Bids for Historic State Office Building Due March 16
Madison, Wis. – Today, DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld announced the listing of the historic state office building located at 1 West Wilson Street in Madison, as part of the state’s Vision 2030 approach to improving efficiency and delivering savings for Wisconsin taxpayers.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 1930s Art Deco landmark is situated along the shore of Lake Monona, adjacent to the Monona Terrace Convention Center and one block from the State Capitol. The State Office Building most recently housed the Department of Health Services and offers a premier 2.41-acre redevelopment opportunity in the heart of downtown Madison.
“As part of our long-term vision to right-size the state’s real estate portfolio and deliver millions in deferred maintenance savings, the long-anticipated sale of 1 West Wilson opens up a one-of-a-kind opportunity,” said DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld. “Given the building’s unparalleled location and unique features, we’re excited to see how this landmark will be re-imagined for the future and invite developers to build what’s possible.”
Vision 2030, the Evers Administration plan to lower costs for taxpayers and streamline the Wisconsin state government footprint to help modernize the state’s workforce, is projected to generate over $7.4 million in occupancy savings while saving taxpayers over $541 million in deferred maintenance costs. The redevelopment of 1 West Wilson has been a part of the state’s Vision 2030 plan to shed and revitalize underutilized state properties.
The building occupies over 422,000 SF, spread between 7-11 stories, in addition to four lower levels, and is zoned in the downtown core (DC) district. The property’s scale and structure provide flexibility for adaptive uses, from mixed-use redevelopment, housing, hospitality, institutional, or corporate occupancy, including a possible passenger rail transportation hub. Bids are now open through March 16, 2026, and additional information, including a sales brochure and promotional video, and upcoming tour schedule, is available at BuildWhatsPossible.wi.gov.
