Union Block Building: Dangerous Building Conditions Abatement Project (PWE 1085)

The City of Boise Public Works Department is requesting qualifications for a Design-Build Team to abate dangerous building conditions at the Union Block Building (RFQ 2026-098, PWE 1085), with statements of qualifications due October 14, 2026. An addendum issued October 1 accelerated the question submission deadline to October 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM (moved from October 9). All Design Professionals and required consultants must be properly licensed to practice in Idaho, and an Idaho public works license is mandatory under Title 54, Chapter 19, Idaho Code, as federal funds will not finance the project.

The scope encompasses investigation, design, permitting, preconstruction, construction, and project closeout for the Richardsonian Romanesque Union Block Building (1902), listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The Design-Build Team must perform structural stabilization of the historic front facade and masonry walls, address rear facade and alley conditions, provide building protection and weatherproofing, implement life-safety measures, and restore safe public access to the right-of-way. The project is limited to abating identified dangerous conditions and does not include comprehensive rehabilitation or restoration to occupancy-ready status. Design work commences immediately upon award; construction is anticipated to begin in 2027, with overall project duration estimated at 12 to 18 months from Notice to Proceed.

The City has established an overall project budget of approximately $2.8 million, inclusive of design, permitting, construction, contingencies, and special testing, with preliminary conceptual estimates identifying approximately $1.73 million in direct construction costs.

Statements of Qualifications must not exceed 40 pages (excluding signature pages, cover letters, appendices, and City-provided forms) and must demonstrate experience with dangerous building condition abatement, structural stabilization of existing buildings, historic preservation of masonry structures, design-build delivery, and construction in constrained urban environments. Evaluation criteria are basic qualifications (100 points), specific qualifications of key personnel (250 points), understanding and approach to project (200 points), management plan (250 points), and design-build relevant project examples (200 points), totaling 1,000 points. Contract award is contingent on Boise City Council approval and execution by the Mayor. The City will use Design-Build Institute of America contract templates revised to reflect City terms and conditions. Tammi Leatham, City of Boise Purchasing Division, is the point of contact at (208) 608-7158 or tleatham@cityofboise.org.