Renovation of a library in Duluth, Minnesota. Conceptual plans call for the renovation of a library.

The Duluth Public Library, located at 520 West Superior Street, was first opened in November of 1980. The original building design was completed in 1970, the product of a two-year effort led by the library board to develop a new facility in the city's Gateway Urban Renewal District. Today, the needed improvements towards function and energy-efficiency amount to a full renewal of building systems, reconfiguration of interior layouts, and possible expansion of programmable space along Michigan St and plaza. In addition, a new operational scheme for the facility is necessary to accommodate the Duluth Workforce Development department operations co-located there. This RFP seeks a design firm that will utilize previous studies completed on the facility, integrate the increasing office and operational requirements, collaborate with community engagement efforts, define the conceptual and schematic overview, provide construction cost estimates, and manage construction administration services. Due to the significance of the main library's history and architecture, this project will require a thorough evaluation of any preservation or review requirements that could affect plans for facility redesign and expansion. Significant coordination with a separate community engagement consultant is required for the pre-design phase. This project seeks design services to be provided in two phases. The first phase, expected to last from March 2023 to October 2023, will develop a comprehensive pre-design report on the main library renovation and will require conceptual and schematic design, assistance with a separate community engagement plan, market-based construction cost estimates from a third-party, and concept renderings of the proposed renovation. The second phase will consist of design development, providing bid documents, and construction administration services through the completion of the project. The City of Duluth is seeking funding for complete design and construction costs through state bonding money. A preliminary draft of the library/workforce center renovation proposal must be submitted to the State of Minnesota in June 2023 for consideration of being awarded a state bonding finance package; the final renovation proposal will be submitted in October 2023. Design services proposals should detail the full extent of the services provided in all phases of project development, with additional detail as to the scope, deliverables, and action plan to further articulate details and purpose of this first phase. The City of Duluth reserves the right to choose a different design firm once the limited scope of this pre-design phase is complete, but the intent is to select a firm for the entire project. Additional detail is provided in Part IV of this RFP Deadline to submit Questions via email to purchasing@duluthmn.gov Friday, Jan 13 Answers to questions will be posted to the City website no later than this date. Tuesday, Jan 17 The City reserves the right, in its sole and complete discretion, to reject any and all proposals or cancel the request for proposals, at any time prior to the time a contract is fully executed, when it is in its best interests. The City is not liable for any costs the Bidder incurs in preparation and submission of its proposal, in participating in the RFP process or in anticipation of award of the contract. The method of contractor selection has not been determined at this time.