2026-13 - Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services_final draft.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Seeking Historic Restoration Services for the Cove Warehouse

#2026-13 (Replaces Withdrawn RFP# 2026-04)

April 6, 2026

This solicitation replaces the previously issued RFP#2026-04, which has been withdrawn.

The Town of Wethersfield is seeking proposals from qualified historic restoration firms for improvements to be completed on the Cove Warehouse, located on Hanmer Road within the Cove Park in Wethersfield, CT. The Town of Wethersfield is the owner of the structure. The Town is seeking restoration and repair services from a qualified historical restoration firm. A full scope of work list can be found under the Scope of Work section.

A copy of this RFP can be obtained online any time after Monday, April 6, 2026 or by e-mailing the Finance Department at purchasing@wethersfieldct.gov. The Town must receive your proposal in the Finance Department located on the 2nd floor of Town Hall at 505 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT, no later than 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2025. Proposers must submit three (3) paper copies of their proposal and one (1) digital copy in PDF format. The Town reserves the right to reject any proposal deemed not to be in its best interest and waive minor technicalities. Postmarks, faxes, and email proposals will not be considered.

The Town of Wethersfield is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

The Town of Wethersfield reserves the right to reject any and all submissions or cancel this procurement at any time if deemed in the best interest of the Town of Wethersfield.

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

RFP# 2026-13

mailto:purchasing@wethersfieldct.gov

Proposal Submission and Deadline

The Town of Wethersfield must receive your proposal in the Finance Department located on the 2nd floor of Town Hall no later than 12:00 p.m. on May 8, 2026. Proposers must submit three (3) paper copies of their proposal in designated envelopes clearly marked with the bid title and opening date as noted below and one (1) digital copy in PDF format. The Town reserves the right to reject any proposal deemed not to be in its best interest and waive minor technicalities. Postmarks, faxes, and email proposals will not be considered.

Proposals shall be delivered to:

Town of Wethersfield, Finance Department Purchasing Agent 505 Silas Deane Highway Wethersfield, CT 06109

Each proposal shall be submitted in an envelope clearly labeled as “Proposal Information” bearing the name and address of the respondent and addressed:

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - CONSULTANT SERVICES

HISTORIC RESTORATION SERVICES FOR THE COVE WAREHOUSE

THE TOWN OF WETHERSFIELD

BID OPENING: May 8, 2026

Background The Cove Warehouse is the last remaining of the six warehouses that stood on the Connecticut River’s edge to accommodate Wethersfield’s shipping trade during the first century of the Town’s existence. It was built around a bend in the river, circa 1680, and stored goods such as lumber and food, including Wethersfield’s famous red onions, before being transported on ships as Wethersfield’s trade with the West Indies grew. The other warehouses were swept away in the massive flood of 1697, which also created the Wethersfield Cove as we know it today.

In 1928, the Town voted to adopt a seal which displays a depiction of the Warehouse, designed by Jared B. Standish, and the Warehouse itself was donated to the Town in 1931. The Warehouse became a museum overseen by the Wethersfield Historical Society in 1962, and is leased to the Wethersfield Historical Society for the annual rent of one rope of red onions. The public is able to tour the Warehouse on most Saturdays and Sundays, late May 25 through mid- October and through special requests.

The Warehouse was built in the form of post and beam construction and the frame is free standing. It was restored numerous times, including in 1928 through the support of the Russell K. Bourne D.S.C. Post (now the Bourne-Keeney Post) of the American Legion and with the help of Jared Butler Standish. During this restoration it was dedicated as part of the Town’s 300th Anniversary in 1934. In 1936, after a large flood, a raised stone foundation was built for

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services the Cove Warehouse by prisoners from Wethersfield’s State Prison, on which it still sits on today.

Funding for this project will be general fund dollars from the Town. Prevailing wage is application is expected given the scope of the work.

The design architect for this project is Quisenberry Arcari & Malik. They have provided current condition drawings and will be reviewing the work to ensue that it meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation (The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation - Historic Preservation Tax Incentives (U.S. National Park Service)

Mandatory Site Walk Through A mandatory walk through will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 11am-1pm at the Cove Warehouse for bidders to review current conditions of the structure identified in the project. You must attend the walk through to submit a proposal.

Questions Questions about this RFP may be directed, in writing, to the Finance Department, by email at purchasing@wethersfieldct.gov no later than April 28, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Responses to questions will be provided on the Town website no later than May 1, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

The Town of Wethersfield reserves the right to answer questions only from those who have attended the mandatory walk throughs. The Town of Wethersfield may combine similar questions and give only one answer. All questions and answers will be compiled into a written amendment to this RFP.

Scope of Work The Consultant will:

1. Conduct a preliminary project kick-off meeting with Town of Wethersfield staff to discuss a project plan and timeline.

2. Working from the drawings prepared by QAM Architecture, present restoration plan to the Wethersfield Historic District Commission for approval to receive a Certificate of Appropriateness.

