City seeks proposals for Hawley Rd. fire station

Aug. 13 -- The city is seeking proposals for new uses for the old Hawley Road fire station, 407 N. Hawley Rd.

The asking price for the historic structure is $350,000.

"Since renovation costs vary greatly for acceptable uses, proposals will be evaluated in combination of price and total investment," according to the city's request for proposals.

The 4,792-square-foot building was constructed in 1927-28. It was one of five “bungalow” style fire stations in the city. It operated as a fire house until 2000 and was used as office space and for storage after that.

The Common Council in June 2006 declared the property to be surplus, but marketing of the site was delayed because the soil was contaminated and needed remediation. Eventually, some 432 tons of petroleum-affected soil were removed from the site, according to city documents.

The city has several goals for the redevelopment of the property, including:

• Renovation of the existing structure.
• Office, R&D or retail use that positively. contributes to the Bluemound Business District.
• Minimal adverse impacts on the surrounding residential neighborhood.
• Expansion of the city’s tax base.
• Creation and/or retention of jobs.
• Adherence to design standards.
• Financially viability.
• Timely redevelopment.
• Incorporation of at least one sustainable or “green” element (such as increased energy efficiency or stormwater management)
• Use of Emerging Business Enterprise-- or EBE --contractors.

The property may not be used for automobile-related purposes, such as a garage or car wash. Also prohibited is any use that generates significant traffic or parking needs, any tax-exempt organization or convenience or liquor store, cigararette shop, gunshop, quick-loan business or pawn shop.

The deadline for proposals is Sept. 14