Prospective ‘Historic School’ renovators pitch proposals

In 45 minutes or less, convince New Kent’s Board of Supervisors that your proposal for renovating the county’s “Historic School” is the best.

That was the task confronting representatives of four construction firms and their teams bidding on the project that aims to convert the main 1930s building into a new home for New Kent’s branch of Heritage Public Library. A second building constructed in 1952 is slated to hold offices for the county’s School Board.

The work also entails renovating the courtyard between the two buildings. And some of the proposals include the science building located behind the 1952 structure. The gymnasium attached to the main building is not part of the project.

Representatives of the four firms — Kenbridge-based Kenbridge Construction, Hopewell-based Harlan Construction, Lanexa-based Charles E. Moss Company, and Richmond-based Marengo Management — were afforded 45 minutes each during a special supervisors’ meeting last Friday to tout their qualifications and experience and present their vision for the work and finished product.

Also, supervisors required representatives to answer a list of seven questions, the first dealing with introducing their team members and expertise in remodeling historic structures. Subsequent queries dealt with timelines for completing work, use of historic tax credits, keeping board members informed on progress, partnering with other teams in the event of multiple awards, and potential use of state and federal grants to pay for the work.

All four pegged minimum time for completion at 12 months. Kenbridge CEO Richard Roberts stood on 12 months, breaking down the period into two months for design work and 10 for construction. Harlan president Will Harlan gave a range of 12-14 months, as did Charles Moss. Marengo president E. Taylor Moore Jr. estimated 12-15 months with three to four months dedicated to design.

All four promised to keep New Kent boards informed regularly and to work together should supervisors split the project and award multiple bids. They also pledged to preserve the old school’s historical integrity and to employ local contractors and workers. But differences arose over financing, use of historic tax credits, and visions for library and School Board office design.

A brief breakdown of the companies and their proposals starts on page 7. All four complete proposals can be found on the county’s web site www.co.new-kent.va.us (click on “Public Notices”).

Afterward, county administrator Cabell Lawton said supervisors’ next step is “deciding who we want to go with or not go with” followed by negotiations. Board chairman Marty Sparks said the board plans to move forward and not drag out the process. Action could be taken at the board’s Dec. 13 meeting or a special work session could be scheduled next month, Lawton said.

Barbara Winters, Heritage Public Library’s director, sat in on last week’s presentations and said afterward she has a preference, but declined to elaborate.

“There are two very strong proposals,” she said. “We’d do well with either one.”