Waukesha County hires architect to study courthouse needs (UPDATE)

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Waukesha County has hired Milwaukee-based Zimmerman Architectural Studios Inc. to conduct a study that should help the county decide whether to renovate its courthouse or build a new one.

Aging electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems in the courthouse, which was built in 1959, prompted the county to commission the study, which is due back Aug. 1. County judges say the courthouse has safety issues, such as a cramped security screening area, that should be studied as well.

Alison Bussler, Waukesha County’s director of public works, said Zimmerman’s bid for the study was $158,254.

The city of Waukesha has considered joining with the county to build a combined courthouse and city hall. She said Zimmerman included a $15,632 bid to explore that possibility. The city will pay for that work if it decides to keep pursuing a combined facility.

Ed Henschel, Waukesha’s city administrator, said the city’s Finance Committee unanimously approved hiring Zimmerman for the extra work.

On Thursday night, the Common Council unanimously approved hiring Zimmerman to study the possibility of combining the courthouse and city hall, Henschel said.

— Beth Kevit