Expansion of Public Restrooms at the Santa Cruz Wharf

The City of Santa Cruz (City) is issuing this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) dated April 15, 2026 for an architect (Architect) to:

    1.     Study the potential for and produce three alternative approaches to expanding the public restrooms adjacent to 57 Municipal Wharf; and 

  2.     Prepare a Building Permit Plan Set and Project Specifications necessary to obtain a building permit for a demising wall to separate 57 Municipal Wharf from the City-selected alternative approach to the expansion of the restrooms prior to construction of the restrooms.

    3.    Prepare a cost estimate for the construction of the demising wall.

    4.    Provide bid support during the bidding process for the construction of the demising wall.

    5.    Provide construction support during the construction of the demising wall.

    6.    Provide post-construction services after the Notice of Completion for the demising wall.

    7.    Provide As-Built Drawings and Annotated Project Specifications for the demising wall.

Background

In December 2024 the Santa Cruz Wharf suffered the collapse of approximately 180’ at the southernmost end of the Wharf. A large public restroom was lost in addition to various visitor-serving amenities.

The lost restroom capacity must be replaced in order to accommodate activities, events, visitors, and Wharf tenants.  There are currently two visitor serving restrooms on the western side of 57 Municipal Wharf that do not provide sufficient capacity for the demand placed upon them, particularly in light of the loss of restrooms at the end of the Wharf. 57 Municipal Wharf is an existing unoccupied commercial space encompassing approximately 1,000 sq.ft. of floor area.

The Project is intended to increase the available restroom capacity adjacent to 57 Municipal Wharf.

RFQ responses must be submitted to 337 Locust St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 no later than the date and time specified in the RFQ.

Project Details

• Reference ID: RFQ No. Economic Development-0298
• Department: Economic Development and Housing
• Department Head: Bonnie Lipscomb (Economic Development Director)

Important Dates

• Questions Due: 2026-04-30T00:00:00.000Z
• Pre-Proposal Meeting: 2026-04-22T17:00:00.000Z — 57 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Submission Requirements

• Expansion of Public Restrooms at the Santa Cruz Wharf - Request for Architectural Services —

  Download the RFQ and submit hardcopy response to the place, date, and time specified in the RFQ.