Georgetown Business Improvement District. Request for Proposals. Georgetown Gateways Project

Transcription

1 Georgetown Business Improvement District Request for Proposals Georgetown Gateways Project November

2 Contents Project Overview... 3 Project Goals... 6 Primary Gateway Site Descriptions... 7 Gateway Design Elements Project Budget for Design Services and Deliverables Eligibility Selection Process Selection Criteria Preliminary Timeline Design and Approval Process Design Guidelines Submission Requirements Submission Deadline How to Apply Other Requirements Rights and Responsibilities Publicity Application Form

3 Project Overview The Georgetown BID seeks proposals from highly qualified professional Design Teams to develop a comprehensive design plan, including architectural, engineering, and related design and consulting services, for improvements to selected entrance points into Georgetown. The primary focus is five gateways associated with major transportation arteries entering the Georgetown commercial district from Virginia and other neighborhoods of the District of Columbia, and, secondarily, five other entry points to the Georgetown residential neighborhood and commercial district. Georgetown is a federal historic district internationally known as a vibrant shopping and dining destination, historic residential neighborhood, and home to a worldrenowned university. Founded in 1751, Georgetown is the oldest neighborhood in the District of Columbia and predates the founding of the capital city. Georgetown is bounded on the east by Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway from the Potomac River to the north boundary of Dumbarton Oaks Park; on the north by the north boundary of Dumbarton Oaks Park, Whitehaven Street and Whitehaven Parkway to Thirty-fifth Street, south along the middle of Thirty-fifth Street to Reservoir Road, west along the middle of Reservoir Road to Glover Archibold Park; on the west by Glover Archibold Park from Reservoir Road to the Potomac River; and on the south by the Potomac River to the Rock Creek Parkway. Within this area GBID s jurisdictional boundaries cover approximately thirty-five blocks of the Georgetown commercial district. 3

4 Established in 1999 by its property owners and merchants, the Georgetown Business Improvement District (GBID) is a publicly chartered, private, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the accessibility, attractiveness and overall appeal of Georgetown s commercial district. It is organized as a not-for-profit corporation in the District of Columbia, and registered by Mayor s order under the District of Columbia Business Improvement District Act. With more than 1,000 members, the organization s mission focuses on keeping Georgetown clean, safe, accessible and economically strong. From marketing, 4

5 communications and special events, to transportation, economic development, destination management and streetscape, the Georgetown BID contributes to the vitality and quality of life in Georgetown. Governed by a Board of Directors elected by its membership, the Georgetown BID is proud of the role it has played in the ongoing evolution of Georgetown as an exceptional shopping, dining and visitor destination. Georgetown has five primary commercial gateways: 1. K Street where the street dips below the Whitehurst Freeway 2. The northern end of the Key Bridge at Francis Scott Key park 3. M Street at the western end of the bridge over Rock Creek Parkway 4. Pennsylvania Avenue at the western end of the bridge over Rock Creek Parkway 5. Wisconsin Avenue at Reservoir Road Georgetown also has five secondary gateways: 1. P Street at the western end of the bridge over Rock Creek Parkway 2. Q Street at the western end of the bridge over Rock Creek Parkway 3. Washington Harbour 4. The Capital Crescent Trail on the eastern side of the former Aqueduct Bridge 5. Reservoir Road at 34 th Street Gateway Locations Primary Commercial Corridors Secondary Residential, Parks 5

6 These entry points serve as portals for the variety of pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, and public transit riders that come to Georgetown. However, these entry points do not currently reflect Georgetown s status as a historic district, residential neighborhood, vibrant commercial district, and iconic international destination. Project Goals Enhance the entry points into Georgetown in a way that is informative, complementary, reflective of its historic character, and unique to Georgetown. Create a sense of anticipation and arrival for visitors 6

