City outlines facilities master plan and Calder Plaza deck replacement; enhancements await funding

City staff updated the commission on a facilities master plan that inventories city property and recommends renovations, relocations and long‑term capital steps to consolidate public services and improve building functionality.

Staff said a large body of recent investment — including the Lake Michigan filtration plant, the amphitheater site and other infrastructure — makes it timely to set a 10‑ to 25‑year road map for facilities. The plan recommends three near‑term studies: (1) a detailed master plan and rate analysis for the Water Resource Recovery Facility to evaluate co‑locating Environmental Services and Water Department administration and maintenance facilities; (2) a City Hall (300 Monroe) renovation study to address façade, glazing, hazardous materials abatement, HVAC distribution, ADA compliance and workplace standards; and (3) a study of the development center site (1120 Monroe) and Coldbrook facility (1101 Monroe) as possible locations for a consolidated “community resource center” that would centralize permitting, design review and some public‑facing services.

Tim Berkman (staff) told the committee that the three preliminary studies would inform phasing and that staff is preparing a budget amendment — roughly $600,000 total — to procure the work. He said the studies will determine how much of the recommended work can be phased into upcoming capital budgets.

Calder Plaza surrounding the government center also drew extensive discussion. Staff reported the plaza’s waterproofing membrane and deck need replacement and that the city recently retained a construction manager to define scope and costs. The planned deck replacement and waterproofing is scheduled for design and procurement this winter and construction in 2026–27. Progressive Companies, DGRI and other partners are contributing programming input.

Commissioners discussed enhancement concepts — additional shade, more green space, improved circulation and an enlarged stair/elevator connection to Monroe Avenue — but staff said no funding source has been identified yet for the plaza enhancements beyond the essential deck replacement. Staff emphasized the project will be phased so that upgrades that are feasible during the waterproofing work can be included now; other features would be added later as funds become available.

Staff said further design work will be scheduled alongside the city’s capital planning process so that any construction plan matches available funding.