Wauwatosa seeks construction manager for civic project

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The city of Wauwatosa is looking for proposals from construction managers to move its proposed city library and city hall renovation and expansion project forward.

Bidding is open for a construction manager at risk for a multiphase project, which includes budgeting for different design scenarios to modernize the city hall and public library at 7725 W. North Ave. in Wauwatosa. The bid deadline is set for Aug. 8.

The city has cautioned that project costs and scope aren’t permanent yet, and are looking for a construction manager to help define the scope and propose changes that reduce the cost. It’s likely that private fundraising will be significant toward funding the project, but officials said funding sources haven’t been identified yet. Funding for the construction manager was approved in 2024.

Project planning goes back to early 2023, when Madison-based OPN Architects Inc. released a feasibility study that it presented to a city committee. In 2022, the Wauwatosa Common Council voted not to move the building from the intersection of North Avenue and Wauwatosa Avenue, but saw the need to improve facilities.

City officials said they wanted a modern library with more ADA and senior accessible spaces and updates of fixtures in restrooms, kitchens and staff spaces.

The Wauwatosa City Hall and Library were originally built in the mid-1950s, and the latest renovation was completed in 1992, the study showed. The health department space was remodeled nearly 10 years ago and a student commons was remodeled more recently, according to the study.

The building needed new mechanical, electrical, security and telecommunications systems, the study showed. Also, no part of the building has a fire suppression system, according to the study. It urged the project team to include a system for safety and flexibility in future phases.

In February 2024, designers estimated the project would cost around $75 million adjusted for inflation if construction were to start in 2027, which is the city’s target. Officials added the project cost was on a sliding scale and not set permanently.