Board authorizes RG Architects and Bowman for gatehouse redesign and master signage program

The River Ridge CDD on Oct. 22 approved consultant and design steps for two capital projects: a redesign of two gatehouses and a master signage/monument replacement program.

Eric Long presented RG Architects, P.A.'s fee proposal for gatehouse redesign. The board discussed project scope (facelift rather than demolition), zoning and the need for a new elevation certificate because flood zones may have changed. Design and permitting were estimated to take 12–18 months. The board agreed to authorize Bowman to retain RG as a subconsultant under Bowman’s standard terms and to authorize the Chair to execute related documents after review by district counsel and the district manager. Mr. Blumenthal will serve as the board liaison and Mr. Long will lead neighborhoods and guardhouse coordination. The minutes record that $62,500 would be booked as a reimbursable, to be invoiced to the CDD when financing is issued and construction begins in 2026.

Separately, the board approved the Bowman Consulting Group landscape architecture proposal for the Pelican Sound Master Signage Program, which covers replacement and relocation of community monuments; the neighborhood monument replacements will be charged to Pelican Sound replacement reserves. The board noted some existing monuments are foam and some are stone; Bowman may coordinate to ensure consistency in appearance.

What happens next: Staff and consultants will proceed with contract and permitting reviews; Mr. Long will provide renderings and monthly updates to neighborhoods and the board liaison as design work advances.