State Street Madison

Location

Madison, WI

Most Desirable Block(s)

500–600 blocks of State Street

Location

Madison, WI

Most Desirable Block(s)

500–600 blocks of State Street

Description

Pedestrian-Friendly Vibrancy

State Street in Madison is the city’s premier retail and cultural corridor, renowned for its proximity to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and its vibrant mix of national brands and popular dining establishments. Stretching through the heart of downtown, this pedestrian-friendly street connects the university campus to the Wisconsin State Capitol, attracting a steady flow of students, professionals and visitors.

The State Street Madison Experience

The retail environment on State Street is dominated by major national chains and fast-casual restaurants, which cater to its student-heavy demographic and the daytime population from surrounding offices. Key tenan

News & Alerts

Local Expert elaborates on ideal tenants for State Street in Madison, WI

5 months ago

Local experts

Daniel Cohen

President | Director of Tenant Representation

Mid-America Real Estate - WI, LLC

Mid-America Real Estate

Top brands

Fontana Sports Specialties

Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

227 State Street

Noodles & Company

232 State Street

Local Expert Analysis

Market Metrics State Street holds the title of the best high street in the Madison MSA, with gross rents ranging from $50 to $75 per square foot. Vacancy rates remain low, at 5%–10%, reflecting high demand among retailers. Foot traffic on State Street is consistently strong, bolstered by its prime location near the university and state government offices. Retailers benefit from high levels of visibility and walkability, ensuring steady sales performance. Tenant Mix and Leasing Activity The street’s tenant roster includes a blend of major national chains and fast-casual dining options. Notable names like Raising Cane’s, It’s Sugar, and Colectivo Coffee highlight the emphasis on convenience and accessibility for the student and professional populations. While there have been no significant openings or closures recently, leasing activity remains robust, driven by a stable retail environment and continued interest from new tenants. Customer Demographics and Foot Traffic State Street’s customer base is heavily influenced by the nearby UW-Madison campus, with students forming the majority demographic. Professionals working at the state capital and surrounding offices also contribute to daytime foot traffic. The academic calendar and events hosted by the university, such as sports games and cultural festivals, drive seasonal spikes in activity, particularly during the school year. Unique Positioning and Seasonal Dynamics State Street’s unique advantage lies in its location at the intersection of academia and government. Its adjacency to UW-Madison ensures a constant influx of students and visitors, while its proximity to professional offices attracts weekday lunch and shopping crowds. Seasonal variations align with the university’s academic calendar, with significant increases in foot traffic during the fall and spring semesters. Events and festivals held along the street further enhance its vibrancy and appeal. Future Outlook State Street is expected to maintain its position as Madison’s top retail destination, with continued interest from retailers seeking to capitalize on its high foot traffic and strategic location. The street’s ability to cater to diverse customer needs—students, professionals, and tourists—ensures its resilience and ongoing growth. The demand for accessible and convenient retail and dining options will likely fuel further leasing activity in the coming years. Key Retailers and Dining Notable tenants include Target, Sweetgreen, State Street Brats, Starbucks, Urban Outfitters, and Colectivo Coffee. These brands, combined with fast-casual dining options like Raising Cane’s and Forage, ensure a dynamic and engaging retail experience for visitors.

Market Metrics

State Street holds the title of the best high street in the Madison MSA, with gross rents ranging from $50 to $75 per square foot. Vacancy rates remain low, at 5%–10%, reflecting high demand among retailers. Foot traffic on State Street is consistently strong, bolstered by its prime location near the university and state government offices. Retailers benefit from high levels of visibility and walkability, ensuring steady sales performance.

Tenant Mix and Leasing Activity

The street’s tenant roster includes a blend of major national chains and fast-casual dining options. Notable names like Raising Cane’s, It’s Sugar, and Colectivo Coffee highlight the emphasis on convenience a