Title
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH OHM FOR ANN STREET DESIGN
Memorandum
Due to an expanded City Engineering construction scope for the Ann Street Resurfacing Project, we have an opportunity to increase our project partnership to address needed sidewalk amenity repairs and improve the experience for all people using Ann Street. I recommend approval of $149,000 Contract with OHM Advisors as a first step toward a larger DDA capital commitment on the Ann Street Project.
Background: The City of Ann Arbor Engineering Department is leading the 2026 Ann Street Resurfacing Project, with support from a design contract with OHM Advisors. The DDA’s 2024 Capital Improvement Plan included $250,000 toward the Ann Street project to help construct a new sidewalk and bump-outs adjacent to the Main Street Party Store. Once the design was underway, the project scope expanded to include replacing the old watermain and installing stormwater infrastructure. The additional utility work results in more street, sidewalk, and curb removal, which allows the DDA to help restore the project in a way that better meets the community’s needs.
Recommendation and Next Steps: Through our Circulation Study and Development Plan engagement, we’ve heard the importance of improving the pedestrian experience between parking structures and destination neighborhoods and this is a great opportunity to begin this work. Ann Street, between Ashley Street and Fifth Avenue lacks adequate lighting, space for trees, loading and an ADA accessible crossing at the Ann Ashley Parking Structure. In addition, the sidewalk pavers were installed decades ago, with outdated methods, and are a constant maintenance issue. To ensure consistency with the larger Ann Street design and engineering work, I recommend utilizing the same consultant team - City of Ann Arbor Engineering consultant, OHM Advisors.
Design Scope: (See attached PDF for cost breakout)
The DDA’s Ann Street work will be coordinated with the City Engineering design and constructed as one project. OHM billing rates will be based on OHM’s current billing rate table associated with this Civil Engineering and Surveying Services contract. As referenced in the Capital Improvement Plan Memo and Resolution, the capacity to design and construct an expanded streetscape scope is reflected in the 2026-2030 DDA CIP Schedule.
Body
Whereas, The importance of improving the pedestrian experience between parking structures and destination neighborhoods was identified through the DDA’s Development Plan engagement efforts;
Whereas, The City Engineering Department’s planned 2026 capital project on Ann Street presents an opportunity to begin this work, address needed sidewalk amenity repairs, and improve the experience for all people using Ann Street;
Whereas, OHM was selected by the City of Ann Arbor through a competitive RFP process (RFP 23-27) to provide General Civil Engineering and Surveying Services, including the Ann Street Project;
Whereas, Utilizing the same OHM design team for the DDA’s portion of the Ann Street design is critical to a cohesive and constructible project;
Whereas, Staff recommend a $148,500 contract with OHM Advisors for the Ann Street Design;
Whereas, Funding for the services are available in the Gen/TIF budget and the Parking CIP budget;
Resolved, The DDA Board authorizes the DDA Executive Director to execute a contract with a not-to-exceed amount of $148,500, $129,800 to be paid from the TIF/General Fund (248) and $18,700 to be paid from the Parking CIP Fund (401).
Prepared by Amber Miller, DDA Capital Projects and Planning Manager