outdoor spaces, transportation and utilities.

“The master plan gives us a comprehensive strategy for future campus renewal and redevelopment as we recreate ourselves in place,” says Gary Brown, director of planning and landscape architecture.

The plan lays out an east campus mall from Lake Mendota to just north of Regent Street that will be the lively pedestrian spine of an arts and humanities district.

It also anticipates a more densely developed health sciences campus on the west side of campus. That area could include a west campus union and a new lakeshore residence hall development that would address a crucial on-campus housing need and create a green quadrangle with striking views of Lake Mendota.

Among the changes envisioned is creating the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery in the 1200 and 1300 blocks of University Avenue and a more pedestrian-oriented Linden Drive.

One of the plan’s top priorities is the creation and preservation of inviting outdoor spaces as compelling as the Memorial Union Terrace, Muir Knoll and Henry Mall.

“Throughout the plan, we used buildings to help us capture open spaces that capitalize on our spectacular lakeside setting,” Brown says.

The university included the community in an extensive planning process. There have been more than 200 meetings with hundreds of members of the public and interested groups as the plan evolved.

“The ideas of neighbors, local officials and the campus community were central to creating this plan,” Brown says. “We wanted to ensure wide community acceptance of a document that will guide how we develop over the next two decades.”

Planners also placed a high priority on the environment. The plan calls for opening up selected lakeshore views, protecting natural areas from development, decreasing stormwater erosion, using more “green” building materials and techniques, and improving mass transit opportunities.

“One of our guiding principles was environmental protection and reducing our physical impact on the land,” Brown says. “The plan carries today’s commitment well into the future and builds on it so future generations can enjoy a beautiful, responsible campus.”

A presentation of the finalized plan will take place from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2, in Room 1306 of the Health Sciences Learning Center.