Auburn hires Walker Consultants for Wright Street parking deck design and administration; construction estimate $400,000'$500,000

The Auburn City Council on Tuesday approved a $50,500 contract with Walker Consultants to prepare construction documents and provide construction administration for required maintenance of the Wright Street parking deck.

Council members confirmed Walker Consultants previously performed a condition assessment delivered in January 2025 and said the new contract will convert those recommendations into documents suitable for bidding and include on-site construction administration visits. Public Works staff described the work as primarily waterproofing and membrane repairs to extend the deck's useful life.

A staff estimate, provided by the consultant, puts likely construction costs in the $400,000 to $500,000 range. Staff said the plan includes updating the condition assessment every three to five years and maintaining a five- and 10-year maintenance outlook in the capital improvement plan. Public Works noted some maintenance costs are weighted toward the first year and are expected to taper in subsequent years.

Council members asked whether the city has in-house structural engineers; staff said it does not and explained consultants are used where specific technical expertise is required. The contract includes up to six on-site visits for construction administration.

Parking management staff reported weekday occupancy typically ranges from roughly 125 to 175 cars and that the city received $535,000 in parking-deck revenue for fiscal 2025, an increase of about 11% over fiscal 2024. Staff said revenue offsets some maintenance and operating costs, but does not fully cover debt service on the project.

The council approved the contract and directed staff to continue integrating maintenance needs into the capital improvement plan.