Request for Proposals for Historic Preservation Consultant for Rehabilitation of Wilson Bruce Evans House
Applications close January 27, 2023, for start date no later than February 3, 2023
The Wilson Bruce Evans HHS is looking for a historic preservation consultant to work on the rehabilitation of the Wilson Bruce Evans House, a National Historic Landmark built in 1854-6 in Oberlin,Ohio. The project has a two-year life cycle and is being undertaken with funding received from the Department of the Interior through the National Park Service “Save America’s Treasures” grant that began January 1, 2023 . The historic preservation consultant should be familiar with Section 106 of
the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, particularly as applicable for the rehabilitation of a National Historic Landmark building owned by a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. Familiarity with the history of the Evans House, Wilson Bruce Evans, and antebellum Oberlin is desired. Ability to work flexibly with a small, fledgling nonprofit is essential. The consultant will conduct research and guide Evans HHS through approval process required by the National Park Service, SHPO, and local authorities.
The Wilson Bruce Evans Home Historical Society (Evans HHS) is a 501(c)(3) established in 2021 to rehabilitate the Wilson Bruce Evans House in Oberlin, Ohio. Built by an African American abolitionist and underground railroad operative trained as a cabinetmaker, the home is rich with history and craft details. It will become a museum and educational center honoring Evans, his descendants, and the long struggle for racial justice Oberlin and beyond. The Board of Evans HHS includes many descendants of Evans as well as local historians; the organization has no employees, and is directed by a volunteer full-time manager.
The consultant will work closely with the Evans HHS Manager and with the project architect. They must also coordinate with NPS, SHPO and local authorities. They must demonstrate expertise in historic architecture in northern Ohio, with the ability to understand both vernacular and formal styles. Other essential qualifications include:
• Registration as Preservation Consultant under Federal Historic Preservation Professional requirements as described in the United States Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Archeology and Historic Preservation (48 FR 44716);
• local firm (50 miles or less) to assure regular visits to site;
• at least 10 years of experience with historic rehabilitation projects;
• references from at least 3 separate projects.
The historic preservation consultants should be able to work with the current schedule for the project, which is
• February 2023: finalize design development and submission of plans for approval by NPS.
• April 2023: bid negotiations for porch demolition and rehabilitation, for rehabilitation of both brick Italianate and original rear wing (including foundation work) and for building of new wing with hyphen connection; and begin work.
• May 2023: bid negotiations for masonry repair; and begin work.
• October 2023: bid negotiations for plumbing repairs and electric rewiring, and begin work
• March 2024: complete site work planning
• August-September 2024: completion of construction activities and site work
In order to keep the project on schedule, applications are due January 27, 2023 for notification by February 3, 2023.
Over the two-year project, Evans HHS has budgeted a total of $10,000 for this position.
Minority-owned businesses and female-owned businesses are encouraged to apply.
Please send proposals to:
Carol Lasser, Manager, Evans HHS at manager@evanshhs.org
Approved by NPS 1/10/2023