Wisconsin’s Ho-Chunk Nation is exploring a major expansion near the tribe’s casino in Madison that could include a sports complex, museum, regional entertainment venue and more.
News reports say the tribe is working with officials, property owners and others in and around the capital city to identify and shape potential uses for some 48 acres adjacent to Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison.
In 2014, the tribe hired a local planning firm, Urban Assets, to help identify potential uses for the property, which includes two parking areas for the gaming facility and 44 open acres, said Missy Tracy, municipal relations coordinator for the casino. The process included meetings with Mayor Paul Soglin and his administration’s planning and parks staff, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The state capital area lacks adequate, comprehensive sports facilities to serve a growing number of teams, organizations and events, a memo from the Ho-Chunk to the city says. At the same time, the leading options—including a sports complex, the entertainment venue and a significant cultural attraction—are not mutually exclusive and could also include retail, lodging and ecotourism, Tracy said.
“Right now, they’re just ideas,” she explained.
Soglin characterized the discussions as “interesting”.
“We will take a look at it. After thorough examination we’ll have answers to questions.”
The city itself has considerable holdings in the area, including a golf course on 451 acres and two undeveloped sites, one earmarked for a community park, totaling another 125 acres.
The tribe is now interviewing design firms to help produce a concept master plan and is moving to the second phase of the project, which includes further research on uses, engaging Ho-Chunk stakeholders, and developing partnerships with the city and private sector, Tracy said.
“We’re not trying to be competitive with anything,” she noted. “What does the city of Madison need?”
