City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Public Works
Meeting Date: December 2, 2024
Report #:2410-3609
TITLE
Approval of Professional Services Contract No. C25193007 with Watry Design, Inc. in the Amount of $2,403,592 to Provide Design, Environmental Review, and Construction Administration Services for the New Downtown Parking Garage, Capital Improvement Program Project (PE-15007); CEQA Status: Not a Project
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council approve and authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute Contract No. C25193007 with Watry Design, Inc. for design, environmental review, and construction administration services for the New Downtown Parking Garage Capital Improvement Program project (PE-15007) for a term of three years and a total not-to-exceed amount of $2,403,592, including $2,185,084 for basic services and $218,508 for additional services.
BACKGROUND
The Downtown Parking Garage project was originally identified in the Council’s 2014 Infrastructure Plan (along with the California Avenue Garage).
The initial design and environmental review for a six-level garage on the surface parking lot at Hamilton Avenue and Waverley Street (Lot D) were prepared by Watry Design, Inc. (Watry) in 2017-18. The Council certified the Environmental Impact Review and approved the planning application for the project in February 2019 but elected to shelve the project in order to evaluate other parking management strategies and options1.
In December 2023, the Council directed Staff to resume work on the Downtown Parking Garage project in connection with the development of affordable housing on this site. 2
1 City Council, February 11, 2019; SR #9263
https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=101477&repo=r-704298fc 2 City Council, December 11, 2023; Item #8; SR #2309-2043 https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=69368&repo=r-704298fc
ANALYSIS
Watry's extensive involvement in the Downtown Parking Garage project since 2016, along with their proven expertise in designing other City of Palo Alto parking structures, makes them the ideal choice for redeveloping and advancing the project's design. Watry has a deep understanding of local regulations and project needs, ensuring both cost and time efficiency.
Staff has emphasized the importance of leveraging Watry’s prior work to reduce costs and avoid delays, citing their familiarity with the project, design continuity, and established relationships with consultants. In November 2024, the City Manager approved an exemption to competitive solicitation for design services with Watry Design, Inc. under PAMC Section
2.30.360(b).
Watry Design, Inc. Scope of Services
The contract with Watry Design, Inc. (Attachment A) outlines their services including conceptual designs, schematic designs, revised environmental documents, design development packages, construction documents, and construction support for a new above-ground Downtown Parking Garage at the existing surface parking Lot D.
Watry will develop preliminary design options that include space for a future residential component to align with the City's housing development goals. The full design of the residential component is not included in their proposal and will be reserved for a future developer to design and construct.
Staff will present conceptual options to the Council for approval before proceeding with schematic design and environmental review. While an Environmental Impact Report was certified, staff anticipates an addendum will be necessary to update the environmental document. Watry will present the new garage to the Architectural Review Board (ARB), Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC), and City Council as needed during the schematic design and design development phases. Additionally, Watry will provide construction cost estimates at the completion of the schematic design, design development, and construction document phases.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Funding for this contract is available in the Fiscal Year 2025 Adopted Capital Budget for the New Downtown Parking Garage project (PE-15007). The project will require additional funding sources, such as bonds, to support the construction of the garage.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Staff will engage stakeholders for feedback through the design development process.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Council action on this item is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because the proposed contract is a preliminary agreement that does not constitute approval of the New Downtown Parking Garage project. The proposed contract includes additional environmental review of the Environmental Impact Report previously prepared for the Downtown Parking Garage certified by the Council on February 11, 2019, by adoption of Resolution No. 9818.3 That Environmental Impact Report will need to be revised based on City Council’s approval of the concept design and further schematic design development.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Watry Design Inc., Contract No. C25193007 APPROVED BY:
Brad Eggleston, Director Public Works/City Engineer
3 Resolution No. 9818, February 11, 2019
https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=18286&repo=r-704298fc