3. Repair, restore or replace the items below:

a. Roof: Remove wood shingles and flashings. Assume 10% replacement required for any rotted sheathing boards discovered. Install new cedar shake roof over cedar breather underlayment.

Match existing flashings in kind, replicate existing wood cornice, fascia, and corner blocks.

b. Walls: Remove existing board cladding. Install new board cladding to match in size and material. Salvage and reuse existing iron nails for installation of cladding.

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

RFP# 2026-13

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/taxincentives/secretarys-standards-rehabilitation.htm https://www.nps.gov/subjects/taxincentives/secretarys-standards-rehabilitation.htm mailto:purchasing@wethersfieldct.gov

c. Windows: Restore existing windows, replicating muntins where missing. Reglaze with existing unbroken panes of historic glass. Replicate existing wood casings, sills and lintels throughout.

d. Stone Masonry: Repoint 50% of joints with historically accurate mortar mix.

Submit existing mortar sample to testing lab to determine composition of mortar.

Install blind copper flashing behind cladding extending over the top of angled bricks on north wall and point brick to improve drainage away from building

e. Doors and Hatches: Replicate existing grade level entrance door on east wall and salvage and reuse all existing hardware and nails on new door. Replicate basement level would hatch with new to match and salvage and reuse all existing hardware and nails on new door. Replicate all wood hatches with new to match, and salvage and reuse all existing hardware and nails on new hatches. Replicate hatches where missing. Reinstall all existing iron hatch dogs and provide new dogs to match where missing.

f. Miscellaneous: Existing hoist beams and block and tackle are to remain in place.

Document location of existing rigging pass-through, cleat, and “High Water” plaque and reinstall in original location once siding is complete. Salvage and reinstall existing barrier boards in hatchway on west elevation.

g. Allowance for minor framing repairs.

4. If there are other items you believe should be included within the scope of work, please prove a list description and cost separate of the items above.

5. All proposals should follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and provide this link The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation - Historic Preservation Tax Incentives (U.S. National Park Service)

Procurement Schedule—

See below. Dates after the due date for proposals (“Proposals Due”) are non-binding target dates only (*). The Town of Wethersfield may amend the schedule as needed

• RFP Released: April 6, 2026

• Mandatory Walk-Through Date: Wednesday April 22, 2026 from 11AM-1PM

• Deadline for Questions: Tuesday, April 28, 2026

• Deadline for Replies to Questions: Friday, May 1, 2026

• Proposals Due: Friday, May 8, 2026

• (*) Proposer Selection: End of May 2026

• (*) Completion of Work: November 15, 2026

Minimum Qualifications of Proposers To qualify for a contract award, a proposer must have the following minimum qualifications:

• Qualifying bidders must demonstrate specific work experience in completing similar projects

Selection Criteria

• The selection for award will be based on lowest responsible and qualified bidder.

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

RFP# 2026-13

• Responsibility will be evaluated based on the candidate’s previous experience, qualifications of the bidder including quality of the proposal, references, quality of samples (previous work products), and the ability to competently complete the work within the allotted budget and period of time.

• Bidders are required to produce examples of similar work experience.

• Preference will be given to bidders who have extensive experience utilizing the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties

Proposal Requirements Proposal must contain the following items:

1. Cover Sheet.

The Cover Sheet is Page 1 of the proposal.

The proposer must develop a Cover Sheet that includes the information below. Legal Name is defined as the name of the provider or vendor submitting the proposal. Contact Person is defined as the individual who can provide additional information about the proposal or who has immediate responsibility for the proposal. Authorized Official is defined as the individual empowered to submit a binding offer on behalf of the proposer to provide services in accordance with the terms and provisions described in this RFP and any amendments or attachments hereto.

• RFP Name or Number:

• Legal Name:

• Street Address:

• Town/City/State/Zip:

• Contact Person:

• Title:

• Phone Number:

• E-Mail Address:

• Authorized Official:

• Title:

• Signature:

2. CONTENTS OF PROPOSAL

a. Executive Summary.

Proposals must include a high-level summary of the main proposal and cost proposal. The summary must also include the organization’s eligibility and qualifications to respond to this RFP and a brief overview of why the Respondent should be selected for the activities highlighted in the scope of services.

b. Main Proposal

To Submit a Responsive Proposal:

The proposal must include but is not limited to:

• Firm Qualifications

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

• Team Member Credentials, including resumes Staffing Expectations Qualifying bidders must have similar/related background and experience in historic architecture.

The Proposer must certify that the personnel identified in its response to the RFP will be the persons actually assigned to the project. Any additions, deletions, or changes in personnel assigned to the project must be approved by the Town of Wethersfield in advance of their exclusion or inclusion, with the exception of personnel who have terminated employment.

Replacements for personnel who have terminated employment are subject to approval by the Town of Wethersfield and SHPO. At its discretion, the Town of Wethersfield may require removal and replacement of any of the Proposer’s personnel who do not perform adequately on the project in the sole opinion of the Town of Wethersfield, regardless of whether they were previously approved by the Town of Wethersfield.

