River Ridge CDD approves RG Architects for gatehouse redesign and Bowman for master signage

The River Ridge Community Development District on Oct. 22 authorized Bowman to retain RG Architects, P.A. as a subconsultant to redesign two gatehouses and approved Bowman Consulting Group’s proposal for a Pelican Sound master signage program.

Eric Long, presenting the gatehouse redesign proposal, said the buildings will receive a "facelift" rather than demolition and noted the main gate has been struck about a dozen times this year because of low clearance. The board discussed zoning, elevation certificates and whether original construction drawings are available; Charlie Krebs said scanned originals might exist and a new elevation certificate will be required.

Board members voted, on a motion by Kurt Blumenthal and seconded by Terry Mountford, to authorize Bowman to retain RG under Bowman’s standard terms and to allow the chair to execute documents after review by district counsel and the district manager. The motion passed unanimously.

Long said the district will book the $62,500 initial expenditure as a reimbursable cost and invoice the CDD when financing is issued so that design and permitting (expected to take 12–18 months) can begin without delay; construction is targeted to begin in 2026. The board also approved Bowman Consulting Group’s landscape-architecture proposal to replace monuments and signage throughout the district; neighborhood monument replacement costs will be budgeted under Pelican Sound replacement reserves.

Kurt Blumenthal will serve as the board liaison on communications and monthly updates; Long will lead on the gatehouse and neighborhood coordination. District counsel clarified that, to the extent a subconsultant agreement or task authorization required the CDD’s signature, the chair may sign after counsel and manager review.