Brown Deer board authorizes Damon Farber to design Community Square

The Village of Brown Deer board on May 18 authorized staff to enter a contract with Damon Farber to produce design and engineering documents for Community Square, including a phased plan to match available funding.

The board’s decision followed a presentation from Samantha Frell, a landscape architect with Damon Farber, who described the firm’s approach to community engagement, resilience, and phased design. "We ground our work in listening and teamwork," Frell said, saying the team would begin community engagement this summer and aim to deliver construction documents in December.

Trustees discussed cost and scope in the context of recent local projects. Staff compared Community Square planning costs to a recently completed Northshore Rotary Park plan, which staff said ran about $30,000–$35,000 with renderings; board members noted the village expects to use a phased approach so early work fits the available funds. The agenda packet lists a $50,000 contract for the design phase.

Board members asked that the plan make clear what a feasible Phase A would include and that the design avoid overbuilding beyond the village’s likely budget. Staff said proceeds from a potential sale of the beer‑garden building would reduce the design/build funding gap and that later phases would rely on grants or additional fundraising.

With a motion by Trustee Gre and a second by Trustee Conser, the board approved the authorization. Staff said they will work with the firm to schedule community engagement sessions and return later for approval of specific construction contracts or phases.