Historic Courthouse Renovation

Queen Anne's County (County), requests Qualifications for a General Contractor (GC) for Construction Services for the complete renovation of the Historic Courthouse (HCH) located within the Town of Centreville at 100 Courthouse Square. The intent is to completely renovate the 17,800-ft2 Courthouse, which is now dormant except for a 'back-up' 911 call center in the basement (which will be taken out of service for the duration of construction). The last renovation occurred in the 1960s when the building was modified to meet Civil Defense needs. The HVAC and electrical service all date from that era as is the construction of the 'bomb shelter' via greatly expanding the basement. Exterior work has been undertaken more recently to protect the structure from weather although the last roof replacement occurred in 1993.

The renovated building will continue to house the traditional courtroom on the second floor that will be used for ceremonial events and as a back-up courtroom. The ground floor will house the Register of Wills office and the Orphans Courtroom. The basement level will house the existing back-up 911 call center, plus flexible meeting and office space, a break room, restrooms and utility spaces.

The renovation will include the abatement of existing asbestos floor tile and interior lead paint. Demolition will include existing electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems, a LULA elevator and stairways, and selected walls, floors, ceilings and finishes.

The new HVAC system includes multiple VRF units, both ducted and ductless mini-split units, energy recovery ventilators, and control system. New plumbing includes all new fixtures and piping. A sprinkler system will be added as well as a new water service.

The new electrical system includes a new service, back-up power generator, distribution system, lighting, fire alarm and lightning protection. New telecom, security, audio visual, and public safety DAS systems are also included.

Among the architectural improvements is the reconfiguring of spaces to improve function and life safety which includes a new hydraulic elevator,new stairs, access control, new and refurbished doors and new door hardware. Where possible existing finishes are being preserved and repaired but some areas will receive new veneer plaster or drywall. New flooring will be added in the public areas on the first and second floors that will be milled from the historic elm tree that was once on the court square. Some new millwork will be added and all spaces will be repainted.

The asphalt shingle roof is being replaced with traditional slate with copper flashing, maintaining the newly replaced gutters and downspouts. Work will also require the installation of two small 'dormers' to provide for fresh air intake and exhaust.

Structural improvements include underpinning of existing foundations to expand the basement for the new stair and elevator and provide access under the entire historic portions of the building. A new masonry elevator shaft is being added. The roofs, and some floor and ceiling framing will be reinforced where existing framing is inadequate. A new concrete utility tunnel is being added from the basement to the exterior equipment corral.

Site work includes exposing the earth-covered portion of the basement in order to install new waterproofing on its concrete roof. New perimeter drainage will be added for the underground roof as well as for the downspouts from the upper roof. The yard will be reestablished when the subterranean work is complete.