The reconstruction of two blocks of State Street has a finalized budget timeline, but will have to work around other projects in the same area.

Public Works engineer Chris Petykowski said the city is partnering with the University of Wisconsin on the reconstruction of the 700 and 800 blocks because the university owns Library Mall, where the construction would take place.

Petykowski said he hopes to have a consultant on board for the block renovation by late summer to start work on the preliminary design, and plans to hold meetings with those involved with the project until the design is finalized.

However, there is an issue with the construction timelines of both the block project and the construction of the new St. Paul’s Cathedral, part of which would also be on the 800 Block. Petykowski said he and other project developers are concerned the church’s construction will take place right on top of “brand new State Street.”

“I’m sure [St. Paul’s] will request we hold off the area or something because that’s the only way to have construction access in there,” Petykowski said. “That’ll be a significant hurdle for us to cross.”

Ald. Scott Resnick, District 8, said in an interview with The Badger Herald ideas like bringing in beams, support structure and cranes might obstruct the brand new pavement that would be laid with the remodeling of the blocks, intended to last for 30-plus years.

Neither St. Paul nor the city want to pay for extra damages should St. Paul’s construction ruin the newly reconstructed Library Mall.

Petykowski said he has spoken with former University of Wisconsin Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Planning and Management Alan Fish and Director of Campus Planning Gary Brown about the project and that both men are on board.

“There will be brand new designs, more lighting – we will see a more welcoming Library Mall,” Resnick said. “It’s part of the completion of State Street project and will come at a great time, as East [Campus Mall] intersects at the exact same time, and also the completion of the Memorial Union project.”

Resnick said he is excited for the brand new design, and envisions both East Campus Mall and the 700 and 800 block project as the “synergy” of these projects coming together.

He said though the city owns the street ways, UW has a vested interest in almost everything on the block, so cooperation with UW is ongoing. The project is figured into the 2014 city budget.

Additionally at the meeting, the commission voted in favor of transitioning from the style of streetlight seen on State Street to the style seen more residentially in the Langdon neighborhood outside the Campus Inn on Frances Street.

General Manager Bill Wellman said he wants to preserve continuity in the residential style of the cul de sac, which includes the hotel and the apartment building at 438 N. Frances.

“We’re proud to be part of the State Street business district,” Wellman said. “But we have a more relaxing residential feel … that environment is our business and obviously the goal here is to enhance the business of all the State Street partners.”

The commission also voted in favor of allowing Petykowski to install a bronze liner around the joints of the badger fountain on Frances Street, after continued leaking.

The commission will meet again Aug. 16.