Madison Community Center Improvement

Status

In Design

Maintenance work and improvements to several areas of Madison Community Center are planned to begin in spring 2026. The County is currently finalizing the design for this project and it is expected to go out to bid this winter.

About this Project

The Madison Community Center at 3829 N. Stafford Street is aging and requires an array of repairs to ensure that it remains functional and safe. The County is planning to begin a maintenance project in spring 2026 to conduct major infrastructure repairs, which will include:

Installation of a new HVAC system to replace the existing window air conditioning units.
A new roof to address deterioration and leaking issues and to improve the building’s overall insulation and energy efficiency.
Replacement of the single pane windows with all new windows, which are causing heat losses and energy inefficiencies.
Installation of new ceiling tiles and lighting.
Additional improvements to the lower-level fitness rooms and restrooms. See the key changes(JPG, 183KB) planned for the lower level.

The facility will be closed during construction to expedite the work and for the safety of building users. Construction is estimated to start in spring 2026. More information about the timing and impacts to existing programs will be shared as it gets closer to the start of the project.

Timeline

Timeline	Activities
Fall 2025	Complete 100% design (in progress)
November 13, 2025	Community Update Meeting: Slides Recording
Winter 2026	Contractor selection
Spring 2026	Construction starts; facility closed during construction
Summer / fall 2027	Construction ends

What to Expect at Madison Community Center

During Construction

Select programming will temporarily shift to other DPR community centers:
- Stay and Play can be accommodated at Langston-Brown Community Center.
- 55+ programs and Enjoy Arlington classes will be available at other centers.
- Summer Camps will be at other locations, but we will ensure there will be an option north of Langston Boulevard.
Madison is a polling site, and we will work with the Election Board to find a suitable location nearby.
Fitness pass holders will still be able to access fitness rooms at any other DPR community center.
Some programming may be put on pause due to space/equipment limitations.

Stay tuned for more information about programming changes as it gets closer to the start of construction.

After Construction

Programs that were temporarily paused or relocated due to construction will return to Madison.
Programming will be repositioned into improved spaces that best support the nature of each activity (Ex: Movement and wellness classes will take place in larger, open areas with flooring and mirrors).
Activities will be better matched to room size, flooring and acoustics to reduce room conflicts.
Fitness room enhancements will allow for better equipment spacing and user comfort (Ex: stretching, free weights and group movement).
Improved overall experience for both participants and instructors through thoughtful space planning.
Improved accessibility and flow throughout the renovated areas.

Funding

The FY25 – 34 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) included $4.7 million for the total renovation budget. The FY26 budget included an additional $2 million to complete facility improvements to the lower level as part of the baseline maintenance project, and to fund increased costs related to the electrification of the HVAC system.

Related Planning Study

The FY25 – 34 CIP also included $250,000 to support a building analysis to identify improvements within the existing building envelope to better serve current uses. The long-term planning study is expected to begin following the completion of the maintenance project, and will be guided by lessons learned during that project. There will be an Involve level of public engagement as part of this planning study.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will construction start? Will that affect the spring programming that is typically offered at Madison?

Construction is expected to start in late May or early June 2026. This will allow the Department of Parks and Recreation’s spring programming at Madison, including the 55+ programs and Stay and Play, to continue as scheduled. Summer 2026 programming will be the first quarterly programming affected by the construction project.

What work is included in this project?

A new HVAC system and roof will be installed, and the windows, ceiling tiles, and lighting will be replaced throughout the entire building. Our team also added improvements on the lower level to the project scope, including expanding the fitness rooms, upgrading the flooring, and modernizing the restrooms. See the key changes planned for the lower-level fitness center.

This project does not include other upgrades to the upper level, or the addition of showers/locker rooms and an indoor basketball court due to space and funding limitations.

During construction, will the exterior areas around Madison also be closed?

Fort Ethan Allen Park, the dog park, playground, and glass recycling will continue to be available while Madison is closed for renovation. The EV charging will also remain accessible, except during any planned power outages for electrical work.

Some areas of the parking lot will be used for construction staging and contractor parking, which may require adjustments for buses that currently use this lot for pick-up and drop-off. We will provide more information about the parking lot impacts once that is available.

Madison is a polling place. What does this mean for the upcoming elections?

Our team is working with the Election Board to determine reasonable options for election events in 2026, including potential alternative polling locations for the June 16 primary, the Nov. 3 general election, and early voting.

What other community center fitness centers are available for me to use while Madison is closed?

You can use any fitness center facilities at other community centers, with the exception of the Long Bridge Aquatic and Fitness Center due to its higher membership fees. A list of these fitness centers is available here.

Will the current programs at Madison be relocated to other community centers across the County?

The Department of Parks and Recreation is looking at options for supporting the programs offered at Madison during the closure, including table tennis and 55+ programming. Program equipment will either be relocated to another facility during the closure or put into storage, depending on availability. More information about specific programming will be provided as it gets closer to the start of construction.

How does this project relate to the long-term planning study listed in the Capital Improvement Plan?

The long-term planning study funded in the FY25 – 34 CIP will take a more comprehensive look at the site and will be informed by findings from this project. We expect to learn more about the building's condition, space limitations, and structural capabilities once construction begins. This will help better define what can and cannot be done long-term. Note: Any work completed during this project will not prevent future upgrades to the facility.

How can I stay updated on this project?

Our team will continue to post updates at Madison and on this webpage. Sign up for the Madison Improvement Project listserv at the top of this page to receive more detailed construction updates. We will also hold another community update meeting after the contractor is selected and before construction begins in early 2026.

Photo Gallery

(JPG, 183KB)

Contacts

Michelle Congdon
703-228-7942

Alyson Jordan Tomaszewski
703-228-0549

Arlington County Operating Status - Open