7 Create a welcoming and familiar return for residents and employees working in Georgetown Orient and inform those entering Georgetown of its layout, major attractions and events. Primary Gateway Site Descriptions Each of the Gateways are different some radically (K Street), some by degrees (M Street and Pennsylvania Avenue), and some are much more residential and smaller scale (Wisconsin Avenue and the secondary Gateways) and require different elements, approaches, and scales. The follow site plans are for the five primary gateways; review of the secondary gateway sites will be part of the collaborative design process. 1. K Street: This gateway is unique and the most restrictive given its confinement of the down-ramp stone walls as it descends below Whitehurst Freeway to either side. It is flanked by very narrow sidewalks and the primary sidewalk is on the south side of K Street. This site differs from the other because there is limited sidewalk space for any design elements. This location also fails to mark the character of Georgetown more than any other primary gateway. The greatest opportunity is the underside of the Whitehurst Freeway structure, which is controlled by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). No element may be attached to the underside of the structure such that it hangs down and distracts drivers but the support structure presents other opportunities for painting or other gateway elements. Another part of this area that may be pursued for improvement is the greening of the gravel areas at the NW corner of 29 th and K Streets (owned by DDOT) which would form an attractive entrance point complementing the opposite south side of K Street recently landscaped. Additional planning elements that should be considered are the potential enhancements of K Street as a multimodal roadway with new bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, a potential streetcar alignment on K Street, and the future redevelopment of the West Heating Plant. 7

8 Overhead view: K Street Street View: K Street looking west 8

9 Street View: K Street looking west 2. Key Bridge: This approach represents one of the primary entrance points into the District and the only out-of-state entrance directly into Georgetown. The iconic Key Bridge crosses the Potomac River from Rosslyn, VA, and the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. It lands at the intersection of 35 th Street and M Street, Georgetown s major east-west thoroughfare, and is flanked by Francis Scott Key Park, which is controlled by the National Park Service (NPS). Design elements on NPS property will need to consider NPS design guidelines. This gateway location is approximately 1/3 rd mile from Georgetown University. 9

10 Overhead view: Key Bridge and M Street Street View: Key Bridge and M Street looking northeast 10

11 Street View: Key Bridge and M Street looking southeast 3. M Street: This entrance point and Pennsylvania Avenue converge as a major eastern entrance point to Georgetown from downtown DC. M Street should be considered individually where distinctly separate from Pennsylvania Avenue (e.g. the bridge landing points), as well as combined where sharing site features (e.g. where they form the Meigs Park and the landscaped island just opposite to the west). Site includes: light poles on the M Street bridge for banners; the sidewalk and park on the north side of M Street at the western end of the M Street bridge; the sidewalk on the south side of M Street at the western end of the M Street bridge and the grounds of the future Eastbanc development on the site of the current Valero gas station; Meigs Park bounded by M Street, 28 th Street, and Pennsylvania Avenue, which is controlled by NPS; and the landscaped island west of Meigs Park, also controlled by NPS. 4. Pennsylvania Avenue: Site includes the light poles on the Pennsylvania Avenue bridge for banners; the sidewalk on the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue at the western end of the bridge and the grounds of the future Eastbanc development on the site of the current Valero gas station; the sidewalk on the south side of Pennsylvania Avenue at the western end of the bridge between the Four Seasons Washington, D.C. and the Rock Creek Trail entrance; Meigs Park bounded by M Street, 28 th Street, and Pennsylvania Avenue, which is controlled by NPS; and the landscaped island west of Meigs Park, also controlled by NPS. 11

12 Overhead View: M Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Street View: M Street looking west 12

13 Street View: M Street looking south Street View: M Street looking east 13

14 Street View: Pennsylvania Avenue looking west Street View: Pennsylvania Avenue looking east 14

15 5. Wisconsin Avenue: This entrance into the Book Hill area at the north end of Georgetown is a different scale than the others and includes a mix of small commercial and adjacent residential. The beginning of the Georgetown BID area is the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and R Street at the Georgetown Library. This intersection may be the most appropriate for a gateway element though opportunities also exist along Wisconsin Avenue near the intersections of Wisconsin Avenue, Reservoir Road, and 33 rd Street. Overhead View: Wisconsin Avenue between R Street and Reservoir Road 15

