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Committee approves request for qualifications to identify infill housing partners
Summary
The Wausau Economic Development Committee approved an RFQ to identify contractors experienced with modular and manufactured homes to build on city infill lots, seeking flexibility and scalability to lower costs.
The Economic Development Committee voted March 4 to issue a request for qualifications to identify contractors and builders who can work with modular and manufactured homes on city infill lots.
City staff said the RFQ is intended to find general contractors who can advise on what will fit on individual lots and help lower per-unit costs by enabling scaled construction rather than one-off bids. “By working with a general contractor, we can say, well, what if we went slab on grade? How does that affect our cost?” a city staff member told the committee.
Committee members recommended that the RFQ emphasize flexibility — for example, allowing proposals for two-bedroom, one-bath or three-bedroom layouts — and ask respondents to address scalability and provide narrative or numeric examples of per-unit cost differences for building two units versus up to seven. Staff noted an example used in packet materials: a prior modular-home base price of about $144,000 and a garage estimate near $44,000, while site work and excavation added uncertain costs.
Alder Tierney moved approval of the RFQ; Alder Henke seconded. Alder Killian’s suggested language noting that several Thomas Street lots are undergoing DNR environmental testing and cleanup was added to the materials to inform respondents. The committee recorded a voice vote in favor with no opposition and passed the motion.
Staff said the RFQ will cover all infill parcels citywide (not just Bridge Street) and that qualified respondents will be returned to the council for final selection and any contract approval.
