RFP: Architect for Rehabilitation of Wilson Bruce Evans House
| Application Open Date | Close Date | Primary Contact | Start Date |
| 1/6/2023 | 1/27/2023 | Carol Lasser manager@evanshhs.org | No later than 2/3/2023 |
The Wilson Bruce Evans Home Historical Society is looking for an architect to design plans and create construction drawings for rehabilitation of the Wilson Bruce Evans House, a National Historic Landmark built in 1854-6 in Oberlin, Ohio. The project has a two-year life cycle and is being undertaken with funding received from the Department of the Interior through the National Park Service “Save America’s Treasures” grant that began January 1, 2023. The architect should be familiar with Section 106 of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, particularly as applicable for the rehabilitation of a National Historic Landmark owned by a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. Familiarity with the history of the Evans House, Wilson Bruce Evans, and antebellum Oberlin is desired. Ability to work flexibly with small, fledgling nonprofit is essential.
The Wilson Bruce Evans Home Historical Society (Evans HHS) is a 501(c)(3) established in 2021 to
rehabilitate the Wilson Bruce Evans House in Oberlin, Ohio. Built by an African American abolitionist and underground railroad operative trained as a cabinetmaker, the home is rich with history and craft details. It will become a museum and educational center honoring Evans, his descendants, and the long struggle for racial justice in Oberlin and beyond. The Board of Evans HHS includes many descendants of Evans as well as local historians; the organization has no employees, and is directed by a volunteer fulltime manager.
Evans HHS seeks an AIA qualified architect to guide rehabilitation of the Wilson Bruce Evans House. Scope of work, all of which must be accomplished in accordance with National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund Grants Manual and in compliance with Secretary of the Interior Standard 106, including developing SD, DD and CD drawings and specifications, Bid and Negotiations, and CA services for Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Structural and Civil Engineering encompassing:
- demolition of the existing porch and design for historically appropriate front entrance;
- rehabilitation of rear wing of building to service as an educational center, with creation of hyphen to connect rear wing to purpose-built structure encompassing ADA bathroom and ADA entry ramp;
- site planning, including designs for parking and outdoor pavilion;
- submission for approval all documents to all appropriate authorities including NPS, SHPO and local authorities, with revisions as necessary across the life of the grant.
The architect will be required to submit draft architectural and engineering plans and specifications at 80% completion.
The architect should be able to meet the current schedule for the project, which is:
- February 2023: finalize design development and submission of plans for approval by NPS
- April 2023: bid negotiations for porch demolition and rehabilitation, for rehabilitation of both
brick Italianate and original rear wing (including foundation work) and for building of new wing
with hyphen connection; and begin work.
- May 2023: bid negotiations for masonry repair; and begin work
- October 2023: bid negotiations for plumbing repairs and electric rewiring, and begin work
- March 2024: complete site work planning
- August-September 2024: completion of construction activities and site work
Other essential qualifications include:
- local firm (50 miles or less) to assure regular visits to site
- at least 10 years of experience with historic rehabilitation projects
- references from at least 3 separate projects.
In order to keep the project on schedule, applications are due January 27, 2023, for notification by February 3, 2023.
Over the two-year project, Evans HHS has budgeted a total of $48,900 for this position.
Minority-owned businesses and female-owned businesses are encouraged to apply.
Please send proposals to Carol Lasser, Manager, Evans HHS at manager@evanshhs.org
Approved by NPS 1/10/2023