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Red House renovation and Page Park stormwater work move forward; fountain RFP to be reissued
Summary
Project manager reported Jan. 12 that Red House ADA upgrades and demolition for new stairs are progressing and likely to complete before tenant renovations; Page Park stormwater concept plans were resubmitted with permits expected in April and contractors possibly selected in March. The village will reissue a fountain RFP after only one viable proposal was received.
Village project updates presented at the Jan. 12 Friendship Heights council meeting outlined timing for two downtown projects and a procurement decision.
Red House: Project manager Jim said ADA work for the Red House (including new handicap bathrooms and framing) is largely complete, with demolition for a rear stair addition underway. The contractor is holding biweekly progress meetings and communicating promptly with staff. Jim said he had not received the tenant’s final schedule or permit status and therefore could not provide a firm occupancy date; based on experience he does not expect the building to be occupied earlier than the fall. County inspections are required at concrete footings, electrical/plumbing rough‑ins and before drywall is hung.
Page Park: Civil engineers resubmitted the concept stormwater management plan; Jim said the concept must be approved before design/engineered plans and permits can be submitted. Engineers estimate permits could be issued in April, after which contractor work would begin. Jim said he hopes to have sufficient design detail in about 1.5 weeks to issue an RFP; contractor selection could occur in March to keep the schedule parallel with permitting. Regarding the pergola at Page Park, Jim said the pergola will be removed but the hole and the bio‑retention facility will remain until contractors start; excess dirt from stormwater work will be used to fill and grade areas so the village avoids hauling soil in and out. The village manager confirmed staff will notify building managers and nearby residents before the pergola comes down.
Fountain RFP and courtyard waterproofing: The village manager reported only one viable proposal was received in response to the fountain RFP, so staff will reissue the solicitation to attract additional proposals. Staff is also preparing structural‑engineering work to replace the waterproofing membrane in the courtyard behind the village center and will provide updates later this month.
What’s next: staff will reissue the fountain RFP, monitor Page Park permitting and return to council with bids and a contractor recommendation after required reviews.
