Historic District Design Guidelines
City of Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg, TX
PURPOSE
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a professional historic preservation consulting firm and/or an architectural firm with a strong record in successfully providing historic district design guidelines that verbally and graphically interpret the local historic preservation ordinance and the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for Rehabilitation. The Design Guidelines document shall help with preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction of historic buildings within the current boundaries of the local Historic District and for historic landmarks outside the boundaries of the local historic district.
The guidelines shall be a guide for the community and the Fredericksburg Historic Review Board to use when evaluating the appropriateness of exterior changes to buildings and new construction proposed within the local historic district and local landmarks. A secondary, but equally important purpose of this document is to convey to the property owner the appropriate methods of improving his or her historic property. The guidelines shall be a resource for property owners, builders, architects and realtors to use in order to: 1) understand the reasons for; 2) the proper methods of; and 3) the overall benefits of historic preservation both to the individual and the community as a whole.
INTENT
The primary intent and goal of this solicitation is to select and enter into a professional service contract(s) with experienced preservation or architectural firm(s) to develop historic district design guidelines.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The City of Fredericksburg has grown steadily during the past several decades. Today, it is estimated that over 11,000 reside within the City, with growth in and around the City continuing at a steady pace. With this growth in population, residential and commercial development, including redevelopment, of land within the City and the surrounding areas has taken place. Extensive expansion of the downtown commercial area has occurred in response to increased interest in tourism. The historic district was expanded in 2019. As the City has aged so has its neighborhoods increasing the number of mid-century structures that qualify for historic designation. The City currently uses Design Guidelines created in 1997. These design guidelines are available to view on the City's website at www.fbgtx.org/794/historic-preservation The attached map "Exhibit A" shows the current City Limits, recently expanded historic district and landmarks. The local historic district includes buildings with early vernacular style, common early 20th century styles such as Victorian and Craftsman bungalows to the more recently added mid-century modern styles
PROJECT GOALS AND SCOPE
The selected firm shall be responsible for the development of a historic district design guidelines document for the City of Fredericksburg. The project scope of work shall include the following:
- New design guidelines and standards should address appropriate changes to all styles of architecture and materials represented within the historic district. The document should address new construction, additions, replacement of original material, energy efficiency, fencing, and other common requests.
- The firm should expect to spend two days exploring the historic district to better understand the architectural styles, materials, and condition of medium and high rated properties in the district.
- Coordination with the Historic Preservation Officer and the Historic Review Board.
- Public outreach (as required) – Anticipate at least one open house or public forum to discuss concerns and at least one final presentation to both the Historic Review Board and City Council.
The completed design guidelines and standards shall be consistent with the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.