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Request to authorize an emergency procurement process for the emergency replacement of the retaining wall supporting the parking lot under the Harmonee Bridge and the Oak Leaf trail
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Submitted by:
City Engineer and Finance Director
Department:
Public Works and Finance
A. Issue
The retaining wall in the southwest quadrant of the pedestrian bridge on Harwood Ave. over the Menomonee River is critically in need of an emergency replacement.
B. Background/Options
The retaining wall that is supporting the Oak Leaf Trail on the north side of the Harmonee Parking lot and in the southwest quadrant of the pedestrian bridge on Harwood Ave. has significantly deteriorated and is in need of emergency replacement. The retaining wall is approximately 80 feet long and varies from 5 to 9 feet in height and is constructed of stone masonry blocks. Based on available records, the wall dates back to the early 1920’s and was constructed well before the pedestrian bridge, which dates back to 1980.
The retaining wall supports the Harmonee Parking Lot and Oak Leaf Trail. Staff has not been able to locate inspection records for this wall. This retaining wall is covered in vegetation during warmer months of the year and is not visible for inspection. In mid-November of 2025, deterioration of the wall was observed and it was decided that the City will continue to monitor the wall for continued deterioration. On 2/2/26, another inspection was done with a consultant who performs structural inspections for the City of Wauwatosa and it was determined that the wall has reached a critical point and is in need of emergency replacement.
In order to expedite design, permitting, and construction, it is necessary for the City to pursue a progressive design build contract and issue an emergency RFP to hire a design-build team that will design and construct a replacement wall. An RFP is proposed for release immediately upon Committee and Council approval so that a contractor/design team can be brought on board as soon as possible. The most qualified, responsible, best value bidder will be selected. Selection will be based on qualifications, technical approach, schedule, and preconstruction fee for design and permitting services. Given the emergency nature of this project, staff is making a request to waive the City of Wauwatosa standard bidding process and pursue an alternative delivery progressive design-build contract so that the wall can be replaced in an expeditious manner.
If approved City staff will return to the Committee with updates as more information becomes available and as is required in the City’s purchasing policy when emergency expenditures are made.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority 3: Infrastructure
D. Fiscal Impact
Bonding will be required for this emergency wall replacement project. It is too early in the process to determine project cost but we will update the Committee as more information becomes available.
E. Recommendation
Approval to waive the City’s standard bidding process in order to complete an emergency design-build replacement of the retaining wall supporting the parking lot under the Harmonee Bridge and the Oak Leaf Trail in order to expedite design and construction.