• Project Understanding/Methodology/Scope. Should include:

1. Start Date

2. Timetable / Schedule

3. Tasks, Deliverables

4. Methodologies

5. Measurable Objectives

• Relevant Project Experience.

• References

• Fee Proposal

• Certificate of Insurance

Insurance Requirements

• Proposer shall maintain all required insurance in amounts, form, substance and quality acceptable to the State, as described more fully in Appendix, attached hereto and made a part hereof. A certificate evidencing such insurance shall be delivered to the Official Contact

Insurance and Indemnity Requirements Refer to Attachment C.

Attachments The following information is provided:

• Attachment A Fair Employment Practices for Qualifications of Bidders

• Attachment B Non-Collusive Affidavit of Proposer

• Attachment C Insurance and Indemnity Requirements

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

• Attachment D Ordinance Providing for Local Preference

• Attachment E Affidavit Pursuant to the Ordinance Providing for Local

Preference

• Attachment F Cove Warehouse Structural Assessment

• Attachment G Cove Warehouse Current Condition Drawings with Work Scope

• Attachment H Draft Contract

Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

ATTACHMENT A

FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES FOR QUALIFICATIONS OF BIDDERS

TOWN OF WETHERSFIELD, CONNECTICUT

This questionnaire on fair employment practices for the qualifications of bidders is part of this bid document and must be returned with your submission. Failure to complete this form may be sufficient cause for rejection of your bid. It will be necessary to submit this form on an annual basis in order for the town to maintain and up-to-date file on your progress in equal opportunity employment. As required by federal and state laws and regulations, the town may request additional equal employment opportunity information from you.

“Fair” or “equal employment” means the practice of not discriminating among persons on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin or age.

This questionnaire will be evaluated by the purchasing agent and his recommendations will be a factor in determining whether your firm is to be retained on the town’s bid list.

Section A Please answer all the following questions:

Name of firm ______________________________________________________

Address____________________________________________________________

Telephone number ________________________________________________

Nature of business________________________________________________

Number of full time employees___________________________________

Person completing this form___________________________________________

Title________________________________________________________________

Section B Do you have a written equal employment policy? Yes ___No___

If yes, please attach copy If no, do you plan to adopt one in the near future? Yes ___No___

Section C Do you have a written affirmative action policy? Yes ___No___

If yes, please attach copy

If no, do you plan to adopt one in the near future? Yes___No___

Section D Do you utilize affirmative action in employment practices, such as advertising all positions with the equal opportunity clause, making special efforts to recruit minority and female job applicants and reviewing job-testing procedures to ensure that no discriminatory biases exist? Yes ______No______

Section E Please fill out the data requested in the following table for all full-time employees of your organization.

The statistics used must be no older than 3 months from the time this proposal is submitted.

Employment status as of___________________________________________

Male Female

W hi te (n on

H is pa ni c)

B la ck pa pa ni c A si an

/p ac ifi c is la nd er

A m er ic an

In di

T ot al m al e

W hi te pa

B la ck pa pa ni c

A si an /p ac ifi c is la nd er

A m er ic

In di

T ot al fe m al e

Officers/Managers Professionals Technicians Sales workers Office/Clerical Craftsmen (skilled) Operators(semi-skilled)

Laborers(unskilled) Service Workers

Section F

Name of officer of firm_____________________________________________

Signature of officer________________________________________________

Date__________________________________________________________________

ATTACHMENT B

NON-COLLUSIVE AFFIDAVIT OF PROPOSER

The undersigned proposer, having fully informed themselves regarding the accuracy of the statements made herein certifies that;

(1) the proposer developed the bid independently and submitted it without collusion with, and without any agreement, understanding, or planned common course of action with any other entity designed to limit independent bidding or competition, and

(2) the proposer, its employees and agents have not communicated the contents of the bid to any person not an employee or agent of the proposer and will not communicate the proposal to any such person prior to the official opening of the proposal.

The undersigned proposer further certifies that this statement is executed for the purpose of inducing the Town of Wethersfield to consider the proposal and make an award in accordance therewith.

Legal Name of Proposer/Firm Business Address

Signature and Title Date

Printed Name of Title Person

Subscribed and sworn to me this _____day of _______________, 20____.

Notary Public My Commission Expires

ATTACHMENT C

INSURANCE AND INDEMNITY REQUIREMENTS

The Firm shall be responsible for maintaining insurance coverage in force for the life of this contract of the kinds and adequate amounts to secure the Firm’s obligations under this contract with an insurance company or companies with an AM Best Rating of A-: VII or better licensed to write insurance in Connecticut and acceptable to the Town of Wethersfield. Where no insurer so licensed in Connecticut will provide the required coverage, the insurer shall, at minimum, be approved to do business in Connecticut (listed on the current “White List” of the Connecticut Insurance Department).

