Mayor Wants Workforce on City Hall Restoration Project to Reflect City's Diverse Population

Mayor Barrett Wants Workforce on City Hall Restoration Project to Reflect City's Diverse Population 

          Milwaukee—Mayor Barrett today announced that City officials will soon advertise bids for construction on the exterior of City Hall.  The building was erected in 1895.  City hall is the most significant downtown landmark that has served as a symbolic welcome of Milwaukee's cultural, financial and entertainment strength since 1895.  "In an effort to preserve its historical architecture, to extend the service life of City Hall and to preserve it for future generations, the City is undertaking the restoration of City Hall," stated Mayor Barrett. 
          The construction process will start with work on the south tower in the spring of 2005, with the west facade, east facade and north facade restoration to follow in that order.  It is anticipated the restoration process will take about three years to complete.  "This is a community project that will offer training and apprenticeship opportunities in masonry and roofing work for local contractors," said Barrett.  "In addition, this will provide opportunities for local trades to work on this historic landmark."  Mayor Barrett hopes the crews who work on the City Hall Restoration project will reflect the City's ethnic population and diversity.  In 1895, when City Hall was constructed the majority of the workforce was African American.  Back then, the African American population was only .32%.  Today, people of color make up more than 50% of Milwaukee's population. "People who work on this building should reflect the City's diverse population," said Barrett.  "When the restoration project is completed, citizens of this great City will see the grandeur of this building."
          The project will be awarded to the lowest responsible qualified contractor.  The general contractor must meet City Emerging Business Enterprise (EBE) and residency requirements.  A sanctions process has been developed and will be strictly enforced to ensure that the contractors meet City's EBE and Workforce Utilization Programs.  The project will be advertised for bids on December 10, 2004.  Engberg Anderson Design has put together the construction bid package.  The complete restoration will be bid out as a single project.  The project is estimated to cost about $30-45 million.    

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