Design and Engineering Services for the Renovation of Dunham Recreation Center

The City of Cincinnati is seeking a qualified design and engineering firm to provide comprehensive renovation services for the Dunham Recreation Center, located at 4356 Dunham Lane, Cincinnati, Ohio 45238. The project involves designing a capital renovation for an approximately 31,260 square foot facility, with an optional alternate to expand the gymnasium to a full-size regulation high school basketball court, potentially increasing total square footage to 34,790. The design team will be responsible for all project phases, including programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and project closeout, with multiple design submissions and community engagement meetings required. Evaluation criteria will prioritize experience with similar facility designs (35 points), firm and team qualifications (30 points), bidding and construction phase experience (30 points), and history of meeting economic inclusion goals (5 points). Key project dates include a non-mandatory pre-submission meeting on September 22, 2025, at 11 AM EST at the recreation center site, with proposal responses due by October 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET. The contract term is set for 200 calendar days from contract signing, with the design team expected to serve as the project architect/engineer throughout the entire process.

The project includes specific subcontracting goals of 3% for Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and 3% for Women Business Enterprises (WBE), demonstrating a commitment to economic inclusion. An asbestos inspection report has identified some asbestos-containing materials, including preformed-block pipe insulation, which will require careful management and potential removal during the renovation. The estimated construction budget is approximately $6,900,000, with the selected design team responsible for developing comprehensive plans that modernize the facility, improve accessibility, and adapt to multi-generational user needs. Potential bidders must complete a detailed corporate information form disclosing organizational details, business history, and compliance information. The project involves separate bids for General Construction, Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical, which will be assigned to a General Contractor upon bid award. The renovation will require careful coordination with the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, with specific attention to elements such as exercise equipment layout, kitchen design, signage, security systems, and specialized recreational features.