Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Infill topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wausau committee approves pool of contractors for single‑family infill housing
Summary
The Wausau Economic Development Committee approved adding three qualified builders to a contractor pool for single‑family infill homes after staff described proposals and discussed costs, design choices and neighborhood fit.
The Wausau Economic Development Committee voted to approve a pool of three contractors to build single‑family infill homes on city lots, saying staff will work with the selected firms to match designs to specific parcels.
Committee members acted after Economic Development staff presented the city’s request for qualifications (RFQ) responses and described site visits and contractor interviews. The committee approved the recommendation by voice vote; Alder Henke made the motion and Alder Tierney seconded it.
Staff member Tammy Strats told the committee the city received three qualified responses and had toured one builder’s facility. “They all kinda have the same philosophy,” she said, adding that the firms can advise on whether a manufactured, modular or stick‑built home fits a lot and how features such as basements or crawl spaces affect costs. Strats said contractors can help “keep the cost down, but not give in a cheap product.”
Committee members discussed construction cost and housing types. Strats and others said a finished three‑bedroom house would likely cost about $300,000 “once everything’s” included. Alder Killian confirmed staff’s stated policy preference for single‑family homes; staff said duplexes could be considered only later if a lot and surrounding context made them appropriate. Randy (staff) described the city’s approach of keeping multiple approved contractors so staff can compare “apples to apples” pricing and designs for each lot.
Members also raised neighborhood fit and design features. Strats said the contractors generally avoid flat roofs and favor front porches; she said Habitat for Humanity homes in recent projects included a three‑bed, one‑bath model with an attached single‑car garage. The committee noted the city’s existing rule requiring a garage on new construction and asked staff to collect pricing with and without garages for comparison.
The committee and staff also discussed whether the list of approved contractors should remain open to new firms. Strats said the city can revisit adding contractors if more wish to participate and the process may require a policy update.
A voice vote approved the RFQ recommendation. The committee directed staff to proceed with the approved contractor pool and return with details as specific lots are matched with builders.
