Originally part of the Town of Blooming Grove, Monona was incorporated as a Village on August 29, 1938. By that time, the area had changed from consisting mainly of farmland and summer homes to include more permanent homes and small businesses.
Over the years, the Village developed many public services including police and fire protection, street maintenance, and the provision of sewer and water utilities. During the 1950’s, the Village grew from 2,544 to 8,178, which was the largest percentage increase (231%) of any community in the State during this decade.
This population increase led to a need for expanded Village facilities and services, and in 1963 the Village built a community center and adjacent swimming pool near the intersection of Nichols Road and Healy Lane. In 1967 the Village built a public library at the corner of Nichols and Schluter Roads. After Monona changed to city status in 1969, a city hall was built across from the library on Nichols Road. This building housed all the other operations of the City (including the fire and police departments).
During the 1960’s there was a significant increase in commercial development in Monona with most of this development taking place along Monona Drive.
Monona annexed substantial properties in the 1960’s and 1970’s for residential, commercial and industrial purposes. By the 1980’s, there was no more land available for annexation as Monona became almost completely surrounded by either the City of Madison or by bodies of water.
The next major change in the face of Monona came during the 1970’s and 1980’s with the development of the area along the Broadway Corridor from what is now called South Towne Drive east to Bridge Road.
With the completion of U. S. Highway 12 and 18, many business people, local citizens, city officials, and others have been working to find the most suitable ways to develop and redevelop the area along the Broadway Corridor. The River Place, Pier 37, and Ahuska Park developments are the result of these efforts. Careful planning will continue into the next millennium as these individuals and groups seek to balance the interests of current residents and businesses, the city government, and potential developers along with environmental and economic concerns.
As Monona enters its second half-century, it is a strong, vital city looking to enhance its assets, take advantage of its opportunities and preserve all that is good about it as a community.
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