Project Information

Bid Title

Cossitt Library RFP: Phase 1- Part 3 Exterior Restoration

Issuing Agency

Granby town

Location

Connecticut

Published Date

Apr 17, 2026

Closing Date

May 8, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Bid Title:	Cossitt Library RFP: Phase 1- Part 3 Exterior Restoration
Category:	RFP/RFQ
Status:	Open

Description: 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 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. Publication Date/Time: 4/17/2026 12:00 AM Closing Date/Time: Open Until Contracted Contact Person: Amber Wyzik, 860-844-5281 Miscellaneous: All questions about this RFP should be directed to Director of Library Services Amber Wyzik by e-mail at awyzik@granby-ct.gov, no later than 12:00 PM on May 8, 2026. Answers will be posted under “RFPs” on the Town of Granby website without stating the source of the inquiry by 4:00 PM on May 15. Related Documents: Cossitt Phase 1 Part 3 Ext. Repairs RFP 4.2026 (PDF) Appendix B - Cossitt Phase 1 Exterior repairs drawings (PDF) Appendix A - APS Cossitt Condition Assessment Final Report 2020-06-24 (PDF)

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

1

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.

3

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.

5

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 236220Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
• NAICS 238320Painting and Wall Covering Contractors

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