Title
Resolution to Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Wade Trim Associates, Inc. for North Main Street Design Engineering
Memorandum
DDA staff recommends a contract with Wade Trim for North Main Street Design and Engineering.
Background
A North Main Street Study and capital project ranked high in the DDA Development Plan. As a result, it was included as a planned project for phase 1 implementation (2026 - 2035). Beginning in 2025, the DDA collaborated with City Transportation on a North Main vision and conceptual design phase. The conceptual design is now complete, and it’s time to proceed with design engineering to finalize construction documents.
Given the complexity of the N. Main Project, a consultant team with extensive engineering and regulatory experience is essential to move from vision to construction. The City of Ann Arbor selected Wade Trim through a competitive RFP process to provide project management and civil engineering support services from July 1, 2022-December 31, 2027 (RFP 22-17 <https://www.a2gov.org/media/41nf1h40/rfp_22-17_document.pdf>) and for General Civil Engineering and Surveying Services (RFP 25-27 <https://www.a2gov.org/media/yvtbo0al/rfp_25-27_document.pdf>). Wade Trim is also a prequalified MDOT engineering firm. DDA staff recommend utilizing the City’s competitive Project Management and Civil Engineering Support Services RFP process <https://www.a2gov.org/media/41nf1h40/rfp_22-17_document.pdf> and contract rates for the North Main Street Design and Engineering Phase.
Scope of Work
(1) Project Management
(2) Topographic survey, geotechnical, and existing conditions base records for project design
(3) Construction Documents - 10%, 30%, 60%, 90%, & 100% plans
a. Demolition, soil erosion and sedimentation control
b. Roadway alignments and cross sections, including a final recommendation on the Summit/Depot preferred intersection concepts
c. Photometric and lighting layout
d. Signal layout and electrical plans
e. Streetscape design and landscape details
f. Water main plan, profile, connection and shutdown sequencing plans
g. Storm sewer, infiltration, storage plan and profile and calculations
h. Sanitary sewer plan and profile
i. Signing and pavement marking plans
j. Maintenance of traffic plans
k. Cost estimating
(4) Construction Bidding Assistance
a. Prepare final bidding package
b. Facilitate pre-bid meetings, respond to bidder questions, etc.
(5) Permitting, Environmental, and Property Coordination
a. MDOT permit, EGLE/USACE joint floodway/floodplain Permit, WATCO/Ann Arbor Railroad, Washtenaw County Drain Use Permit Application, & Temporary Grading Permits
b. Application prep and supporting exhibits and documentation
c. Coordination meetings
Staff estimates the process will run for approximately fifteen (15) months, likely starting in October 2026.
Budget/Fiscal Impact
The total Wade Trim contract is $3.175 M, including a base contract amount of $2.89 M and a $285 K contingency. The design engineering phase of a project typically costs between 10-15% of the total construction phase, depending on project complexity. North Main Street is a complex project, and the fee is consistent with other efforts; staff estimates the construction phase (design, construction, and construction engineering) may cost $23.5 million, with the engineering phase representing 13.5% of that total.
The funding capacity for this contract is included in the approved DDA capital budget.
Body
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority’s (“DDA”) 2026-2055 Development Plan identified N. Main Street Improvements as a priority;
Whereas, DDA staff worked closely with City Transportation on community engagement and best practice analyses to inform a vision and conceptual design for North Main Street;
Whereas, To continue implementation, it is now necessary to enter the next project phase with a design engineering contract;
Whereas, Funding for the project is included in the approved capital budget of the DDA TIF Fund;
RESOLVED, That the DDA Board approves a contract with Wade Trim Associates, Inc. for $3,175,000, including a $285,000 contingency, from the DDA TIF Fund;
RESOLVED, That the DDA Executive Director be authorized and directed to execute said contract with Wade Trim Associates, Inc. after approval as to form by the DDA Attorney;
RESOLVED, That the Executive Director be authorized to take necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.