“We think the Nolen Waterfront plan has the potential to finally realize Nolen’s vision,” Anderson said.

The redesign calls for an upper and lower park (both of which would be above John Nolen Drive). The park would be surrounded by a 20-foot landscape berm.

The upper park, elevated 10 feet over the lower park, would be on the western side of the park and connect with the main lobby of the Monona Terrace Convention Center. A parking garage with 500 parking spaces would rest beneath the upper park. There is space for an outdoor amphitheater or a place for festivals and gathering.

The lower park on the eastern side of the redesign would host outdoor rooms, seasonal gardens and sculpture areas. It would also host two mixed-use buildings, one of which could potentially serve as a rail station. The lower levels of the mixed-use buildings could be used for retail, entertainment or restaurants.

The park would maintain the Capital City State Trail, with multiple entry points throughout for pedestrians and bikers. The plans also incorporate Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1893 design for a boathouse, which could potentially house kayaks, canoes and sailboats, as well as sell concessions.