Number
021662
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
THE CHAIR
Title
Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Works to enter into a contract for architectural design services for the City Hall Restoration Project. (Buildings and Fleet Services)
Analysis
The Department of Public Works has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for architectural design services for the City Hall Restoration Project. Consequent to the Department's review of these proposals this resolution authorizes the Commissioner of Public Works to enter into a contract for architectural design services for the City Hall Restoration Project.
Body
Whereas, The construction of Milwaukee's City Hall was completed in 1896; and
Whereas, Since that time, from its "Flemish Renaissance" style of architecture, to the range of materials used in its construction, to its 393 foot bell tower, City Hall has been recognized as much more than a seat of government, but as an integral part of both the City's skyline and its character; and
Whereas, A portion of City Hall's importance to Milwaukee was recognized by its designation as a City landmark and its entry onto the National Register of Historic Places in 1970; and
Whereas, Having sustained more than a century of wear, and despite continued careful maintenance over the decades, City Hall is now in need of significant restoration, notably on its façade; and
Whereas, The Department of Public Works has undertaken a multi-year plan to not only complete this restoration, but accomplish it in such a manner as to earn City Hall a designation as a National Landmark; and
Whereas, The Department has already received the studies resulting from 2 independent inspections of the exterior of the building, setting out the probable scope of the project, preliminary cost estimates, and a likely timeline for the completion of the various phases of the restoration; and
Whereas, It is now believed that this plan will cost more than $31,000,000, $12,400,000 of which was set aside in the 2003 City budget; and
Whereas, Before actual work on this project begins, it is vital that the Department has a comprehensive architectural plan in hand, sensitive to not only issues of safety, but also of history, art, and architecture; and
Whereas, The Department of Public Works has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit architectural design services for preparing comprehensive architectural plans; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Commissioner of Public Works is authorized and directed to enter into a contract for architectural design services for the City Hall Restoration Project.
Requestor
DPW - Buildings and Fleet Services
Drafter
LRB03076-1
jro
3/3/03