Iowa City unveils $1.25 million parking-garage repair plan; bids to be solicited

Iowa City’s engineering department presented a planned $1.25 million maintenance and repair project for three downtown parking ramps at the Jan. 6 council meeting, and the council authorized staff to solicit bids.

The scope: Joe Welter, an engineering representative, told the council the work will address Chauncey Swan, Court Street Transportation Center and Dubuque Street ramps. Key line items cited include $230,000 for a new membrane at Chauncey Swan, $220,000 for penetrating sealer at Court Street, and two Dubuque Street items — recoating for about $180,000 and a new membrane costing roughly $360,000. Welter said the work is larger than recent annual projects because the city is trying to catch up on deferred maintenance.

Materials and schedule: Welter described a heavier-duty black membrane the city plans to try on turning radiuses that has a longer warranty and thicker coating than the existing gray membrane. Construction cost is estimated at $1,250,000; the city plans to open bids at the end of January and anticipate an award in February with construction to start earlier than usual to complete major work before the next academic year.

Council questions: Council members asked how construction might affect the farmers market and downtown access; Welter said contracts will restrict activities so events are not disrupted and that much of the work will be staged on upper decks to minimize impacts at lower levels used for events.

Outcome: Council voted unanimously to approve the project manual and direct staff to post notice to bidders.

What’s next: Bids will be opened at the end of January, with a planned award in February and construction aimed to finish by mid-August to September 2026.