RFP for Historic Courthouse Landscape Restoration
| Location: | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Posted: | Mar 23, 2026 |
| Due: | Apr 24, 2026 |
| Agency: | Washington County |
| Type of Government: | State & Local |
| Category: |
|
| Publication URL: | To access bid details, please log in. |
| Bid Title: |
RFP for Historic Courthouse Landscape Restoration
|
| Category: | Washington County Public Works |
| Status: | Open |
|
Attachment Preview
Request for Proposals (RFP) for
Washington County Historic Courthouse
Landscape Restoration
RFP Release Date: Monday, March 23rd, 2026
Submission Due Date: Friday, April 24th, 2026
Government Center | 14949 62nd Street North | P. O. Box 6 | Stillwater, MN 55082-0006
P: 651-430-6001 | F: 651-430-6017 | TTY: 651-430-6246
www.washingtoncountymn.gov
Washington County is an equal opportunity organization and employer
CONTENTS
1. PROJECT INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1. Introduction.............................................................................................................................................. 3
1.2. Background............................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3. County Authorized Representatives......................................................................................................... 3
1.4. Project Location........................................................................................................................................ 4
1.5. RFP Schedule ............................................................................................................................................ 4
2. SCOPE OF WORK AND SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................... 4
2.1. Project Scope/Work ................................................................................................................................. 4
2.2. Instillation and Planting Information ....................................................................................................... 5
2.3. Management and Establishment ............................................................................................................. 5
2.4. Project Schedule....................................................................................................................................... 5
2.5. Project Coordination ................................................................................................................................ 6
3. PROJECT DESIGN ............................................................................................................................................... 7
4. PROPOSAL CONTENT......................................................................................................................................... 7
4.1. Proposal Format ....................................................................................................................................... 7
4.2. Proposal Outline ....................................................................................................................................... 8
4.3. Proposal Administration......................................................................................................................... 10
5. PROPOSAL EVALUATION................................................................................................................................. 11
5.1. Evaluation Schedule ............................................................................................................................... 11
5.2. Evaluation Criteria .................................................................................................................................. 11
5.3. Final Selection......................................................................................................................................... 12
5.4. Conditions of this RFP............................................................................................................................. 12
6. PROPOSAL QUESTIONS ................................................................................................................................... 13
7. OPTIONAL SITE VISIT ....................................................................................................................................... 13
8. PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL ................................................................................................................................... 14
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Washington County Historic Courthouse Landscape Restoration
1. PROJECT INFORMATION
1.1. Introduction
The Washington County Historic Courthouse, situated atop the South Hill overlooking the historic
town of Stillwater, Minnesota, is the oldest standing courthouse in the state. Since its opening in
1870, it served as the county seat for 105 years until its closure in 1975. Today, the courthouse is
operated as a historic site by Washington County Parks, a division of the Public Works Department,
with the surrounding two acres maintained as a public county park.
Due to the building’s age, extensive preservation work was undertaken between June 2023 and
March 2024. As part of this project, funding was allocated for the restoration of the courthouse
grounds, addressing damage caused by construction activities and upgrading select areas of the
property.
With preservation efforts now complete, Washington County is seeking proposals from qualified
contractors to restore and enhance approximately 2,700 square feet of land on the east side of the
Historic Courthouse. The County intends to award a single contract for this project. All work
performed under the awarded contract must adhere to the procedures, requirements, and
regulations set forth by Washington County.
1.2. Background
The County was established in 1849 and has the powers, duties, and privileges granted counties by
state law, codified in Minn. Stat. § 373. The County serves an area of 423 square miles, with an
estimated population of 262,748. The County’s fiscal year begins on January 1st and ends on
December 31st. The County is governed by a five-member board of county commissioners
representing separate districts within the county. In addition, the offices of the county attorney and
sheriff are elected on a county-wide basis.
The County offers a full range of services including courts, property tax administration, law
enforcement and corrections, public works, human services, parks, solid waste management,
library, community health, county extension, and general administration. The County employs
approximately 1,300 employees.
1.3. County Authorized Representatives
Project Manager:
Jack Nilsen
Parks Coordinator – Historic Sites
Email: jack.nilsen@washingtoncountymn.gov
Phone: (651) 275 – 7079
Project Designee:
Elise Gardner
Page |3
Washington County Historic Courthouse Landscape Restoration
Parks Guest Services Supervisor II
Email: Elise.Gardner@washingtoncountymn.gov
Phone: (651) 430 - 8243
1.4. Project Location
Washington County Historic Courthouse
101 Pine St. W.
Stillwater, MN 55082
(651) 275 - 7075
1.5. RFP Schedule
RFP Release Date
Optional Site Visit
Questions Due
Addendum Release Date
Proposals Due
Notification of Award
Commencement Date
Completion Date
Monday, March 23rd, 2026
Friday, April 3rd, 2026
Friday, April 10th, 2026
Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
Friday, April 24th, 2026
Friday, May 1st, 2026
Monday, June 2nd, 2026
Friday, October 5th, 2029
2. SCOPE OF WORK AND SPECIFICATIONS
2.1. Project Scope/Work
In 2026 the contractor shall implement the approved project plan, as seen in Appendix B. This
includes:
• Site preparation, such as the removal of existing mulch and edging, hand weeding of
noxious and invasive plants, and application of herbicides if necessary.
• Plant installations for all phases, as specified in the project plan (Phases 1–5).
• Instillation of mulch, weed barrier, and garden edging.
In 2026 – 2029, the contractor will complete three management visits each year (spring, summer,
fall) to monitor and maintain the plantings. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Hand weeding
• Debris removal
• Replacement of dead plants
• Soil amendments
• Mulch adjustments
• Herbicide application and reporting
Page |4
Washington County Historic Courthouse Landscape Restoration
2.2. Instillation and Planting Information
• Canada thistle and other noxious plants are present in the Phase 2 planting area, which
requires additional site prep before planting. If herbicide is used to manage it, consider soil
residuals when selecting the herbicide and timing of the native rose planting.
• Sun and shade planting perennials called out in the Project Plan in Appendix B are all #1-
gallon sized plants.
• All plants must be watered when initially planted. The contractor may use the water spigot
that is attached to the west side of the building.
• Mulch will be provided by Washington County. The contractor is required to request the
amount of mulch needed from the County Authorized Representative – Project Manager,
who will coordinate its delivery with Washington County Parks maintenance.
• Desired edging is Border Guard Black Edging (6 x 3/16 x 10).
• Old garden edging can be disposed of in the property’s onsite dumpster located next to the
detached garage.
• The proposed brick path within the Project Plan (Appendix B) is not part of the scope of this
RFP.
2.3. Management and Establishment
• After the initial watering, Washington County will be responsible for watering.
• Share herbicide reports with the County Authorized Representative – Project Manager at
the completion of each foliar spraying occurrence.
• Management services will be provided by the consultant, as stated in 2.1.
• Coordination of management services will be organized with the County Authorized
Representative – Project Manager.
• The contractor will conduct three site visits per year in the spring, summer, and fall to
ensure plant replacement, noxious weed control, and debris removal. Each management
visit will be conducted in a two-week window, where site visits, communication with the
County Authorized Representative – Project Manager, and management work must occur.
o If management work requiring additional time is needed. Scheduling, contract
addendums, and cost requirements can be coordinated with the County through
the County Authorized Representative – Project Manager.
2.4. Project Schedule
Task
Timing
1 06/02/2026 – 07/10/2026
Activity
Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4, Phase
5: Remove existing mulch and
garden edging, hand weed. Install
and water plants, mulch, install
garden edging.
Sq. Ft.
2,700
Page |5
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