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Municipal Complex Site

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City Hall, Civic Center, and Library

The Common Council began studying the Municipal Complex comprising the City Hall, Civic Center and Library in 2010. They have looked at a variety of issues, including the need for some security enhancements, the condition of the facilities, space needs for the Library, a market analysis and a cost benefit analysis. 

At this time, elected officials have stated they do not intend to relocate City Hall or the Library to another site. We completed a space needs analysis to determine how to best meet the future space needs of the building.

Reports

Below is a list of associated reports that have informed the discussion to date:

Engberg Anderson Master Plan Study (2010) 
  • Recommends improvements to citizen access, staff productivity and security while reducing energy consumption
 
EMG Facility Condition Assessment (2015)
  • Identifies deferred maintenance issues, existing deficiencies, and material code violations which affect the property’s use
  • Deficiency repair estimate: $6.6 M undiscounted; $5.0 M discounted to 2017$ (4.0%)

Library Planning Associates Service Goals & Space Needs Assessment (2016)
  • Identifies library space needs: 71,600 square feet

SB Friedman Market Analysis (2016)
  • Identifies market-supportable development program for private land uses on the site
  • Rental apartments, rental townhouses, commercial space, medical office
  • Estimated $40.0-71.9 M in taxable market value from private development
SB Friedman Cost/Benefit Analysis (2017)

 

OPN Architects Feasibility Study (2023)

  • The objectives of this study are to provide a comprehensive review and analysis of the Wauwatosa Public Library and City Hall facilities to 1) provide actionable recommendations for enhancing accessibility, flexibility, and convenience for the facilities and 2) outline project scope and projected probable costs.

Timeline

07/28/2015: Financial Affairs Committee hears a presentation from EMG about the condition of the municipal complex.

12/08/2015: Financial Affairs Committee recommends soliciting an RFQ for professional services to determine the market potential for the municipal complex.

12/15/2015: Common Council approves resolution to request to solicit RFQs to engage a company to perform a market assessment of the municipal complex.

09/06/2016: Financial Affairs Committee hears a presentation from SB Friedman about the redevelopment market potential of the municipal complex.

11/29/2016: Financial Affairs Committee recommends a proposal from SB Friedman for an economic analysis of the municipal complex to the Common Council.

12/06/2016: Common Council passes resolution to engage SB Friedman to do an economic analysis of the municipal complex.

04/25/2017: Financial Affairs Committee hears a presentation from SB Friedman about the cost benefit of maintaining versus redeveloping the municipal complex.

7/10/2018: Government Affairs Committee hears initial recommendations of staff on possible next steps for municipal complex

7/31/2018: Government Affairs Committee continues 7/10 discussion on next steps and recommendations.

8/3/2021 Common Council approves a design service contract for a space needs analysis for the City Hall, Civic Center, and Library Complex.

2/1/2022 Committee of the Whole has a workshop led by consultants from OPN Architects about what the municipal complex should offer residents, staff, elected officials, and the community.

1/17/2023: Committee of the Whole receives a presentation of a feasibility study for the potential remodel and expansion of the City's Library and City Hall.

Any future updates and/or meetings on this topic will be posted here or on the City's meeting portal. Search, "Municipal complex" in portal.