2025 Kemper Center Building Envelope Restoration Project

Kenosha County, Wisconsin is seeking bids for the 2025 Kemper Center Building Envelope Restoration Project through a competitive Request for Bid (RFB #2501) process. The project involves comprehensive restoration work at the Kemper Center located at 6501 3rd Avenue in Kenosha, focusing on building envelope repairs, window restoration, and exterior preservation. Specific deliverables include restoration of 14 historic windows, repointing of brick masonry, installing new cap flashing, replacing two exterior doors, and restoring exterior light fixtures. The bid requires a base bid with three alternates: restoration of wood window sashes and storm window replacement, repainting exterior window sashes, and restoration of existing exterior light fixtures. A mandatory pre-bid conference was held on January 9, 2025, with the vendor responsibility form due by January 24, 2025, and the final bid submission deadline set for January 29, 2025, at 3:00 PM. Contractors must provide a 5% bid bond and 100% performance and payment bonds, and comply with prevailing wage requirements under the Davis-Bacon Act.

The procurement opportunity includes specific provisions for engaging small, minority, and women-owned businesses, with requirements for contractors to demonstrate capacity to work with diverse business enterprises. Bidders must complete a comprehensive Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire, which requires disclosure of business information, project references, and past performance history. The project may be partially funded through HUD Community Development Block Grant funds, which could introduce additional compliance requirements. Contractors must have demonstrated experience in historic building restoration, with specifications requiring craftspeople having a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the detailed technical specifications and extensive restoration requirements suggest a significant capital investment. The project must be completed by September 30, 2025, and involves specialized restoration work using specific materials like St. Astier NHL 3.5 natural hydraulic lime for mortar, Bedford Indiana Oolitic limestone, Douglas fir for wood repairs, and Sherwin-Williams exterior latex paint systems.