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Selection of a preferred design alternative for the remodel, expansion, or reconstruction of Wauwatosa’s Library and City Hall
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Submitted by:
David Simpson, Director of Public Works
Department
Public Works
A. Issue
The City’s currently approved 5-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) includes funding to continue with design work for the remodel, expansion, or reconstruction of the City’s Library and City Hall Complex. In order to continue onto final design and fundraising for the project a decision regarding project scope and funding is needed.
B. Background/Options
History. With the decision made to keep the Library and City Hall facility in its current location, the first step toward an eventual remodel of the facility was the completion of a feasibility study, which was completed and presented to the Committee of the Whole in early 2023. Since that time the 5-year CIP was developed and approved to include design funding for more detailed design analysis and cost modeling. In late 2025 the Common Council approved a contract with CG Schmidt for Construction Management Services, which compliments the work that OPN Architects continues to complete for the project’s conceptual design phase. At the May 12th, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting four design alternatives were presented as the first step of a public outreach campaign.
At This Meeting. At this Committee of the Whole meeting the project team will review the attached presentation which summarizes the results of the public outreach campaign and discusses the Library Board’s preferred options. Also attached is a common questions and answers document as well as all comments and votes received from the public through the online survey that was prepared for the project.
Scope and Funding Decision. In order to establish a timeline for this project and proceed with private fundraising for the library expansion, Common Council direction is needed as to which alternative is preferred. If a decision can be made at the July 28th Common Council meeting funding can be planned during this year’s Capital Improvement Planning and Approval process.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Infrastructure & Quality of Life
D. Fiscal Impact
The financial impact will depend upon which level of funding the Common Council would support, which is outlined in the attached presentation. The goal is to make this decision at the July 28th Common Council meeting so that funding can be included in this year’s Capital Budget planning and approval process and fundraising can begin.
E. Recommendation
Proceed with capital improvement budgeting of Alternative 3 or 4 with potential construction as early as 2028 contingent upon private fundraising and grant allocation.