Request for Proposal (RFP) - Architectural and Land Planning Services

Request for Proposal (RFP) for Architectural and Land Planning Services

Project Title:  Renovation and/or Expansion of Community United Church of Christ and its Affordable Housing.

Issued by: Community United Church of Christ

Date Issued: TBD

Proposal Due Date: May 5, 2025

1. Introduction

Community United Church of Christ (CUCC), a community of approximately 120 active members, and the affiliated Community Church Low Income Housing Corporation (CCLIHC) are seeking proposals from qualified architectural firms to provide schematic design options with construction cost estimate for planning purposes for the renovation of the existing church building, the expansion of the church facilities, and the possible development of new affordable housing units on the church property.  CUCC is located on 1.5 acres of land at the southeast corner of Dixie Trail and Wade Avenue. The church, through the CCLIHC, also currently owns a six-plex apartment building located at 2916 Oberry St, on .6 acres, and a single-family house located at 802 Dixie Trail, on .19 acres, both of which are adjacent to the church property. The six-plex and house are currently rented as affordable housing.

2. Project Objectives

·       We are seeking:

o   Increased capacity with planned future expansion.

o   Increased accessibility.

o   Healthy and functioning building systems.

o   Compatibility with increasing the affordable housing mission.

o   Options that are environmentally sensitive and with a low carbon footprint.

3. Scope of Work

The congregation will provide the following:

·      Provide a walk-through of the building to share information regarding known issues.

·      Evaluation of heat pump options for replacement of the Bradow-Hoffman unit.

·      Evaluation of the electrical systems and upgrades which may be required.

·      Information related to roof replacement quotes.

·      Provide, in conjunction with the CCLIHC, local connections to Habitat for Humanity and the Downtown Housing Improvement Corporation (DHIC) with whom we have had discussions.

·      Internal and external interviews of some users of the premises.

·      The Carbon Covenant, notes, and associated timelines.

The selected architectural firm will be responsible for the following tasks.

• Conduct a thorough, comprehensive assessment of the existing church buildings and affordable housing buildings and related properties.

• Conduct a programming process with the church and our partners to develop the detailed requirements for the facilities including renovation, reconstruction, etc.

• This will include collecting feedback from congregants, church leadership, and church staff.

• Develop conceptual designs.

• Work in collaboration with affordable housing experts to develop options for comprehensive site use that balance the needs of the congregation and affordable housing.

• Create multiple design options with varying degrees of intervention for the renovation and/or expansion of the church facilities, including but not limited to expanded worship and fellowship spaces, classrooms, community rooms, and administrative offices.

• Provide narratives from specialty engineers of their assessment of the existing conditions and recommendations based upon that assessment.

• Provide construction cost estimates for planning purposes.

4. Submission Requirements

Interested firms should submit the following as a pdf file:

• A cover letter expressing interest in the project.

• A detailed proposal outlining the firm's approach to the project, including a timeline and key milestones.

• Examples of similar projects completed by the firm.

• Resumes of key personnel who will be involved in the project and billing rates.

• References from three (3) previous clients with a similar scope of work

5. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Experience and qualifications of the firm and key personnel.

• Quality and creativity of the proposed design approach.

• Demonstrated ability to complete similar projects on time and within budget.

• References and past performance.

6. Submission Deadlines

·      Attendance at the pre-proposal meeting scheduled for April 14, 2025, at 3:00pm.

·      Contact information if unavailable for the pre-proposal meeting.

·      Cut-off date for questions is April 18, 2025.

·      Answers provided by April 27, 2025.

·      Proposal due by May 5, 2025.

7. Contact Information

For any questions or further information, please contact proposals@cucc.com.