As to all insurance required, the insurer shall provide the Town of Wethersfield, with Certificates of Insurance prior to the execution of this contract, describing the coverage and providing that the insurer shall give the Town of Wethersfield written notice at least thirty (30) days in advance of any termination, expiration, or any and all changes in coverage.

Deductibles and self-insurance shall be declared in the Certificate of Insurance and are subject to the approval of the Town of Wethersfield.

Such insurance or renewals or replacements thereof shall remain in force during the Fs responsibility under this Agreement. The kinds and amounts of such insurance coverage shall not be less than the kinds and amounts designated herein, and the Firm agrees that the stipulation herein of the kinds and minimum amounts of insurance coverage, or the acceptance by the Town of Wethersfield of Certificates of Insurance indicating the kinds and limits of coverage shall in no way limit the liability of the Firm to any such kinds and amounts of insurance coverage.

The Firm agrees that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, it shall hold harmless and indemnify the Town and all of its officers, agents and employees (hereinafter collectively called the “Indemnitees”) and shall defend and protect the Indemnitees from and against any and all loss, cost, liability, claim, damage and expense including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses, incurred in connection with or arising from or alleged to have occurred in connection with or arisen from (1) any injury, illness or death to any person or damage to any person or property occurring with respect to, in connection with or as a result of and to the extent caused by the negligent acts or omissions of the Firm, its employees, or any other person or entity for whose acts the Firm may be liable, and any litigation, whether material or immaterial, with respect to any negligent act or omission of the Firm, its employees, or any other person or entity for whose acts the Firm may be liable, or with respect to or in connection with Firm’s performance or non-performance of its obligations under this agreement. As used above, the Firm’s duty to “defend and protect” shall be by counsel reasonably acceptable to the Town and “attorneys fees and expenses” shall include both reasonable attorney’s and paralegals’ fees and expenses. In case any action or proceeding is brought against any of the Indemnitees by reason of any such claim or liability, the Firm, upon notice from the Town, shall protect and defend at the Firm’s sole expense such action or proceeding by counsel reasonably satisfactorily to the Town and the Town agrees to cooperate in such defense. The Firm will pay any judgments entered against the Indemnitees or any of them after exhaustion of all appeals thereof as the Firm shall reasonably determine to undertake. The Firm will also pay all amounts payable in settlement or compromise of any such action or proceeding, and the Town agrees not to settle any such action or proceeding without the Firm’s consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld. In the event the Firm shall fail to protect and defend any of the Indemnitees, the Towns may undertake to protect and defend such Indemnitees and the Firm shall pay to the Towns, upon demand, all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Town in

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services connection therewith, including, without limitation, all reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses.

1. The Firm shall procure and maintain, at its own expense, the following insurance:

a. Worker’s Compensation with minimum statutory limits on Employer’s Liability Part B and Occupational Disease. Workers Compensation shall include waiver of subrogation in favor of the Town and alternate employer endorsement.

b. General Liability Insurance on an occurrence basis with minimum limits of:

$1,000,000 Bodily Injury Per Occurrence $1,000,000 Property Damage or $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit The Towns shall be listed as an additional insured as regards both premise operations and products/completed operations.

Coverage shall include Broad Form Property Damage, Contractual Liability and Completed Operations coverage, Professional Liability where applicable and such other insurance as the Towns may require. The Towns requires that these aggregate limits be maintained by the Firm as required. Firms insurance shall be primary and non-contributory and include waiver of subrogation. It is the responsibility of the Firm or his representative to notify the Towns if ever or whenever the policy limits go below those required above.

If the aggregate limits include defense costs, the Towns should be so notified. It is the responsibility of the Firm and his insuring agent to provide the Town with current certificates throughout the contract period, keeping the required limits in full force and effect. The Towns of Wethersfield and Rocky Hill reserve the right to modify or change the requirements at any time if it is in the best interest of the Town to do so.

c. Auto Liability Insurance with minimum limits of:

$1,000,000 Bodily Injury $1,000,000 Property Damage or $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit All insurance shall be evidenced by a certificate of insurance showing the Firm’s insurance is in force and the carrier shall notify the Towns that the policies will not be canceled with less than 30 days written notice to the Firm. Firms Insurance shall be primary and non-contributory and include waiver of subrogation.

2. On purchase orders where the cost of the work, or contract price, exceeds $100,000 or is hazardous in nature, there shall also be a $4,000,000 umbrella or excess liability layer over the underlying described above. In such case there shall also be required an Owners and Firms Protective Liability policy issued naming the Towns as named insured, with a $1,000,000 per occurrence limit.

The wording for both named insured and additional insured shall read as follows:

The Towns of Wethersfield and Rocky Hill and their respective officers and agents.

3. Professional Liability, $5,000,000 limit (Architects, Engineers, Attorneys including Town Council, Accountants, Actuaries, Agent of Record).

Additional Coverage and Limits may be required based upon the particular services contracted.

Other Conditions

Claims Made Coverage Guidelines - General or Professional Liability The Towns require that the Certificate of Insurance include the retroactive date of the policy. Retroactive dates must be either before or coincident with the Contract’s inception.

