Design-Build Restoration of Auditorium Walls @ Thomaston Opera House, Phase 2a

The Town of Thomaston is requesting proposals for design-build decorative finish restoration of auditorium walls at the Thomaston Opera House, a National Register-listed 1884 landmark, with proposals due September 30, 2026, and a mandatory pre-proposal site visit available by appointment. Only firms demonstrating substantial experience in historic decorative finish restoration, including at least three comparable projects in landmark theaters or civic buildings, are considered responsive — a significant capability filter.

State set-aside goals of 25% small business enterprises (SBE) and 6.25% minority business enterprises (MBE) apply. Connecticut prevailing wage requirements under Statutes Section 31-53 and affirmative action and equal opportunity employment obligations are mandatory.

The scope encompasses hand-applied plaster repair, painting, stenciling, glazing, and mural design and execution on auditorium walls from cove molding to floor at both orchestra and balcony levels. Work builds on completed Phase 1 ceiling restoration and must coordinate with an existing historic palette of over eighty colors. The selected firm develops the final decorative scheme and executes it, including plaster survey and repair, field and trim finishes, decorative stenciling and ornament, and mural work on acoustically transparent panels.

The project is funded by a $2 million state bond authorization through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development's Community Investment Fund 2030. Pricing shall be submitted on a lump-sum basis for each defined scope section, with hourly rates provided for additional work.

Proposals are evaluated on qualifications and comparable project experience (25%), technical approach and work plan (25%), cost (25%), proposed schedule and timeline compliance (15%), and key personnel and staffing (10%). Contractors must provide 100% performance and payment bonds, commercial general liability insurance with $2 million general aggregate limits, workers compensation insurance, and $1 million commercial umbrella liability. Award is anticipated October 7, 2026, with on-site start in January 2027. Questions are due by 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2026, directed to Richard Sileo, First Selectman, at rsileo@thomastonct.gov.