Water utility confirms Chapman Drive land purchase, outlines operations center schedule

The Waukesha City Water Utility reported at its Jan. 16 meeting that it has closed on the Chapman Drive property intended for a new operations center and received approval from the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Why it matters: The new operations center is intended to consolidate vehicle storage and operations space and modernize the utility’s field and administrative facilities. The acquisition and construction timeline affect capital budgets, project bidding and the utility’s planned occupancy date.

Courtney, speaking for utility staff, said the utility received PSC approval on the 7th and closed on the Chapman Drive property on the 10th (dates given during the meeting). Staff reported design is ongoing, a 50% design meeting is scheduled later this month, and the site will go before the planning commission for rezoning. The current schedule calls for bidding in April, award of bids in April, construction start in June and occupancy by September 2026.

Staff presented conceptual images showing a large L-shaped building with an office component and a substantial garage to house vehicles and equipment. Courtney said the design aims to avoid "triple stacking" vehicles and to improve operational safety and efficiency.

Courtney also noted that landscaping and lighting details remain part of later design phases and that architecture approvals will proceed through planning commission processes.

Ending: Staff said more detailed materials and planning commission packets will be presented to the commission at future meetings as the project proceeds through rezoning, architectural review and the bidding process.