The Towns require prompt and immediate notice of the following:

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

1. Erosion of any aggregate limits.

2. Advance of any retroactive dates.

3. Cancellation or non-renewal. Prior 30 day notice.

The Towns require that any extended reporting period premium be paid by the named insured. The reporting of possible claims to the Towns of Wethersfield and Rocky Hill are necessary and the Towns retain the right to require that the extended reporting period be invoked by the Firm at his/her expense. The Towns require that if any excess coverage is secured to meet the requirements that the retroactive dates be concurrent with the primary policy and that the retro dates be either before or coincident with the inception of the Contract. If the retroactive date is moved, or if the policy is canceled or not renewed, the Firm must invoke the tail coverage option, at no expense to the Towns but rather at the expense of the Firm, in order to adequately assure that the policy meets the above requirements.

If, at any time, any of the said policies shall be or become unsatisfactory to the Towns, as to form or substance, or if a surety issuing any such shall become unsatisfactory to the Towns, the Bidder shall promptly obtain a new policy, submit same to the Purchasing Agent for approval and submit a certificate thereof as hereinabove required. Upon the failure of the Bidder to furnish, deliver or maintain same, this contract, at the election of the Towns, may be forthwith declared suspended, discontinued or terminated.

Failure of the Bidder in the above shall not relieve same from any/all liability under the contract, nor shall the insurance requirements be construed to conflict with the obligations of the Bidder concerning indemnification.

In the event that claims in excess of these amounts are filed by reason of any operations under this contract, the amount of excess of such claims, or any portion thereof, may be withheld from payment due or to become due the Bidder until such time as the Bidder shall furnish such additional security covering such claims as may be determined by the Towns.

Note: Proof of insurance in accordance with these specifications must accompany bid submission.

ATTACHMENT D

ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR LOCAL PREFERENCE

TOWNS OF WETHERSFIELD & ROCKY HILL, CONNECTICUT

TOWN BASED BUSINESS

The term “town-based business” shall mean a business with a principal business located within the Town of Wethersfield and/or Rocky Hill. A business shall not be considered a town-based business, unless evidence submitted with each bid submitted by said business to establish that said business has a bona fide principal place of business in Wethersfield and/or Rocky Hill. Such evidence may include evidence of ownership of or a long term lease of the real estate from which the principal place of business is operated, or payment of property taxes on the personal property of the business to be used in performance of the bid.

LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDERS

On any project the lowest responsible bidder shall be determined in the following order:

Provided that such town based resident bidder shall have met all other requirements set forth in this article, any town based resident bidder which has submitted a bid not more than ten (10) percent higher than the lowest most responsible bid may be awarded the bid provided such town based bidder agrees to accept the award of the bid at the amount of the lowest most responsible bid.

If more than one town based resident bidder has submitted a bid not more than ten (10) percent higher than the lowest responsible bid, the lowest responsible bidder shall be that one of the town based resident bidders which had submitted the lowest bid.

IMPLEMENTATION OF LOCAL BIDDER PREFERENCE

Any local vendor meeting the requirements of a local vendor as defined in the above ordinance responding to the solicitation shall be required to submit a signed Local Bidder Affidavit form with their bid submittal.

Failure to submit an affidavit form, approved by the Town of Wethersfield and/or Rocky Hill, may result in your disqualification as a local vendor and ineligibility for contract award.

RESTRICTION OF USE OF LOCAL BIDDER PREFERENCE

This section shall not apply in those instances where the bid requested involves a cooperation purchasing arrangement between the town and other municipalities or the State of Connecticut.

ATTACHMENT E

AFFIDAVIT PURSUANT TO THE

ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR LOCAL PREFERENCE

TOWNS OF WETHERSFIELD & ROCKY HILL, CONNECTICUT

(It is not necessary to submit this form unless you are a Wethersfield and/or Rocky Hill

Town-based Business)

The undersigned, being duly sworn, disposes and says as follows:

1. That he/she is over the age of eighteen (18) years of age;

2. That he/she believes in and understands the obligations of an oath;

3. That he/she is submitting a bid as a “town based business”, pursuant to those conditions delineated in the Town of Wethersfield’s Ordinance Providing for Local Preference.

Name of Local Bidder Date (Please Print)

Signature of Local Bidder

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

Town of Wethersfield

Cove Warehouse

Hanmer Road

Wethersfield, Connecticut

Building Envelope and Structural Assessment Report

January 16, 2025

ATTACHMENT F

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

TOWN OF WETHERSFIELD

Structural and Envelope Assessment Report

Table of Contents

Section Page

1 Introduction 3

2 Executive Summary 4

3 Observations 6

4 Conclusions 21

Attachment A

1 Structural Assessment

Attachment B

1 Opinion of Probable Costs

1. Introduction

Scope of Services

QA+M Architecture LLC was retained in 2024 by the Town of Wethersfield to complete a conditions assessment of the structure and exterior envelope of the historic Old Academy building located on Main Street in the center of town. The

QAM team consisted of:

• Kenton C. McCoy, AIA

Associate Principal and Historic Architect

QA+M Architecture, Farmington, CT

• James K. Grant, PE

Principal and Chief Engineer

James K. Grant Associates, Collinsville, CT

The QA+M team inspected the building on September 5 and October 10, 2024.

