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Fenwick Manor rehabilitation moves through schematic design; commission retains contracting authority
Summary
Staff and the consultant reported progress on the Fenwick Manor rehabilitation: schematic design is underway, probes will be cut to inspect framing near chimneys, prequalification of contractors is in progress, and the commission confirmed it will handle contract awards rather than route them through state treasury/DPMC.
Mark (project lead/consultant) told the Personnel and Budget Committee the Fenwick Manor rehabilitation is progressing through schematic design and into more detailed design work. He said structural and mechanical engineers recently inspected the building and will return to cut small probes in floors and ceilings to assess framing around the chimneys before finalizing drawings and updated cost estimates.
Mark described the prequalification process: the consultant Connolly & Hickey already supplied a prequalification package to the Historic Trust as part of the procurement timeline and staff expect that prequalification will allow a broad outreach to qualified general contractors. He said the selected general contractor will be responsible for ensuring subcontractors meet grant and historic-preservation requirements and that the project will follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards because the building is on the National Register.
Sue Allen confirmed the commission removed the project from the state treasury/DPMC contracting path and issued its own RFP so that the commission — rather than DPMC — will have decision-making authority on selecting contractors. "We removed ourselves from the treasury and the DPMC process," Sue said, adding that the commission will continue providing treasury with copies of procurement documents but will make contracting decisions locally. Staff emphasized an expectation of built-in contingency in cost estimates to cover unforeseen conditions discovered when walls and floors are opened.
Planning anticipates sending ~60% design documents to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Historic Trust for review, followed by permit review (DCA) and a bidding period in 2026. Staff estimate an approximate 180‑day construction schedule once a contractor is hired, plus a 30‑day project closeout period for grant paperwork.
The committee thanked staff for the update and encouraged continued coordination with preservation reviewers and the governor’s office about potential supplemental appropriations for phase‑two work.
