RFQ Manchester Courthouse Architectural Work
Classified Details
- Classified ID
- 2646
- Description
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS MANCHESTER COURTHOUSE ARCHITECTURAL WORK
Interested architects should respond by Friday, August 21, 2026.
SECTION 1: SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND
1.1
The Town of Manchester, Vermont is the owner of the 200-year-old former Bennington County Courthouse located in the historic Village of Manchester. Manchester, through the Northshire Community Courthouse, Inc. (“NCC”) NCC is seeking respondents to a Request for Qualifications from architects to consult with and develop appropriate renovation and restoration plans for this historic building located on the corner of Main Street and Union Street in the Village of Manchester. The ultimate goal is to allow a variety of future uses by the larger Manchester area community, including, but not limited to, small theater, music, conferences, and community meeting events, while preserving the historic nature of this iconic building.
1.2 SCOPE OF WORK:
NCC will be the contact and client for this project, acting with full authority for the Town of Manchester, and coordinating with the Village of Manchester. Anticipated architectural work includes coordinating with NCC and all parties to develop a renovation and restoration plan including handicapped accessibility, fire safety, HVAC options, lighting and electrical needs, as well as acoustical treatment, as needed. The building is a contributing building in the Equinox Historic District listed on the National Register, and the historic nature of the building must be taken into account. Using the CAD files of existing conditions from Badger and Associates, the successful bidder will need to prepare drawings for State approval and Village of Manchester design review hearing. NCC will attend the public meeting and present the case for Village approval. Only exterior changes need Village approval. It is of note that the Village administrative offices are located at the Courthouse building. Architects should make every effort to integrate planning, design and construction phases to ensure NCC’s directed priorities and vision for the project. Some local subcontractors such as electrical and mechanical have history with the building and would be the primary choice for consultation and involvement in any project. The history of the building is generally known, and a period-restoration is not being attempted, so specifics of exactly when changes happened will probably not affect the final product. The building is being presented as a courthouse that has evolved over time and that will be used for public events. The goal is to maintain the feeling of a
courthouse, while allowing a wide variety of uses.
1.3
The work to be completed must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, as well as any other relevant historic building renovation requirements.
SECTION 2: RFQ RESPONSES
2.1
Interested architects should respond by Friday, August 21, 2026. Please mail, deliver, or email Bid responses to both:
Sarah McClintock
Northshire Community Courthouse
P.O. Box 212
Manchester, VT 05254
sarah.mcclintock88@gmail.com
and
Town of Manchester
c/o Scott Murphy, Town Manager
40 Jeff Williams Way
Manchester Center, VT 05255
s.murphy@manchester-vt.gov
The point of contact throughout this process for the Town shall be Sarah McClintock, who may be contacted at 347.844.3398 or the email identified above. Ms. McClintock shall act as the NCC’s project manager, with assistance from William Badger, a Board Member of NCC. The building can be open for inspection upon appointment by calling Sarah McClintock at the number listed above..
2.2
All RFQ responses shall include the following:
A. List of at least two (2) references; and
B. Identification of experience in planning renovations and restoration of historic buildings, with specific examples; and
C. Proof of Professional Liability Insurance; all insurance certificates for the selected architect will need to identify both the Town of Manchester and Northshire Community Courthouse as additional insured for the term of the project.
D. Any other information that the firm believes would be helpful to the NCC and Town in making a
decision.
2.3 All RFQ responses should provide an identification of availability to start the project.
2.4 Proposals should identify a current hourly rate schedule.
2.5 NCC and the Town reserve the right to reject any or all responses if it is in the best interest of the NCC and the Town, as determined by NCC and the Town Manager, in their sole discretion.
- Title
- RFQ Manchester Courthouse Architectural Work
- Application Deadline
- 08/21/2026
- Location
- Manchester Center, VT
- Application URL
Contact Information
- Name
- Black, Gordon
- Phone Number
- (802) 362-1313
- g.black@manchester-vt.gov
- Best Method of Contact