The City of Middleton Public Arts Committee is accepting applications for artistic enhancements to the
Lake Street Boat Launch Redesign as part of our Half Percent for Arts program.

Project Description

The City of Middleton Public Arts Committee, in collaboration with the City of Middleton Parks and Recreation department, is considering sculptural enhancements to the Lake Street Boat Launch Redesign. The redesigned boat launch is intended for paddle craft and non-motorized boats, with direct access to Lake Mendota. Along with the launch site, the new parklet will include greenspace, benches and native plantings with sidewalk accessibility for all mobilities.

The City of Middleton Plan for Public Art and Design envisions public art on city property as creative and distinctive civic design for public facilities, landscapes and infrastructure. Additionally, the more recently adopted Addendum to the Middleton Public Art Plan includes a section on opportunities for public art in parks, trails, and conservancy. This will be the first project funded through the City of Middleton’s recently- adopted Half Percent for Arts Program, which is linked to the City’s Tax Increment District (TID) #5, which includes the new project site on Lake Mendota.

Rendering image by Vandewalle Architecture

Lake Mendota’s origin can be traced back to the retreat of the Wisconsin Glacier over 10,000 years ago. As the ice sheets receded, the glaciers left behind a landscape dotted with lakes, including Lake Mendota. The Ho-Chunk Nation, also known as the Winnebago, has a deep connection to the region, considering it a sacred and vital part of their homeland. For hundreds of years, the Ho-Chunk relied on the lake for sustenance, transportation, and spiritual renewal, weaving its waters into the fabric of their culture and traditions.

Project Timeline

The construction is slated to be completed by late fall of 2024, with pier installation and ribbon cutting in spring of 2025. The Arts Committee’s preference is that the artwork is installed prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony, exact timeline will be worked out with selected artist/artist group. A detailed construction timeline can be provided once available.

Location

This project is located at the end of Lake Street off Allen Boulevard in Middleton, WI. The location of the sculpture or artistic enhancement will be approximately located in the area circled in red below.

Proposals are not required at this time. Please see the commission document for full project information including timelines, selection process and application instructions.