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Friendship Heights council authorizes up to $171,000 for Red House ADA work, manager to negotiate contract
Summary
The Friendship Heights Village Council authorized the village manager to negotiate a contract with Managed Homes for Red House accessibility upgrades — including widening a rear door — for up to $171,000, with the working group to review the contract before signature.
The Friendship Heights Village Council on Dec. 14 authorized the village manager to negotiate a contract with Managed Homes for accessibility upgrades to the Red House, approving work of up to $171,000 to prepare the building for eventual food-service tenancy.
Council members said making the Red House readily accessible is a priority so the building can serve as a public accommodation and accommodate restaurant-grade utilities. Councilman Daniel Ahr, chairing the discussion on the project, said the work would include the access accommodations listed in the request for proposals and a wider rear door needed for commercial kitchen equipment.
The council heard that the ad hoc Red House committee has been negotiating lease terms with a prospective tenant and that attorneys on both sides have exchanged edits to reach agreement. Village staff and committee members said it made financial and compliance sense to do core accessibility construction and permitting work up front so a single contractor can complete the majority of the work.
Village Manager Mansfield recommended Managed Homes, reporting that its base bid was among the lowest of six bidders and that the firm has strong references and experience with ADA work and coordinating with county departments. Council members said the working group had visited the site and felt comfortable with the contractor’s track record.
Council Member Sault moved an amendment to identify a cap and coordinate contract drafting with the Red House working group; Council approved a motion authorizing the village manager, in coordination with the Red House working group, to negotiate a contract with Managed Homes pursuant to their proposal for up to $171,000. The working group will review the draft contract and the village manager will proceed to finalize terms for mayoral signature.
The motion was approved by roll call with one abstention recorded during the final tally. The council also directed staff to proceed promptly so the contractor can begin required permitting and site work.
Background: Council previously approved smaller line items for Page Park and has been discussing the Red House tenant and access needs across several meetings. The Red House upgrade discussion included consideration of permit timelines, design adjustments and sequencing of landlord and tenant obligations.
Next steps: The village manager will produce a draft contract incorporating the scope and cost cap, circulate it to the Red House working group for review, and proceed to mayoral signature once the working group and staff finalize agreed language.
