Project Information

Bid Title

RFP for Historic Courthouse Landscape Restoration

Issuing Agency

Washington County

Location

Minnesota

Published Date

Mar 23, 2026

Closing Date

Apr 24, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Bid Title:	RFP for Historic Courthouse Landscape Restoration
Category:	Washington County Public Works
Status:	Open

Description: 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. Publication Date/Time: 3/23/2026 8:00 AM Closing Date/Time: 4/24/2026 4:00 PM Contact Person: Jack Nilsen, Parks Coordinator – Historic Sites jack.nilsen@washingtoncountymn.gov Elise Gardner, Parks Guest Services Supervisor II Elise.Gardner@washingtoncountymn.gov Related Documents: RFP for Historic Courthouse Landscape Restoration (PDF)

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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

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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

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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

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Commodity Codes

• NAICS 236220Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
• NAICS 561730Landscaping Services

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