16 Street View: Wisconsin Avenue at R Street looking south Street View: Wisconsin Avenue at Reservoir Road looking south Gateway Design Elements The design goal is to develop a kit of parts that can be selectively applied in different ways appropriate to each unique Gateway; not all elements would be used at all locations and some locations may only require one or two elements depending on the nature of the site. These elements should have a consistency and 16

17 intelligibility across the program, and be unique to Georgetown. The program will be developed to facilitate phasing either by phasing in elements across all locations or phasing by location with all design elements for that location. 1. Entrance Marker The entrance marker may be a sign, sculpture, structure, pylon, or other element that announces arrival in Georgetown. The marker should have a unique historical/cultural connection to Georgetown as well as inclusion of its founding date of 1751, and be viewable from 360 degree. Entrance markers should be similar at each gateway but may vary in scale and/or the specific design details at each site as appropriate. Markers should be illuminated at night and be readable at both a pedestrian and vehicular scale. 2. Wayfinding and Historical Content One of the most important elements at entrance points primarily for pedestrian and bicyclist use - is one which communicates location, orientation, wayfinding, and historic context. The execution of this element could be similar to the District of Columbia s Heritage Trail Program signs. The signage should allow for content on two sides, one which includes a pedestrian-scale map that orients visitors to where they are and identifies major destinations in Georgetown. The opposite side would have general historical content about the Georgetown neighborhood overall and could form the introduction to a later extension of the program along major thoroughfares and about specific landmark sites. The Georgetown BID will develop the content with community stakeholders through a separate process. 3. Site Furnishings Site furnishing could include seating for resting and orientation for bicyclists and pedestrians before continuing into Georgetown. 4. Lighting Enhancement 17

18 Lighting enhancement could include provisions to add lighting to gateway elements, the ground plane, and landscaping to draw attention at night, but at a scale and intensity appropriate for a historic district. 5. Landscape Enhancement Certain areas at Gateways will be identified where landscaping could be improved or expanded with shrubs, flowering plants, trees, and other plantings. Designs for landscape enhancements should consider ease of maintenance, hardiness, and coordination with existing flower baskets on light poles in the commercial district. 6. Banners Limited use of banners can offer a great opportunity for communication and visual stimulus. Banners could be mounted to two to four bridge light poles at the end of the bridges (Key Bridge, M Street, and Pennsylvania Avenue) leading into Georgetown, but just outside the historic district. They could allow for permanent signage and for rotational fabric to advertise seasonal content related to activities or special events in Georgetown. Precedent Images The following images serve as examples of existing placemaking and gateway elements in Georgetown, existing gateways elsewhere in the District, and the design elements in the kit of parts. These examples are not meant to constrain proposed designs or dictate the nature of Georgetown gateways elements but rather to serve as a point of reference for existing gateway elements. 18

19 Existing GBID-sponsored placemaking elements: flower baskets, holiday lighting on street trees in Meigs Park, and holiday decorations on light poles Former and existing signs identifying the threshold of Georgetown and destinations within Georgetown: Old Georgetown Historic District, Georgetown University, and the C&O Canal National Historic Park Entrance markers for other neighborhoods in the District of Columbia: Glover Park, Park View, and LeDroit Park 19

20 Light pole banners and signs for other DC neighborhoods: H Street NE, NoMa, and Mount Pleasant Gateway markers and orientation/wayfinding wall and street elements in Brooklyn 20

21 DC Heritage Trail Signs Project Budget for Design Services and Deliverables The maximum project budget for Phase 1 Design Services is $75,000. Any remaining funds from this appropriation will be added to potential future construction costs in Phase 2. The scope of design services includes the following: 1. After award of contract, meet with GBID and the Gateways Committee for an initial meeting to review program, approach, design ideas, and scope. 2. Visit sites, develop appropriate plans, and site documentation on-site and as may be available from various DC sources. 3. Provide a comprehensive design plan for the five primary gateways that is presentation-ready for the Georgetown BID to use to secure permits. Each gateway location does not require the same number or scale of design elements. Assume the following submissions (with hard copies and electronic media) each followed by a presentation/meeting to GBID/Gateways Committee: Concept, Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction/Permit/Bid Documents. GBID staff may schedule conference calls with the Design Team as needed between each meeting with the Gateways Committee. Both the Design Team and GBID staff will be available by phone and during the normal work week. 21

