Madison Gets A 2013 Facelift

by Ashley Kringen, Reporter
January 04, 2013 9:13 PM


Madison is getting a facelift this year and their to-do list covers quite a few items.

Mayor Gene Hexom said right outside City Hall is a construction site for the "Head Start," school building, a program Mayor Hexom said is a very important component of Madison's education system.

"It gives those young children a chance to get started with their school programs, training, school activity and of course serving lower income persons," said Hexom.

The project costs $1.6 Million and will facilitate 80 students.

Another project is the largest single construction project in Madison history, $14.5 Million worth of renovations and additions to Madison High School, a school that's been around since 1965.

"Additional classroom facilities, renovations to the auditorium, music and band areas, renovation to the library, renovation of course of restrooms and facilities," said Hexom.

Also included is a brand new gym, which will seat more than 2,000 people for various athletic events, graduation ceremonies and hopefully tournaments.

"I'm looking forward to the first game in here. Whenever that will be," said Hexom.

On the way to the next city project, Mayor Hexom mentioned Dakota State University.

"You can't talk about Madison without talking Dakota State University, you can't talk about Dakota State University without talking about Madison," said Hexom.

Why? Because they're both the same age, 132 years old, Madison was founded in 1980 and DSU, in 1981.

Hexom said they're practically married.

Onto Lake View Industrial Park, a company called Global Polymer is constructing a 70,000 square foot building, which will produce plastic products for equipment manufacturers.

The executive Director of the Lake Area Improvement Corporation, Julie Gross, said this company has 140 employees and will provide an additional 60 jobs, bringing more business to the area.

"This will affect not only our schools, but our restaurants, grocery stores. This will have a huge economic impact on Madison," said Gross.

Lastly, a very big project is in the proposition stage right now, a new Madison Hospital, which would cost more than $30 Million.
This project would allow the current hospital to expand to meet its demand and to add more parking.

Most the projects will be completed this year and the city hopes to break ground on the new Madison hospital in the spring.