Site work for a retail development in Benson, Vermont. Conceptual plans call for site work for a two-story above grade retail development.

Benson General Store Community Enterprise is seeking the services of a qualified architect to support the creation of at least two conceptual designs for the rebuilding of the Benson General Store and to advance one concept design to schematic design with a cost estimate. The Benson General Store project is an initiative of the Benson General Store Community Enterprise, herein called "Community Trust". The Community Trust aims to build an accessible, energy efficient, two-story building to accommodate a post office and a general store offering prepared foods and space for communal gathering. 30 Benson's General Store was destroyed by a fire in 2019. The town lost its local store and a central place of community vitality. The site of the general store is located at the corner of Stage and Lake Road and the Community Trust is planning for the construction of a new general store to fill the need in the community. The project is in its early development and an architect will help the Community Trust develop conceptual designs that the Community Trust can take to the community for feedback and to use as visuals in capital campaign efforts. After a decision is made between the conceptual designs, the architect shall advance the project to the schematic design phase. There is an opportunity for the architect to continue supporting the project in its subsequent phases. The selected consultant must be available and willing to complete the required work over the course of the next three months. Work on the project can start after a contract with Benson General Store Community Enterprise has been signed, and a W9 and proof of general liability and Workers' Compensation Coverage is provided. The project must be completed by 10/30/2024. The planned start date and duration of work will be a consideration for consultant selection. The Community Trust encourages responses from disadvantaged, women-owned, minority-owned and small local firms. Selected candidates should be prepared to execute a contract that contains pass-through provisions regarding Federal programs and assurance related to this grant-funded work, including policies regarding conflicts of interest, equal opportunity, non-discrimination, retention of and access to records, and audit requirements, when applicable. The Community Trust reserves the right to reject any or all responses. The method of Contractor Selection has not been Determined at this time.