Steele Boulevard Park

The Town of Berlin, Connecticut is requesting proposals for design services for the redevelopment of Steele Boulevard Park, a 0.29-acre Town-owned parcel at 30 Steele Boulevard, with proposals due August 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. and questions due July 30, 2026.

The scope includes design services to convert the parcel into a public community park within the Steele Center mixed-use development, incorporating village-style development principles from the Kensington Village Overlay District. The park will serve as a shared community gathering space for five surrounding buildings containing restaurants, office space, and residential units, with design elements including a 16' x 24' covered pavilion with timber frame construction, a clock tower, concrete sidewalks and crosswalks, stone paver patio areas, seating, bicycle parking (9-bike capacity), landscaping with trees and shrubs, and site lighting. Construction is anticipated to commence in summer 2026 and complete within 90 consecutive calendar days from Notice to Proceed, weather permitting.

Proposers must demonstrate three years of relevant design experience in Connecticut, a proven track record with similarly sized municipalities, proper Connecticut licensure, compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations, a business continuity plan, and an audited internal control environment. The selected firm must maintain professional liability insurance of not less than $1 million, comprehensive general liability of $1 million per occurrence, and umbrella liability of $1 million. The Town anticipates contract execution by September 2026, with the agreement period to be negotiated to mutual agreement of the parties.

The Town will evaluate proposals based on proposer experience and strength, responsiveness to RFP requirements, quality of references and prior contract administration, and competitiveness of proposed fees. Proposals submitted through the Town's OpenGov Procurement portal must include firm information, three client references, a cost proposal, Certificate of Insurance, W-9 form, and proof of RFP compliance. Proposals remain valid for sixty days after opening. The Good Faith Efforts Plan template issued by the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities applies to this project, requiring documentation of M/W/DisBE and SBE participation efforts.