Thomasville Municipal Auditorium Design

The City of Thomasville, Georgia is seeking professional architectural and engineering services for the Municipal Auditorium Capital Improvements Project, located in Terrell County. The procurement involves selecting a qualified design partner to provide comprehensive services including programming verification, design, permitting, and construction administration for a historic 1938 municipal facility. Specific project deliverables include two-phase renovations addressing critical life safety upgrades, deferred maintenance, and facility enhancements for the 39,000-square-foot auditorium. The Request for Proposals (RFP) requires firms to demonstrate expertise in historic preservation, renovation, and theatre design, with evaluation criteria weighted as follows: Team Capabilities (25%), Project Approach (25%), References (15%), Design Skills (15%), Historic Preservation Knowledge (10%), and Proposed Fee (10%). Key procurement dates include an optional pre-proposal Zoom meeting on January 5, 2026, a site meeting on January 7, 2026, a question submission deadline of January 9, 2026, and the final proposal submission deadline of January 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST. Shortlist announcements are anticipated for January 23, 2026, with virtual interviews scheduled for January 29, 2026, and award notification expected on February 2, 2026.

The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises, though proposers must comply with Georgia's E-Verify requirements and the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act. Firms must provide proof of Georgia architectural licensure, current insurance with the City as an additional insured, performance and payment bonds at 100% of contract price, and a 5% bid bond. The project involves collaboration with external project managers (Turner & Townsend Heery) and recommended theatre consultants (Theatre Projects). The total project budget is approximately $18 million, with Phase 1 addressing critical life safety modifications estimated at $6.5 million and Phase 2 facility enhancements estimated at $11.5 million. The project will transform the 1,172-seat proscenium auditorium, which currently houses City Council Chambers, Fire Department offices, and a Visitor Center, with a focus on addressing moisture damage, fire code compliance, accessibility improvements, and preserving the building's historical integrity while modernizing its functionality.