22 4. Provide recommendations for complementary design elements appropriate for each secondary gateway. Applicants do not need to provide comprehensive design plans for the secondary gateways at the same level of design as for the primary gateways. 5. Provide cost estimates for construction of proposed design, starting with the Schematic Design Submission and updated with each subsequent submission. 6. Provide a maintenance plan for the proposed design elements in the final design plan. 7. Provide a damaged design element repair plan for the proposed design elements in the final design plan. 8. Provide two public presentations to necessary regulatory agencies to secure approvals and permits. 9. Include the appropriate Consultants required to complete the scope of the services, which may include Structural, Electrical, Civil, and Landscape. 10. Construction Administration Services will be defined and engaged as Phase 2. It is anticipated that implementation of the designs will be phased depending on the availability of funding. The GBID may seek additional funding for fabrication upon the completion of the designs. Eligibility This RFP is open to all professional design teams with practices located within a 50 mile radius of Washington, DC, with successful past experience working in historic districts, with a preference for firms familiar with Georgetown and the relevant review agencies and stakeholders. Selection Process The Georgetown BID has convened a Georgetown Gateways Committee comprising business, community, and government stakeholders that will review proposals and may select up to five (5) firms to be interviewed in person. These firms are encouraged to bring to the interview initial conceptual ideas and relevant past 22

23 precedents, but are not required to create designs or renderings for the interview. From these interviews a finalist will be chosen to serve as a design partner with the GBID to develop final designs and implementation options for each site in collaboration with business, community, and government stakeholders. Selection Criteria A practicing design professional supported by the appropriate consultants and disciplines necessary to complete the scope of this work. Demonstrated artistic and design excellence in comparable projects through innovation and originality as evidenced in previous work. Experience working in historic districts. Experience working in or a familiarity with Georgetown and its local regulatory and review processes (including the District of Columbia government, U.S. Commission of Fine Arts Old Georgetown Board, and National Park Service) is a plus. Ability to complete the commission as required by the project schedule. Experience, availability, and willingness to participate in a community stakeholder process to develop consensus design solutions, including incorporating comments from community stakeholders and participating in public meetings separate from the entitlements process. Previous work that demonstrates structural and surface soundness, durability, ability to withstand public interaction, resistance to vandalism, weathering, excessive maintenance, and excessive repair costs. Previous work is appropriate for placement on an urban pedestrian site and in a historic context. Proven track record of completing work on time and within budget. Preliminary Timeline Request for Proposals Released: November 4, 2016 Proposals Due: November 30, 2016 Gateways Committee Notifies Finalists: December 9, 2016 Gateways Committee Interviews: December 14-16,

24 Selected Team Notified: December 21, 2016 Collaborative Design Process: January June 2017 Construction and Installation: Design and Approval Process The Georgetown Gateways Committee comprises representatives of the business community, architectural community, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E (ANC), the Citizens Association of Georgetown, the National Park Service, the District Department of Transportation, the DC Office of Planning, Georgetown University, and the Old Georgetown Board of the US Commission of Fine Arts. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) may also comment on designs related to the Whitehurst Freeway. The Gateways Committee will meet on a semi-regular basis with the finalist to develop consensus designs that will satisfy the requirements of the above District and federal regulatory agencies. The entitlements process may include a Preliminary Design Review Meeting (PDRM) with DDOT and OP, public presentations to the DDOT Public Space Committee, public presentations to the ANC, and public presentations to the OGB. Applicants should expect to make two public presentations and should provide completed plans that the Georgetown BID can use in additional public presentations necessary to secure final regulatory approval. The GBID has the discretion to implement the designs through a phased approach as funding becomes available. Design Guidelines Designs will be compatible in scale and format to the site and the historic character of the neighborhood. Designs must be understandable at a pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular scale. Proposals must consider the surrounding community and not impede current bicycle, vehicle, or pedestrian uses of the spaces. Proposals must ensure the design elements will be durable, resistant to vandalism and weathering, easy to maintain, and safe for the public. 24