The focus of the inspection and study was to evaluate critical envelope and structural assemblies of the building. The report is not a design document nor is it a specification. It is however intended to establish an appraisal of the existing conditions of the building.

Background

The Cove Warehouse is one of the oldest structures in the Town of Wethersfield, having been built in 1680. It is an integral piece to the understanding of the history of the town, when the Connecticut River looped through the cove and provided access for trade. At that time, this and other warehouses stored goods like lumber and foodstuffs (including Wethersfield’s famous red onions) before transport as part of the town’s flourishing trade with the West Indies. In exchange, Wethersfield’s merchants and ship captains would import sugar, molasses and rum from the Caribbean.

Around 1700, a hurricane changed the course of the river, turning what was once a bend in the river into the present cove. The accompanying flood swept away the other six warehouses, leaving only this one. It was restored in 1934 and is today a museum run by the Wethersfield Historical Society which houses an exhibit on Wethersfield’s maritime history of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

2. Executive Summary

In general, the Cove Warehouse was found to be in good structural condition, while the envelope was found to be in fair-to-poor condition.

Walls and Roof

The building is constructed of post-and-beam wood framing with vertical wood board siding. The condition of the framing is more fully described in the structural assessment, but its overall condition is good. The siding, however, is extremely weathered and is in generally poor condition. Many of the boards have rotted out, particularly where they meet the stone foundation wall and are subject to splash-back.

The roof is also constructed of post and beam wood framing, with wood sheathing boards spanning over purlins between the beams. The outside of the roof is covered in wood shake shingles. They, likewise, are extremely weathered. Some shingles are missing and many have rotted out. The roof structure is sound, but the roofing shingles are in poor condition.

Masonry

The Cove Warehouse sits on a massive raised stone masonry foundation with battered (i.s. sloped) walls. The foundation was built in 1936 after the building had been swept off its original foundation in a flood. Given the age of the building, the masonry is in fair-to-good condition. There is some mortar erosion throughout, but particularly on the horizontal shelf at the top of the wall where the wood framing of the warehouse walls above begins. Some brick repairs have been attempted at the top of the stone foundation wall on the north side of the building to direct water away from the building’s sill plate and siding. The brick seems to have been added because the north wall steps back from the face of the foundation wall, thus exposing the top of the wall.

Masonry Openings and Grills

There are several openings in the stone foundation with iron bars to prevent intrusion. These are in generally good condition, though their sills suffer from mortar loss similar to the horizontal stone shelf at the top of the wall.

Windows and Doors

The windows in the Cove Warehouse are older reproduction wood sash, wood muntins, and older plate glass. In some cases they are protected by wooden shutters or by plexiglass inserts. Their glazing putty has failed and in some cases fallen out, so in addition to weathering, they are in fair condition.

There are several types of doors and hatches on the building, providing access to building’s interior, loft, and basement. Because of deterioration of the wood cladding, particularly where the material is within splash distance of grade, they are quite deteriorated. In general, though, they are in poor condition.

Shutters and Hatches

The wood hatches that are left regularly in the closed position are in fair condition.

Those that are typically left in the open position are in poor condition because of water penetration at the top of their board cladding.

3. Observations

The following photographs depict conditions that were observed during the inspection and are recommended for corrective action.

The following photographs show in greater detail the conditions cited in the

Executive Summary.

Walls and Roof

Overall view of Cove Warehouse from the southwest showing stone masonry and wood plank walls

Detail of southwest corner of warehouse showing wall plank deterioration and stone masonry pointing deterioration

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

Walls and Roof, Continued

Overall view of Cove

Warehouse from the northwest showing stone masonry, wood roof, and wood plank walls

Detail of wood plank wall deterioration at splash-back area on stone foundation. Detail also shows miscellaneous repointing attempts in this area.

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

Overall view of Cove

Warehouse from northeast showing deteriorated wood plank siding and stone masonry

Detail view of deteriorated wood plank siding.

Detail view of stone masonry with areas of missing pointing and brick repair to splash-back area

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

Overall view from northwest showing wood shingle gambrel roof

Detail view of wood shake shingle roof showing missing and deteriorated shingles

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

Windows and Doors

Typical newer reproduction window sash were found to be in fair condition.

Wood window frames are in generally good condition, but require miscellaneous repairs and rejoining.

Example of existing wood window frame and sash requiring repairs including rejoining and reglazing work.

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

Windows and Doors, continued

Example of existing wood window frame and sash requiring repairs including rejoining and reglazing work.

Grade level entrance to the Cove

Warehouse showing wood door requiring miscellaneous repairs and partial board replacements. Hardware needs minor repair and reattachment.

