Village of Whitefish Bay issued the following announcement on Sept. 10
Consaul Commons, the public area between Gerhard’s Kitchen and Bath Store (402 E Silver Spring Dr.) and The Bay Restaurant (342 E Silver Spring Dr.), will soon be transformed into a more usable, inviting space where the community can gather, enjoy live music and host other family-friendly events. Construction will begin on September 20, 2021.
This redevelopment project was first introduced in 2016 as part of the Silver Spring Drive Master Plan. In 2019, the Village Board, upon recommendation from the Community Development Authority (CDA), selected raSmith as the design consultant. The Village solicited and received significant public input on three designs at an open house event in August 2019. Over the course of 2020, raSmith, CDA members, and local stakeholders worked with Village staff to refine the final design concept, which includes new landscaping, native plantings, benches, and other decorative features (see attached image).
After a full review of potential impacts, alternatives, and long-term site benefits at numerous public meetings the Village made the difficult decision to remove the three existing honey locust trees. Forestry professionals indicated that the construction activity would compromise the above grade roots and the overall health of the trees. As a Tree City USA member community, the Village works to ensure that all lost trees are replaced in kind and will plant five new trees in the space (a net gain of two trees). Furthermore, the timber from the honey locust trees will be reclaimed to make new picnic tables for Consaul Commons.
The project was publicly bid and awarded to contractor Payne & Dolan earlier this year. Funding comes from an MMSD Green Solutions grant, the Mandel Group, and the Village (TID #1). Cost breakdown: MMSD Green Solutions funds: $79,943.05, Mandel Group pledged funds: $39,110.00, TID #1 Budget: $228,521.15, Project Total: $347,574.20.
Work is scheduled to be completed by May 24, 2022—just in time for all the fun annual summer events along Silver Spring Drive!
Original source can be found here.
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