Cossitt Library RFP: Phase 1- Part 3 Exterior Restoration
| Agency: | Granby town |
|---|---|
| State: | Connecticut |
| Type of Government: | State & Local |
| NAICS Category: |
|
| Posted Date: | Apr 17, 2026 |
| Due Date: | May 8, 2026 |
| Original Source: | Please Login to View Page |
| Contact information: | Please Login to View Page |
| Bid Documents: | Please Login to View Page |
| Bid Title: |
Cossitt Library RFP: Phase 1- Part 3 Exterior Restoration
|
| Category: | RFP/RFQ |
| Status: | Open |
|
Attachment Preview
THE TOWN OF GRANBY, CT – REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
For the Granby Public Library – FH Cossitt Library Branch Restoration
RFP Issued April 17, 2026
Legal Notice & Request for Proposals
F. H. Cossitt Library, North Granby, CT
Phase 1- Part 3 Exterior Restoration
Town of Granby
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THE TOWN OF GRANBY, CT – REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
For the Granby Public Library – FH Cossitt Library Branch Restoration
RFP Issued April 17, 2026
INTRODUCTION
The Town of Granby, Connecticut, in collaboration with The Granby Public Library is seeking
proposals from experienced contractors specializing in historic building preservation and
rehabilitation. This RFP covers Phase 1 – Part 3: Exterior Repairs of the F.H. Cossitt Library,
specifically addressing work on the building’s exterior below the clerestory. The project will be
overseen by the Director of Library Services and the Director of Public Works, who will act on
behalf of the Town to ensure the restoration is completed in accordance with historic
preservation standards, maintaining the Library’s architectural integrity and long-term durability.
Historic Significance
The F.H. Cossitt Library was built in 1890 and began operation in 1891 as the first public library
in Granby. Cossitt Library now serves as a branch in the Granby library system. The Town owns
the Library building and the land on which the building is located. Cossitt Library was added to
the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
“The library was built in 1890 to a design by Jasper Daniel Sibley. It is one of the Town's finest
examples of Queen Anne architecture. It is a two-story wood frame structure, roughly square in
plan, with a brick-faced first floor and a clapboarded second level. It is topped by a hip roof with
a tall clerestory window band (the “lantern”). The main entrance is on the second level, sheltered
by a gabled porch supported by square columns. The brickwork and trim are detailed in the
Queen Anne Victorian style… The interior is 17 ½ feet high and is lighted from the sides by a
dwarf roof. Two Rochester lamps … furnish light for evening purposes. The lantern is supported
by ten columns and contains twenty-six windows of ground plain and stained glass, producing a
very pleasing effect. The whole work of the interior is of light and dark colored cypress, finished
in the natural wood… There is a neat vestibule. A card catalogue and clock were designed to
match the interior wood.” 1
In the early 1960s, a major renovation added an inside stairway and bathroom to the rear of the
building and new steps to the front of the building. In 1984-85, working with historic
preservationist and architect, Richard Shope - a small two-story addition was added to
complement the original building. The addition housed an updated lavatory, storage space and
staff work area. The renovation improved the Library’s heating/cooling system and installed a
new roof. In subsequent years, interior painting, plaster repairs and interior lighting changes were
performed. Drainage issues have been addressed, “I” beams were installed to support the first
floor, some windows were replaced, and a new roof was installed.
1 Laun, C. and Godard, G., Centennial Frederick H. Cossitt Library 1891-1991; 1991
2
THE TOWN OF GRANBY, CT – REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
For the Granby Public Library – FH Cossitt Library Branch Restoration
RFP Issued April 17, 2026
PROJECT BACKGROUND
A 2020 Conditions Assessment Report was completed by Architectural Preservation Studio,
DPC. The Report documents the building’s condition prior to the phased renovation process that
is currently taking place. This report identifies needed repairs and prioritizes them by order of
importance. The following items have been completed through previous phases.
Phase 1- Part 1: Localized to the clerestory windows area on the North Side, this project included
the following work:
Removed all loose and flaking paint and sealant from wood siding (clapboard and
shingles) and trim without damaging historic material.
Applied sealant to all joints and gaps, including wood-to-wood, wood-to-metal, wood-to-
masonry, and wood-to-window connections.
Replaced damaged, deteriorated, or missing wood elements with matching wood in
appearance and, where possible, species.
Prepared surfaces, applied primer, and finished with two coats of paint in the color
determined by the finish analysis.
