WACONIA PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY

In 2004, the City of Waconia engaged Oertel Architects to develop a master plan aimed at addressing the community's long-term public works needs. This comprehensive master plan laid the groundwork for the subsequent design and construction of the Waconia Public Works facility.

The facility is situated on a unique split-level site dominated by a 1.5 million-gallon hydro-pillar, a prominent feature that shapes the layout of the entire space. The site also includes a variety of essential elements, such as a large covered salt and sand storage building, an outdoor materials storage area, a fuel island with a canopy, and a stormwater retention pond, all designed to support the operational needs of the city's public works department. A key objective in the master planning process was to ensure that the facility could be expanded as the community grew. To accommodate future growth and evolving needs, the design thoughtfully includes expandable vehicle storage, shop areas, office space, and parking facilities.

To streamline the construction process, multiple bid packages were employed. This allowed portions of the project, such as structural elements with long lead times, to be issued for bid while design details were still being refined by the architects. This strategic approach helped to expedite the construction schedule. Additionally, close collaboration with the Construction Manager was essential in maintaining the project's accelerated timeline. This effective coordination not only kept the project on track but also provided the city with the flexibility to align the construction with other ongoing public works improvement projects in the area.

By anticipating future needs and adopting an efficient construction process, the Waconia Public Works facility was successfully completed to meet both immediate and long-term requirements for the city's growing public works operations.