Status of Project 

Since 2010, the Common Council has studied the Municipal Complex (which includes City Hall, the Civic Center, and the Library) looking at security needs, building conditions, space for the Library, and overall costs and benefits.

Elected officials have stated they do not intend to relocate City Hall or the Library to another site. A feasibility study about renovating the Municipal Complex based on community needs was completed and presented in early 2023. Following that, the Common Council approved $500,000 in the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan to fund detailed design work, including hiring a Construction Manager and an Architectural Design Team.

Wauwatosa recently hired a Construction Manager using a Construction Management at Risk (CMaR) model. This approach, now widely used, allows the project to be broken into smaller bid packages so subcontractors can submit competitive bids. It also helps the City, architects, and contractors work together to meet project goals while staying within budget.

We anticipate that the project will move forward in two phases. Phase One will involve analyzing design alternatives with input from the architect, City staff, Common Council, and Library Board. No designs have been selected, and future public meetings will be held to discuss the scope of the potential work. A budget and scope is not yet discussed or approved. Only after Council approval would the project advance to Phase Two, which includes final design, how to fund the project, and construction. 

Reports

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.

2/20/2024: Committee of the Whole heard a presentation about the next steps towards a remodel of the Municipal Complex. They approved $500,000 of Capital Improvement Funds to retain a construction manager.

9/23/2025: Financial Affairs considers a construction management services agreement for the renovation of the Library & City Hall facility. Go to page 19 of the agenda packet to learn more.

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.