Mifflin Plaza

Summary

This initiative involves the comprehensive redesign of Mifflin Plaza, expanding its scope to include Philosopher's Grove and the 100 blocks of Mifflin and Carroll Streets at the top of State Street. The project aims to transform a currently "sterile, dead," and "underutilized" concrete space into a vibrant, people-focused urban pedestrian plaza.

Key Goals & Findings:

• Public feedback highlighted the need for a safe, welcoming, flexible, and active space with more seating, shade, art, and event programming.
• A "Safe Growth" evaluation (by PHMDC, MPD, Planning, Library, BID) found crime had decreased since 2020 but identified issues like lack of daytime activity, darkness, and problematic behaviors in certain areas, recommending enhanced lighting and fence art as short-term interventions.

Design Concepts & Features:
The design process has explored multiple concepts, with the current draft being "Radiating v2," which combines elements from previous "Radiating" and "State Street Mall" concepts. Key features include:

• Transitioning existing street and parking areas into pedestrian-priority plaza space.
• Incorporating planters with native grasses and new trees (in silva cells for enhanced soil).
• Providing diverse public and café seating options (benches, swings, planter edges).
• Implementing a three-level lighting scheme (safety, pedestrian-scale, decorative/accent lighting).
• Integrating interactive and playful public art, potentially relocating existing sculptures ("Forum of Origin," "State Screen").
• Maintaining limited vehicular access for deliveries and refuse collection, potentially using low-profile curbs and retractable bollards, with shared, low-speed space for bikes and pedestrians.

Timeline:
The design process is ongoing through 2025, with public meetings in January, April, June, August, and September 2025 for feedback and concept refinement. Construction is anticipated from December 2026 to July 2027, aligning with the Wisconsin History Center's opening in 2027.

Citizen Impact

Residents will gain a revitalized, safer, and more active public plaza at the iconic top of State Street, offering enhanced amenities like more seating, green space, public art, and diverse event opportunities. The transformation aims to create a welcoming destination for all ages, improving the overall downtown experience by prioritizing pedestrians and bikes while maintaining essential access.

Confidence

high