On the East Addition:
Installed gutter on north portion of East Elevation
Phase 1- Part 2: Localized to the clerestory window areas on the South and West Sides of the
building, this project included the following work:
Completed the careful removal of all loose and flaking paint and all sealant from wood
siding (clapboard and shingles) and trim so as not to damage historic material.
Completed the replacement of all damaged, deteriorated, and missing wood elements
with wood that matched the original in appearance and, if possible, the same species of
wood.
Completed the preparation of wood to receive the appropriate primer, primed, and
applied two coats of paint in the color determined by the finish analysis.
Completed the installation of sealant at all joints and gaps, whether wood-to-wood,
wood-to-metal, wood-to-masonry, or wood-to-windows.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this RFP is to engage a qualified contractor to complete Phase 1 – Part 3 of the
Cossitt Restoration Project, focusing on the careful restoration of the Library’s exterior wood
siding, trim, and architectural elements. The selected contractor will be responsible for the
removal of deteriorated paint and sealants, the replacement of damaged or missing wood with
materials matching the original in appearance and species, and the preparation and application of
primer and paint in accordance with historic preservation standards.
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THE TOWN OF GRANBY, CT – REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
For the Granby Public Library – FH Cossitt Library Branch Restoration
RFP Issued April 17, 2026
The goal of this project is to preserve the Library’s historic character, ensure the long-term
durability of its materials, and maintain the building’s aesthetic and structural integrity, while
adhering to professional restoration and safety standards.
SCOPE OF WORK:
Localized to the exterior building below the clerestory level-
Carefully remove all loose and flaking paint and all sealant from wood siding (clapboard
and shingles) and trim so as not to damage historic materials.
Replace all damaged, deteriorated and missing wood elements with wood to match
original in appearance and with same species of wood, if possible.
Prepare wood to receive appropriate primer, prime and apply two coats of appropriate
paint in color determined by finish analysis. Paint any unpainted elements of the Lower-
Level Entrance enclosure to math selected paint on wood on original portions of building.
Install sealant at all joints and gaps, whether wood to wood, wood to metal, wood to
masonry, or wood to windows.
Repair or replace all displaced, damaged, or missing bricks, specifically at base of wall.
Repair or replace to match original and properly secure all damaged decorative cast iron
grills on the vent openings at the base of the brick wall.
Please see Appendices A & B – Drawings and Restoration Study.
SITE TOUR
As part of the preparation of the Request for Proposals, contractors are invited to contact the
Director of Library Services, Amber Wyzik by email (awyzik@granby-ct.gov) to schedule an
appointment for a site visit.
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the Proposer Requirements noted on the Drawings prepared by Architectural
Preservation Studio (Appendix A), please see these additional requirements:
The Statement of Qualifications should also demonstrate the following capabilities:
The ability to provide a minimum of 3 client references for whom the contractor has
provided similar services
The ability to show cost effectiveness and clarity of the financial proposal
Adherence to submission requirements and regulatory compliance requirements
4
THE TOWN OF GRANBY, CT – REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
For the Granby Public Library – FH Cossitt Library Branch Restoration
RFP Issued April 17, 2026
Qualifications of the project team
A description of any claims, litigation, and findings of any court, Arbitrator, Mediator or
jury, and total settlement payments by all parties made during the past 5 years
The ability to meet insurance requirements as listed in the State of Connecticut’s
Insurance Requirements for Non-Profit and For-Profit Entities and possession of an
insurance certificate for error and omission insurance in the amount of $1,000,000.00.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Proposals will be evaluated based on the criteria listed below. The Town of Granby reserves the
right to accept or reject any proposal, to waive minor informalities, and to award the contract
deemed to be in the best interest of the project and the community.
1. Relevant Experience and Qualifications
o Demonstrated experience in historic preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation
of similar structures.
o Qualifications and certifications of key personnel assigned to the project.
o Familiarity with historic building materials, methods, and applicable preservation
standards (e.g., Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic
Properties).
2. Project Approach and Understanding
o Clarity and completeness of the proposed approach to completing Phase 1 – Part
3.
o Understanding of the project’s objectives, site conditions, and preservation
requirements.
o Proposed methodology for protecting historic materials and minimizing impact to
the building.
3. Schedule and Capacity
o Ability to complete the work within the established project timeframe.
o Availability of staff, equipment, and resources to meet project deadlines.
4. Cost Proposal
o Competitiveness and reasonableness of proposed costs in relation to the scope of
work.
o Transparency and completeness of cost breakdowns and allowances.
5. References and Past Performance
o Quality and relevance of references from similar projects.
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This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.
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