Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager
CC:	Cynthia Boecker, Assistant City Manager
Date:	June 30, 2009
RE:	Request for Qualifications for Architectural Services related to the BNSF Depot

Please place the following item on the July 7, 2009 consent agenda:

Authorize the publication of Request for Qualifications for Architectural Services related to the BNSF Depot.

As the City Commission is aware, the City is in the process of acquiring the BNSF Depot located on 7^th Street. Presently, BNSF is preparing information for its Donation Committee to review the proposed donation to the City. There are numerous details that yet need to be worked through with the railroad. While not guaranteed, it appears that the City will be able to acquire the facility later this year.

Once the City has acquired the depot, there appears to be interest in applying for federal grants to facilitate its historic restoration. The Transportation Enhancement grant program, administered through the Kansas Department of Transportation, has been the source of grant assistance for many depot projects throughout Kansas. The grant program offers up to 80% funding of a project. It appears that the next grant round will open later this year with applications due in November. Grant recipients will be notified in May 2010.

In order to make application, the City will need to submit sound cost estimates for restoration work. A full analysis of the depot has not been undertaken. The RFQ envisions hiring an architecture firm to undertake an analysis of the structure and prepare a restoration report to include phasing and cost estimates. If the grant is received, the City could authorize the architect to proceed with the second phase of the project, which is the development of detailed plans to complete the restoration work.

Staff believes that it is important to begin the architectural report work now. If a firm is hired by August, a report could be delivered in time to meet the November grant deadline. Otherwise, the City would need to wait until the next grant window. It is unknown what the first phase of the architectural services will cost. However, the RFQ requests that respondents submit cost estimates for completing this work to the City.

Staff suggests that a selection committee be established to review the submissions and make a recommendation for the successful firm to the City Commission. Staff suggests that this group consist of the following: Carey Maynard-Moody from Depot Redux, Diane Stoddard and Lynne Braddock Zollner and a representative from building maintenance from the City. A City Commissioner would also be welcome to serve on the committee.

Staff recommends that the City Commission proceed with issuing the Request for Qualifications at this time. This item will return to the Commission for final action.