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Madison, Wisconsin—Meeting and convention attendees traveling to and from  the Monona Terrace Convention Center may soon do so on the latest in rail transportation technology. The convention center station has been announced as part of a high-speed rail line, the proposed Midwest Regional Rail Corridor, a 3,000-mile Midwest passenger rail network radiating from Chicago and serving nine states.

The project has already received $180 million in federal funding. The high-speed rail line will connect Madison to the state capital with Milwaukee as well as other Midwest cities, such as Chicago, and Minneapolis.

In July, standing on the Monona Terrace Rooftop, Governor Jim Doyle announced the location of the station and unveiled preliminary conceptual drawings of what the station might look like. A new  underground parking garage, hotel and public market are also being planned for the area.

Convention Center officials applauded the announcement, noting that the station will not only benefit the convention center itself, but the augment the already robust downtown neighborhood in which it is located. "We are thrilled with the choice for the station location as it delivers visitors right to the heart of Madison's downtown, positively impacting hotels, restaurants, and retailers with new business," said Bill Zeinemann,  Director of Marketing and Events, Monona Terrace.

The state of Wisconsin was award ed $810 million in federal stimulus funds for the construction of the Milwaukee to Madison rail project. With top speed of 110 mph between Madison and Milwaukee, high speed rail offers potential visitors an easy and accessible option to reach Madison from within the greater Chicago and Milwaukee regions. 

“High speed rail connecting out of hubs in Milwaukee and Chicago compliment the already strong air lift to Madison for convention attendees," added Zeinemann. "This is also good news for convention and event business.”

Utilizing the promotional tagline — “Where business and inspiration meet”—the Monona Terrace Convention Center was designed by famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. The 250,000-square-foot venue is a spectacular multi-level structure with public promenades, striking lake views, extensive rooftop gardens and the attached 240-room Hilton Madison. In addition, the venue features 85,000 square feet of meeting/exhibit space, 23 meeting rooms, a 40,000-square-foot Main Exhibit Hall, a 5,540-square-foot Lecture Hall, a 14,000-square foot Ballroom and 68,000 square feet of rooftop gardens.

Not only will the new station bring more meeting attendees to the city and the convention center, but Jim Hess, Executive Director, Monona Terrace Convention Center, envisions it as a way to enhance the role the venue plays in the overall appeal of Madison as a tourist destination. "This is an opportunity to share Monona Terrace with leisure visitors as well,” said Hess. “As a community and convention center, Monona Terrace offers numerous events, including daily tours, concerts and lectures, that visitors can attend and experience Madison like a local resident."