RFQ Manchester Courthouse Architectural

RFQ Manchester Courthouse Architectural Work

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS MANCHESTER COURTHOUSE ARCHITECTURAL WORK

Interested architects should respond by Friday, August 21, 2026.

1.1 The Town of Manchester, Vermont is the owner of the 200-year-old former Bennington County Courthouse located in the historic Village of Manchester. Manchester, through the Northshire Community Courthouse, Inc. (“NCC”) is seeking respondents to a Request for Qualifications from architects to consult with and develop appropriate renovation and restoration plans for this historic building located on the corner of Main Street and Union Street.

The ultimate goal is to allow a variety of future uses by the larger Manchester area community, including, but not limited to, small theater, music, conferences, and community meeting events, while preserving the historic nature of this iconic building.

1.2 Scope of Work:

• NCC will be the contact and client for this project, acting with full authority for the Town of Manchester, and coordinating with the Village of Manchester.
• Architectural work includes coordinating with NCC and all parties to develop a renovation and restoration plan including handicapped accessibility, fire safety, HVAC options, lighting and electrical needs, as well as acoustical treatment, as needed.
• Building is a contributing building in the Equinox Historic District listed on the National Register and historic nature must be taken into account.
• Using CAD files of existing conditions from Badger and Associates, the successful bidder will prepare drawings for state approval and village design review hearing.
• NCC will attend public meetings and present the case for village approval; only exterior changes require village approval.
• Integrate planning, design, and construction phases to ensure NCC’s directed priorities and vision for the project.
• Local subcontractors such as electrical and mechanical have history with the building and would be primary choice for consultation and involvement.
• The building will not undergo period restoration; the goal is maintaining courthouse feel while allowing wide variety of uses.

1.3 The work must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, as well as any other relevant historic building renovation requirements.

2.1 Interested architects should respond by Friday, August 21, 2026. Please mail, deliver, or email bid responses to both:

• Sarah McClintock, Northshire Community Courthouse, P.O. Box 212, Manchester, VT 05254,
• Town of Manchester, c/o Scott Murphy, Town Manager, 40 Jeff Williams Way, Manchester Center, VT 05255, (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

The point of contact for the Town shall be Sarah McClintock, who may be contacted at  or the email above. Ms. McClintock shall act as the NCC’s project manager, with assistance from William Badger, a board member of NCC. The building can be open for inspection upon appointment by calling Sarah McClintock.

2.2 All RFQ responses shall include the following:

• List of at least two references.
• Identification of experience in planning renovations and restoration of historic buildings, with specific examples.
• Proof of Professional Liability Insurance; all insurance certificates for the selected architect will identify both the Town of Manchester and Northshire Community Courthouse as additional insured for the term of the project.
• Any other information that the firm believes would be helpful to the NCC and Town in making a decision.

2.3 All RFQ responses should provide an identification of availability to start the project.

2.4 Proposals should identify a current hourly rate schedule.

2.5 NCC and the Town reserve the right to reject any or all responses if it is in the best interest of NCC and the Town, as determined by NCC and the Town Manager, in their sole discretion.