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Council awards design-build contracts for Pier Park pool and bathhouse to meet tight schedule
Summary
City council approved design-build agreements with The Blake Company for the Pier Park bathhouse and Verzini/Bersini Aquatics for pool systems, citing schedule constraints and the limited number of specialized pool contractors; final costs will return to council for approval.
The Grosse Pointe Farms City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 10, 2025 to award design-build contracts for the Pier Park pool and bathhouse.
City Manager Rieside summarized earlier preliminary approvals and said the administration recommends The Blake Company for the bathhouse and Verzini/Bersini Aquatics for pool design-build work. City staff and consultants argued the design-build approach is the most expedient way to secure a qualified pool contractor and complete construction in time for next summer, since only a small number of specialized pool firms operate in the region.
Sam (construction manager) and Chris Blake addressed council questions and said the design-build approach can speed delivery, improve coordination between designer and contractor and allow the project to move forward on an accelerated schedule. Council members underscored that final design work and construction costs will come back to council for review and approval.
On a motion by Councilmember Wood, supported by Councilmember Conrad Wilberding, the council approved engaging The Blake Company for the bathhouse design-build and Verzini/Bersini Aquatics for the pool systems and authorized city administration to execute agreements as reviewed by the city attorney; council recorded that final design and construction costs will be subject to future council approval.
