Carolyn Fath
The Plaza at the newly renovated Edgewater overlooks Lake Mendota, and is situated between the hotel's two towers.
If you're planning a holiday trip to New York City, you may want to hold off on the idea. Madison might now have its very own Rockefeller Center.
"We anticipate that the tree-lighting ceremony will become one of Madison's great holiday traditions," says the Edgewater's Amy Supple of the Nov. 28 event scheduled for the hotel's new outdoor terrace space. Adding to the iconic feel will be an ice-skating rink that is open to the public.
After years of controversy and construction, the renovated Edgewater officially reopened on Oct. 22. New ownership is focused on turning the Lake Mendota property into an event mecca -- weddings, fundraisers, corporate outings -- but the grounds also offer some potential for everyday Madison residents.
Key to this is the new public terrace space, known as the Plaza and not to be confused with the tavern of the same name four blocks away.
During the spring and summer, the Plaza will feature live music and will seek to take advantage of its lakeside location. Food and beverages will be sold at the Icehouse, which adjoins the Plaza, and boaters will be able to dock at a new Edgewater pier that will be built in the spring.
"We want the terrace to be a place where residents and visitors can come together to enjoy the best of what Madison has to offer," says Supple. "We expect it to quickly become the place to be on Lake Mendota."