Four Firms Invited to ‘Reimagine Our Waterfront’

After analyzing the qualifications of eight potential bidders, the Town of Baileys Harbor will request proposals from four of the firms to serve as partners and consultants on designing a master plan for the marina and the newly acquired Nelson properties.

The town’s Nelson Property Ad Hoc Committee – which is guiding the future of the former Nelson’s Hardware and motel property, the existing marina next to Nelson’s and small lots north of the town hall – will send official invitations to the design and planning consultants dated Jan. 11, asking them to submit any questions to clarify the town’s wishes by Jan. 27.

Each firm – Vandewalle & Associates, Edgewater Resources, SMA Professional Services, and Foth – will make presentations Feb. 22 to the ad hoc committee on their concept for the Reimagine Our Waterfront project. 

The firms have some freedom on ideas for the properties, but the town emphasizes that they must include removing the hardware store and motel buildings and creating a public green space on the waterfront site.

“Along with properties complementing each other, it is important the marina maintains its facilities and existing services,” the town’s instructions to the firms said. The town also wants bidding to include local contractors and subcontractors.