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

[Type here]

Page

Shutters and Hatches

Lower level hatchway door to the Cove Warehouse showing wood door requiring miscellaneous repairs and almost complete board replacements.

Hardware needs minor repair and reattachment.

Detail view of existing shutters showing extreme deterioration and missing elements

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

Miscellany

Photographs of the Cove Warehouse taken by the Historic

American Building Survey effort in the 1930’s show a wharf attached to the warehouse along the water’s edge. As part of the building’s renovations, it would, in our opinion, be a great feature to recreate as it would aid in telling the story of the building’s maritime history. A potential cost for this addition is identified in

Appendix B.

4. Conclusion

Based on our observation of the existing conditions at the

Cove Warehouse, the design team has concluded that the envelope is in fair to poor condition and requires extensive repair and replacement.

The structure, however, is in good, sound condition. Please

Refer to Attachment A for a more detailed description.

There are specific areas of the building which require attention as are the areas where water can penetrate the building, and ultimately begin to cause structural problems. These include the roof, walls, windows, doors and shutters. Please refer to

Attachment B, Opinion of Probable Cost, for greater detail.

The design team, QA+M Architecture and James K. Grant

Associates, is pleased to have provided this assessment and welcomes any comments or questions you might have.

WETHERSFIELD COVE WAREHOUSE

533 Main Street Wethersfield, CT

Structural Condition Assessment

Submitted by:

James K. Grant Associates P.O. Box 235 Collinsville, CT 06022

January 10, 2025

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

RFP# 2026-13

kmccoy Text Box Attachment A

Wethersfield Cove Warehouse Structural Condition Assessment

BACKGROUND

James K. Grant Associates was engaged by QA+M Archtecture LLC to conduct a structural condition assessment of the Wethersfield Cove Warehouse of Wethersfield, CT. The purpose of the assessment was to identify structural deficiencies which may compromise the structural performance of the building and require remedial work. The evaluation is based solely on visual observations. No probe holes into hidden spaces were made, no structural calculations were made and no material or load testing was done. Site visits were made on September 5, 2024 and October 10, 2024. Some of the information following was found on the Wethersfield Historical Society website.

STRUCTURAL DESCRIPTION

General

Originally built in the late 17th century, the warehouse has survived historic floods in 1697 and 1936 and now stands on a stone foundation built after the 1936 flood. To protect it from erosion of the sloping soil banks that surround the north and south walls, a stone retaining wall was built in 1971 near the west face of the building with sloped wingwalls extending to the north and south. A sloped stone apron extends from the top of the retaining wall back to the west foundation wall. The warehouse is a timber post and beam structure supported on a stone foundation. It has a dirt floor basement, a first floor at the elevation of the exterior grade on the east side, and a second floor. Exterior walls are clad with vertical wood siding. The roof is a gable form with the gable running in the east-west direction.

Foundation

The stone foundation walls, estimated to be approximately 20" thick at the top and possibly as much as 30" at the base due its battered inside face, was reportedly rebuilt after the 1936 flood, The walls consist of a wide variety of fully mortared, roughly coursed rubble stones. The upper portions of the south, east and west walls utilize a significant amount of brownstone and may not be from the original build, suggesting that extra stones may have been brought in to elevate the building to make more headroom in the basement. The walls extend to an unknown depth below exterior grade and would likely have been placed on wide, flat stones. There are two pipes extending through the base of the south wall to facilitate drainage of water which may infiltrate the basement. There is a door opening out to grade on the north wall and two small window openings at the top of the south wall for ventilation.

First Floor Framing

The floor structure consists of wide, wood planks, approximately 2" thick, supported on log joists which bear on hewn, rectangular timber beams carried on steel columns. Column footing are not visible but would originally likely to be large stones. The joists rest on a ledge at the top of the foundation wall and a sawn timber plate on top of the stone wall passes by the ends of the joists.

Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

Wethersfield Cove Warehouse Structural Assessment

The exterior faces of the plates are flush with the exterior faces of the foundation walls with the exception of the north side where the wood sided upper wall is set back from the face of the stone wall. To protect and seal the otherwise exposed top of the north foundation wall a sloped brick “wash” has been added to prevent water from penetrating the wall. There is a centrally located hatch in the floor that conceals a wood stair down to the basement.

Second Floor Framing

The second floor is accessed by a wooden stair along the south wall. The floor framing utilizes wide planks, approximately 1" thick on rectangular, saw cut, closely spaced wood joists spanning the east-west direction and set into pockets notched into rectangular, hewn timber beams. The beams are supported on square timber columns which align with the steel columns below in the basement.

