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Council awards $3.79 million contract for Center Street ramp restoration; concerns about adjacent access noted
Summary
Council approved a $3.79 million contract (plus 20% contingency) to Ram Construction Services for structural repair and waterproofing of the Center Street parking ramp, after staff outlined phasing, access needs and the potential for court action if voluntary access agreements with adjacent property owners fail.
The Rochester City Council voted 6–1 on March 3 to award a contract to Ram Construction Services of Minnesota LLC to restore the Center Street parking ramp, approving a base amount of $3.79 million plus a 20% contingency.
Nolan Shield, the city’s parking systems manager, described the multi-phase restoration that includes concrete repairs, replacement of post-tension tendons and application of a traffic-bearing waterproofing membrane to extend the facility’s useful life by an estimated 10-plus years. "The restoration work specifically includes concrete repairs of columns, beams ... replacement of the post tension tendons ... and the application of a traffic bearing waterproofing membrane," Shield said.
Council members questioned access for the final phase, which requires temporary use of adjacent surface parking owned by PR Holdings. Staff said they have sought voluntary access agreements and would pursue other options, including court action if necessary, but noted phasing could push some work into 2026 if access is delayed. Council Member Palmer opposed the award, citing concern about investing without a binding access agreement; other members argued the ramp is a public asset that requires timely maintenance.
The motion to award the contract was moved by Council Member Kean, seconded and approved by a 6–1 vote with Palmer opposed. Staff said the parking enterprise fund has unrestricted funds to support the project and that procurement and engineering estimates informed the award.
The council’s action authorized staff to move forward with the contract. Follow-up tasks identified by staff include working toward voluntary access agreements, phasing the work to minimize disruption, and providing updates to council on progress and any necessary legal steps.
