RFQ #23-081 Architectural and Engineering Services

Agency:	Wake County
State:	North Carolina
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	C - Architect and Engineering Services - Construction
Posted:	Sep 20, 2023
Due:	Oct 19, 2023
Solicitation No:	RFQ #23-081
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

Attachment Preview

Request for Qualifications

Design Consultant Services

Marbles Kids Museum

West Courtyard

Enclosure & Expansion

September 25, 2023

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

FOR

ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES

RFQ #23-081

I. Introduction

Marbles Kids Museum is an institution created with a mission "to spark imagination, discovery

and learning through play and larger-than-life IMAX experiences." Marbles was established

in 2007 as a merger between Playspace and the former Exploris Museum. Wake County

owns the Museum and the IMAX Theater facilities whereas Marbles, a private 501(C)(3)

nonprofit operates the complex located at 201 East Hargett Street across from Moore Square

in downtown Raleigh under a long term lease. The main museum facility comprised of 83,000

SF was constructed in 1999 and the IMAX Theater comprised of 26,000 SF was completed in

2001.

Marbles is one of the top family destinations in North Carolina with over 5.5 million visitors,

serving an average of 683,000 guests annually. As Wake County continues to experience

significant population growth and with Marbles facing capacity challenges in

accommodating general admissions and program services, the museum continues to need

expansion of its services and exhibits to accommodate this growth.

Page 2 of 12

RFQ #23-081

II. Project Overview - West Courtyard Enclosure & Expansion Project

Marbles Kids Museum’s West Courtyard Enclosure & Expansion project will result in a

cutting-edge exhibit, an inspirational rooftop playscape and a colorful building façade that

will increase Marbles’ visitation, add to downtown Raleigh’s vibrancy and bring fresh play

and learning experiences to our guests. The project will focus on enclosing an underutilized

area within the footprint of the main museum building – a 3,200 square foot outdoor courtyard

along Blount Street. By enclosing that West Courtyard and creating a 2-story addition,

Marbles will add much-needed indoor exhibit space on the 1st floor while also creating a 2nd

floor outdoor playscape above that exhibit space

Page 3 of 12

RFQ #23-081

This project will serve as the biggest expansion of the museum building in the organization’s

history, The 2– story addition will transform the west side of museum building and will allow

Marbles to serve more visitors with brand-new, iconic experiences:

 Approximately 3,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space on the 1st floor.

 Approximately 3,200 square feet on the 2nd floor that will double

duty as: 1) a whimsical, colorful outdoor space for family play and

connection and 2) a unique venue for weddings, parties, corporate

events and other community gatherings.

 Approximately 900 square feet of indoor education/flex space will serve a

variety of purposes from hosting camps and community access programs to

corporate meetings.

 A vibrant building exterior along Blount Street featuring public art, pops of play

and colorful design.

This transformative project will also improve the overall Marbles’ visitor experience and flow

by:

 Adding another stairwell to the 1st and 2nd floor access to create more fluid

connectivity so that museum guest don’t have to travel back towards the

museum entrance to make their way between floors.

 Introducing an accessible walkway through the new 2nd floor courtyard to

provide additional connectivity and flow between the two popular exhibits of

Moneypalooza and ImagiFAB.

 Enclosing the 1st floor outdoor courtyard to provide more comfortable access

between the recently updated Splash exhibit and the new indoor

education/flex space where camps, programs, meetings, and events will be

held.

 Installing an additional family restroom.

III. Project Budget

Construction of the expansion and renovation project is projected to range between $5 to

$6 million including professional fees, equipment, signage and other soft costs. Funding for

the project will be provided through a combination of public and private funds.

Page 4 of 12

RFQ #23-081

IV. Request

Wake County government hereby requests qualifications from professional firms /teams to

provide architectural and engineering services involving new and renovation projects for

Wake County owned EMS and Fire Stations. The architect shall take the lead project

management role of the design team. In addition to building and site design, services will

include landscape design, interior design, public enhancement (signage, finishes, public art

integration, etc.), building systems design (plumbing, mechanical, electrical, data, and, fire

protection).

It is anticipated that an initial base contract will be negotiated with the team of design

professionals who are determined to be proposing the most qualified staff and offering the

best value to the County. Services desired include the following:

 Preplanning, programming and space planning

 Site and civil design and landscape design, including municipal zoning compliance

 Obtaining approvals of governmental agencies having jurisdiction over the project.

 Schematic Design – Review and refinement of existing prototypical design drawings.

 Presentations to Energy Advisory Commission and other public boards and community

groups as required to advance projects.

 Interior Design (layout and selection of furniture, signage, finishes, etc.).

 Public Art Integration

 Cost Estimating

 Life cycle cost analyses and evaluation of various alternative energy conservation options

(consistent with County Design Guidelines and Energy Design & Management

Guidelines).

 Design Development plans that constitute the final building systems, plan details, and

schedules along with project manual suitable for Owner and Stakeholder review.

 Preparation of Construction and other bidding documents.

 Bidding Phase Assistance, including clarifications, addenda and bid evaluations

 Construction Administration and periodic inspections.

 Project Close-out Assistance including warranty phase administration

 All other services customarily furnished by an architect and its consultants on similar

projects and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Standard County

Agreement for Professional Services.

Page 5 of 12

This is the opportunity summary page. You are currently viewing an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation. For more information, please visit the Publication URL Web page.

RFQ #23-081 Architectural and Engineering Services - Marbles Museum

Attachment Preview

See also