Architecture & Engineering Services: Metroparks Toledo Visitor Center Projects

Metroparks Toledo is requesting Letters of Interest from architecture and engineering firms for comprehensive design services on three visitor center renovation projects, with LOI submissions due September 17, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern via the Metroparks Toledo PlanetBids portal. This is a qualifications-based selection—Metroparks Toledo will directly select the firm without competitive bidding on price.

The scope encompasses building evaluation and condition assessment, utility reviews, code compliance analysis, schematic design options, design development, and construction document preparation. The selected consultant will provide full construction-phase services including site administration, shop drawing reviews, change order evaluation, and warranty follow-up. Metroparks Toledo anticipates a construction budget of approximately $1 million for these locally funded projects and is actively pursuing supplemental outside funding.

The LOI submission is limited to fifteen pages (excluding cover pages and resumes) and must address firm qualifications, relevant project experience, professional staff backgrounds, technical approach, understanding of project objectives, current workload and availability, and proposed scheduling and staffing plans. Firms must demonstrate familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations including DOT-funded projects, and must provide three completed projects from the past eight years with relevant similarities, plus references from at least three previous clients with similar scope.

Selection will be based on experience and strength of assigned staff, technical approach and project understanding, relevance of past projects and performance, and ability to meet the established schedule. The evaluation uses a 100-point scoring matrix. The top-ranked consultant(s) will be required to submit a comprehensive scope of services and detailed fee proposal for review and approval by Metroparks staff, with final contract award subject to approval by the Board of Park Commissioners on September 23, 2026. Site reviews are scheduled for October 5, conceptual plans due November 2, design approval targeted for December 7, and bid advertising scheduled for February 4, 2027, with estimated construction completion by September 27, 2027.