River Ridge board approves gatehouse redesign and master signage work

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 a Bowman Consulting Group proposal for a Pelican Sound master signage program.

The gatehouse redesign is a facelift rather than demolition; RG—familiar with prior club and recreational-complex designs—will prepare updated drawings and renderings. Staff discussed elevation-certificates, zoning and potential permitting; district engineer Charlie Krebs said a new elevation certificate will be needed and that original construction drawings may be scanned into the record.

Board members agreed to book the $62,500 design cost as an up-front deferred reimbursable expense to be invoiced to the district when financing is issued and construction begins in 2026. Mr. Blumenthal moved to authorize Bowman to retain RG under Bowman terms and to authorize the chair to execute documents after counsel and manager review; the Board approved the motion unanimously.

Separately, the Board approved Bowman Consulting Group's landscape architecture proposal to replace monuments and master signage across the district. Neighborhood monument replacements will be charged to Pelican Sound replacement reserves and, where appropriate, some monuments may be relocated to improve placement and visibility.

Mr. Long will lead project coordination with neighborhoods, and Mr. Blumenthal will serve as the Board liaison for monthly updates.