River Ridge approves RG Architects engagement and Bowman signage plan for gatehouses and monuments

The River Ridge CDD voted Oct. 22 to authorize Bowman Consulting to retain RG Architects, P.A. as a subconsultant to redesign two gatehouses and approved Bowman Consulting Group's proposal to replace community monuments and signage.

Eric Long presented RG Architects' fee proposal for a gatehouse redesign intended as a facelift rather than demolition. The board discussed recurring vehicle strikes at the low-clearance main gate (12 hits reported this year) and the need for new elevation certificates; Mr. Long said he prefers the projects to run concurrently and estimated design and permitting will take 12–18 months.

The board discussed funding treatment and agreed to book the $62,500 expenditure as an up-front deferred cost to be invoiced to the CDD when financing is issued, allowing work to begin without delay. Kurt Blumenthal moved to authorize Bowman to retain RG as a subconsultant under standard Bowman terms and to authorize the Chair to execute documents following counsel and manager review; the motion was seconded by Terry Mountford and carried unanimously.

Separately, the board approved Bowman Consulting Group's landscape architecture proposal to replace monuments and master signage throughout the CDD; neighborhood monument replacements will be paid from Pelican Sound replacement reserves, and some monuments will be relocated to improve placement.

The Chair nominated Blumenthal as board liaison for communications and monthly updates; Mr. Long will lead design coordination with neighborhoods and provide renderings and visual materials during the design phase. Work is expected to proceed toward permitting and construction starting after financing is available (construction discussed for 2026 in staff remarks).