Location: Waukesha, WI
Artscape Placemaking Plan for the Riverwalk along Riverfront Street
Closing: 12:00PM local time on August 1, 2025
Overview
The City of Waukesha is requesting quotes and a statement of qualification for creating an Artscape Placemaking for the Riverwalk, along Riverfront Street.
Downtown Waukesha boasts a vibrant and historic art scene, featuring a variety of statues, murals, decorative guitars, and signage that reflect the City’s rich cultural heritage. The Central City Master Plan (Central City Master Plan) highlights a tourism initiative known as “Artscape” originally focused on a three-block area on Main Street in the Downtown district. However, after discussions with the Public Art Committee, the City has decided to shift the Artscape focus from Main Street to Riverfront Street, along the Riverwalk. This area is well-suited for public art displays and is easily accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.
Riverfront Street holds historical significance within Downtown Waukesha. Once home to the City’s bus depot, the original structure still stands even though the depot was relocated. In 2020, the street and its curbs were reconstructed to accommodate public events. It now hosts Riverside Rhythms, a summer lunchtime concert series organized by the City and was previously the site of the Waukesha Farmers Market. The adjacent Riverwalk along the Fox River spans 1.6 miles starting at Frame Park, through downtown, and into Bethesda Park. The project began in the 1990’s and was completed in 2003 and was a catalyst for downtown reinvestment and revitalization.
In 2024, the City approved a placemaking plan for Friedman Alley, located just south of Riverfront Street. This alley, connected to Riverfront by a shared crosswalk, will feature murals and artistically designed art cabinets as part of the revitalization effort. The Riverfront Street Artscape initiative is intended to complement the Friedman Alley project and extend artistic elements along the Riverwalk, creating a cohesive and engaging public art experience. The project must be completed by December 1, 2025.
Scope
- Provide an Artscape placemaking design and criteria for Riverfront Street to include art, lighting options, street furniture, interactive art experiences and other art related design features.
- Provide estimated cost per element shown in final design.
- Provide a final report that summarizes the project and final design.
- Attend and participate in at least one public meeting with stakeholders.
- Provide a project timeline.
How to Apply
One electronic copy of the submittal must be received via email by 12:00 noon local time on August 1, 2025 at the address here: rgams@waukesha-wi.gov. If you have any questions, please contact Robin Grams via email or at 262-524-3749
The Subject line of the email should read “Artscape Placemaking RFP Response”