25 Proposals may undergo a security review by local transportation, historic preservation, and public safety authorities. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has regulatory oversight with respect to construction activities in public space within the District of Columbia. Final installations shall comply with the relevant DDOT standards, including those found within the DDOT Public Realm Design Manual and the DDOT Design and Engineering Manual. Designs may also require a Preliminary Design Review Meeting (PDRM) with DDOT and the DC Office of Planning and review by the DDOT Public Space Committee. The National Park Service has regulatory oversight over NPS property and may require that installations comply with NPS design guidelines. Submission Requirements 1. Application Form: Please complete the cover application form on page 28. If you would prefer to type your information, please include the following: full Legal Name (and other Professional Name as applicable), Address, Daytime Telephone, Evening Telephone, Address, and Website (optional). 2. Cover letter: Describe how this project relates to your past work and how you would approach the project. This letter should not exceed two (2) pages. 3. Firm Information a. Provide primary contact information for your firm. b. Provide a brief description and history of your firm, including size, location(s), notable accomplishments and awards, and current number of employees. Please identify the office that will serve this project. c. Provide the following for company principals and design team: names, biographies, special qualifications, recognitions, and awards. d. Describe the firm s overall approach and unique talent qualifications for this project. e. Disclose any current legal actions, suits, litigation, or settlements 25

26 reached in the last five (5) years in excess of $50,000. f. Provide three (3) references, to include a combination of both recent clients and professional relationships. References shall include accurate current contact information. 4. Proposed Budget a. Provide a detailed explanation of your design fee, including any subconsultants, meetings, and presentations 5. Proposed Team Structure a. Provide an overall explanation of your team structure including subconsultants, and team member roles and responsibilities. b. Describe the qualifications of key individuals assigned to this project. 6. Representative Projects Relevant Experience a. Provide all relevant information pertaining to your firm s experience with urban planning and public space projects, involving comparable urban streetscape elements. b. Provide three to five (3-5) sample projects representing a similar scope, complexity, and program and include relevant details, including completion date, institution name and location, descriptions/photographs, proposed and actual budget. Submission Deadline Submissions must be received by 5:00 PM (EST) on November 30, Submissions received after the deadline will not be accepted. How to Apply Applicants should submit all materials to: Georgetown Business Improvement District ATTN: Georgetown Gateways Project 26

27 1000 Potomac Street, NW, Suite 122 Washington, DC Other Requirements Selected Designer or Team will: Enter into an agreement with the GBID for the duration of the project. For the duration of the contract the design team will be required to maintain all relevant licenses and carry appropriate professional liability insurance. Work with the GBID to determine the best strategy for final documentation required to execute fabrication and installation of the artwork. Work with recommended contractors, vendors, fabricators and installers, obtain cost estimates, and develop fabrication and installation schedules. Keep a list of itemized expenses and purchase or service receipts for auditing and financial reporting purposes, and for payment of reimbursable expenses. Rights and Responsibilities The GBID has the right to cancel this RFQ and/or decline any or all RFQ submissions. All materials provided under contract to the GBID will be considered the property of the GBID and are for its exclusive use. Publicity The GBID will produce marketing and event materials related to any dedication ceremonies and include the Design Team s information on the GBID website, social media, and other media outlets as necessary. A weather-proof plaque or label with pertinent information and GBID approved text will be installed along with the design elements. The GBID may host a public dedication ceremony upon installation of the design elements at each gateway. The GBID reserves the right to photograph the artwork for educational purposes, brochures, and other publicity. In all printed materials, the Georgetown BID will make every effort to credit the designer and/or design team. 27

28 Application Form Georgetown Business Improvement District Request for Proposals - Georgetown Gateways Project Applicant s Name(s): Mailing Address: City: State: Zip code: Phone: Mobile (optional): address: Web site (optional): Deadline: Submissions must be received by 5:00 PM EST on November 30, Application checklist: Application Form Cover Letter Firm Information Fee Structure CV/Resume(s) of Principals and Designers At least three Professional References Team Structure Three to five sample projects 28