MADISON, Wis. -- Downtown Madison could soon be home to a public market similar to the famous Pike Place Market in Seattle.

The preliminary plan being considered by city officials calls for the market to replace the Government East parking ramp. A new ramp would be built underground in the same location, officials said.

Supporters of the idea said they see it as a bonus to the area on many levels.

"All kinds of fresh vegetables, fruits, and good things to eat," said Sharon Derry, who lives downtown.

"The idea is to continue this movement toward local, healthy foods," Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said.

The Board of Estimates is moving forward with the plan, giving non-profit organization Common Wealth Development $50,000 in tax increment financing (TIF) funding to figure out the details, such as what the overhead for the fruit and flower stands will cost.

The mayor said that this step will flesh out details of the idea.

"What it will get us is a more fully developed business plan, give us a sense of exactly what kinds of vendors will be there, what we could expect in terms of rent, what we could expect in terms of other sources of funding to pay for it," said Cieslewicz.

The city will give Common Wealth another $50,000 after the group delivers its original report, and after the mayor outlines more plans for the downtown high-speed rail station. The second payment will help start the architectural and engineering process, officials said.

Visitors said that a public market would be a unique attraction for Madison.

"We have wonderful farmers markets in New Jersey," said Carolyn Maher. "(There are) Lots of fresh produce and seasonal foods."

Some downtown residents are excited, too. They said that they just want to make sure it fits into the neighborhood.

"We'd like to keep it a lovely, walk-able neighborhood," Derry said. “So, good planning, I think, is important. A good design and it could be a great thing.”

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.