Roof Framing

The wood shingled, gambrel form roof is framed with widely spaced rafters which spring from eave plates elevated approximately 4 feet above the second floor to rectangular beams at the break in slope and then on up to the ridge where they are lap spliced and pegged to the opposing rafters. There is no ridge beam or board. The beams are supported by square wood columns that align with the columns on the first floor. The roof boards are random width of undetermined thickness, probably 1 inch based on the rafter spacing, The tops of the columns are tied by rectangular beams across to the opposite column. The tie beams support small, closely spaced beams which were probably a later addition. It is not clear that these beams where provided to serve a structural purpose but since they offer lateral support to the east and west gable walls they do have a structural benefit.

Exterior Walls

The vertical siding, approximately 3/4" thick, is supported by nailing to the timber plates at the edge of the floors and by horizontal wood girts spanning between the wall columns. The girts also serve to frame the window openings.

OBSERVATIONS

Foundations

All foundation walls are in very good condition. There is no sign of settlement or bulging but there is a significant amount of mortar loss on the exterior face of the north wall and a much smaller area on the south wall that requires pointing. Comparing the existing north wall conditions (Photo 6) to the conditions depicted in the historic (1930's) photo on page 13 of the Building Envelope Report, the present wall does not appear to be rebuilt. The 1930's photo is not very clear but with close examination the stones appear to match stone-for-stone in the two photos. If the wall is rebuilt as reported, it may have been reconstructed from earlier photos.

Regardless, the north wall is in sound condition but should be 100% repointed to avoid mismatched colors. The south wall should be repointed where needed and matched to the surrounding mortar. All pointing mortar should match existing in composition and color.

James K. Grant Associates Page 3 Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

There is some mortar loss on the interior face of the east wall due to moisture intrusion through the wall. This action causes some deterioration of the mortar resulting in fine particles being deposited at the base of the wall, particularly in the southeast corner. This is not a serious condition but should be monitored every few years for signs of accelerated deterioration.

The west foundation wall wall is in very good condition but should be examined closely for localized mortar loss when pointing is being done on the other walls. The sloped stone apron between the west wall and the stone retaining wall should also be inspected at the same time.

Floor Framing

The steel columns supporting the first floor are replacements for the original wood columns, which were probably rotted at their bases. The wood floor structure has a few minor defects, none needing repair, but is in sound condition. There are some localized signs of prior, minor insect damage and there does not appear to be any active infestations but a licensed insect inspector should be engaged to conduct a thorough inspection. The exterior faces of the timber sill plate on top of the foundation walls are concealed by the siding but the interior faces appear to be in sound condition, free of rot, where observable along the east wall, which has the most chance of rot due to proximity to grade. The floor is firm underfoot and, although not analyzed structurally, is safe for the intended museum occupancy. The floor planks are quite worn on thier top surface but this does not affect their structural integrity. The second floor framing is also in very good condition with a few minor issues not serious enough to warrant repair.

Roof Framing

Even though the roof shingles are in poor condition there is little evidence of adverse effects on the roof structure due to leaks. The ridge line is straight, indicating no spreading of the walls. No issues found.

Exterior Walls

As reported in the building envelope report, the wall cladding on all sides is in very poor condition. This permits water intrusion in many locations where it collects on horizontal surfaces, eventually leading to rot. There are many instances of rotted conditions, especially on the second floor walls. In conjunction with the recommended replacement of the cladding, repairs should be made on all wall framing components which have been compromised. A thorough survey should be conducted to identify those members needing attention.

Miscellany

There is a large amount of wood debris in the basement that should be removed. It is a possible attraction to termites and, more importantly, tinder for fire in the event that someone tosses a flaming object through one of the south wall openings. A wire mesh screen behind the bars should also be considered.

James K. Grant Associates Page 4 Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

Summary

The Cove Warehouse is in good structural condition but requires repair or replacement of some wall framing members which have been affected to some extent by water intrusion. It is also possible that some rot may be found during reroofing. A liberal contingency should be budgeted to account for this possibility.

James K. Grant Associates Page 5 Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut Cove Warehouse Historic Restoration Services

Attachment B

Project Estimate of Probable Cost

January 16, 2025

The following categories of work are those identified in the Building Envelope and Structural Assessment

Report prepared by QA+M Architecture on January 16, 2025. We have assigned estimates of probable cost to each of the categories. These are budget numbers based on our best professional experience and opinion. They are not contractor bids for the work.

Item Description Cost

1 Roof: remove wood shingles and flashings. Replace any rotted sheathing boards discovered. Install new cedar shake roof over cedar breather underlayment

$56,000

2 Walls: remove existing board cladding. Install new board cladding to match in size and material

$37,000

3 Windows: Repair existing windows, replicating muntins where missing. Reglaze with existing unbroken panes of historic glass

$7,000

4 Stone masonry: repoint 50% of joints with historically accurate mortar mix. Point brick joints at top of north stone wall to improve drainage away from building

$15,000

5 Doors and Hatches: refurbish existing grade level entrance door on east wall. Replace basement level would hatch with new to match.

Reuse existing historic hardware. Replace all wood hatches and shutters with new to match.

$10,000

6 General carpentry casing and trim repair or replacement $8,000

7 Allowance for minor framing repairs $10,000

8 Remove debris from…