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Committee approves three‑year time‑only extension for Buyer Blinder Bell on building master plan contract
Summary
The finance committee recommended a time‑only extension through Dec. 31, 2028, for Buyer Blinder Bell Architects and Planners to remain available for design and construction administration tied to the city’s building master plan.
The Somerville Finance Committee on Oct. 21 recommended approval of a time‑only contract extension to Dec. 31, 2028, for Buyer Blinder Bell (BBB), the firm that authored the city’s building master plan.
Richard Reich, director of Infrastructure and Asset Management, told the committee that while the city has not yet launched a major project directly under the master plan, BBB’s familiarity with city buildings has been valuable on several smaller projects, including work at Winter Hill/Edgely, City Hall’s roof and clock tower, and preservation at 1895. Reich said the time‑only extension preserves the city’s ability to engage BBB quickly for future design and construction administration work.
"Their understanding of these buildings give them a great start on these projects, and their work is absolutely outstanding," Director Richard Reich said. He said the extension is for time only and does not add work or money now; it keeps the firm available to start work quickly when a project is identified.
The committee laid the item on the table to recommend approval; at the end of the meeting the clerk read the consolidated motion and the roll call recorded unanimous approval.
Clarifying details: the extension is time only to Dec. 31, 2028, for Buyer Blinder Bell; staff cited prior design and construction administration work on Winter Hill/Edgely, City Hall roof and clock tower, and 1895 preservation as justification for retaining the firm on a time‑only basis.
