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Marshfield board authorizes RFPs to restore historic Columbia Bandshell
Summary
The Board of Public Works voted Feb. 3 to solicit proposals for architectural and engineering services to evaluate and design improvements to the Columbia Bandshell; a longtime resident, Donna Rosar, pledged up to $50,000 toward a $100,000 fundraising goal, and staff said no city funding is currently anticipated.
The Marshfield Board of Public Works on Feb. 3 authorized staff to solicit requests for proposals for professional architectural and engineering services to evaluate and design potential improvements to the Columbia Bandshell.
The request, presented by Justin Caspersen, asks for consultants to develop restoration and rehabilitation options for the structure, which staff described as locally significant and listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its long-standing role in public entertainment. Caspersen said proposed work could include restoration of windows and doors, flooring, brick and limestone masonry, restroom facilities and other interior and exterior architectural features, and that consultants would coordinate with the historical preservation committee and the Marshall Civic Band director.
Donna Rosar, identified in the presentation as a longtime Marshfield resident and former Wisconsin state assembly member, has pledged up to $50,000 toward a $100,000 community fundraising target to support restoration. Caspersen told the board a budget resolution will be required to formally accept donated funds and that, depending on construction cost estimates developed through the RFP process, competitive bidding for construction services may be required. He said no city funding is currently anticipated and that donated funds must be transferred to the city before entering any city contract.
During discussion, an unidentified council member who moved the motion commended Rosar’s donation as “extraordinary and incredibly generous” and pressed staff on flooring durability and options to protect exposed edges of the stage floor. Caspersen said staff will seek creative architectural solutions, noting that historic-preservation approvals at state and national levels will shape final choices. The board voted by voice and the motion carried.
Staff will return to the board with a recommendation and the results of the proposal review once the RFP process is complete.
