Independent Engineering Firm Releases Report That Confirms Initial Cost Estimates for Domes Repairs

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele today released a report prepared by GRAEF Consulting, the independent engineering firm contracted by the County to manage the community engagement process for the Domes, which confirms initial cost estimates for a variety of repair options at the Domes.

Based on figures from a 2008 assessment of the Domes, the County earlier this year initially estimated that the cost to totally repair or replace the Domes on their existing foundation – in other words, safely rebuilding the Domes exactly as they are — could cost between $50-$70 million. GRAEF’s report confirms that the estimated cost of this option, the most expensive option, would be $64 million.

Estimates for other options range from $14 million to $54 million, with varying building lifespans. The varying levels of investment also come with highly variable projections on lifespan of repairs and costs of operating; the lowest cost option would have a useful life of only 5-10 years and would require expensive maintenance, other options could last as long as 50 years and have minimal annual maintenance costs. Recommendations for the lesser repair options would also require, for safety purposes, that the mesh netting installed this year remain in place and be maintained.

While these costs are purely for planning purposes and are not budgetary, this information is an important part of the planning process as the community gives its input on the future of Mitchell Park.

This report has been shared with the Domes Task Force and the County Board, and will likely be reviewed in detail at future Task Force meetings.

“We have a once in a generation opportunity to dream big and envision what is possible for Mitchell Park and the Domes as Milwaukee County partners with the community,” Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele said. “I’m grateful to the many people who have contributed to helping us safely reopen the Domes on time and on budget, and to our community partners who are helping to guide this process and engage the community in a meaningful and fully informed way.”

View the report in its entirety here.

The Domes

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.