Q: Is this an invited or open Request for Proposals?
A: The RFP was by invitation. It went out to a field of approx 45 firms through recommendations from our advisors and peer cultural site interviews we conducted (these are highlighted in the Guide to RFP respondents slide deck). Firms touch on the key approaches that are central to the project: lead design team, landscape design, lighting, interiors, engineering, etc. Some firms replied that their current commitments prevented them from submitting, but that they wanted to recommend other firms. In addition, some firms wanted to share the information with potential collaborators. For these and similar situations, we welcome you sharing the Visioning site with your recommended colleagues.
Q: Will there be a physical walk-thru of the site? or will this happen later when designers will be shortlisted?
A: On the Visioning site, under resources, you can link to a 3-D Matterport tour of most of the colonial house, barn and part of the landscape. During part 2 (Design Competition), selected firms will have the option to participate in an onsite tour of the property (travel reimbursement for up to 2 Team members).
Q: For consultants who may wish to remove anonymity, with the specific anticipation of potentially teaming, can you provide a sign up sheet?
A: Thank you for this suggestion. We are working on a form and process for those who wish to disclose their information and explore potential collaborations with other potential respondents. We will post it to the Visioning site soon.
Q: Are we to form a team for the competition phase?
A: Yes - we are looking for firms to assemble their dream team to assist the Foundation in realizing the philanthropic uses and revival of the property. There is an emphasis on modernist & colonial design, landscape architecture, lighting, and interiors.
Q: Relevant Experience: "Submit up to 5 projects" means per team member, correct? If that's for the entire team, it'll be difficult to represent everyone.
A: To represent your team experience, you may submit additional projects. Please make every effort to stay within the 250MB file upload parameters.
Q: Do the reference projects have to be realized. We have a number of relevant references which are either about to start construction or where the owner decide not to proceed. These experiences are valuable, despite not (yet) being realized.
A: Projects representing team experience do not have to be realized.
Q: We can see from the RFP that Part 3 Schematic Design begins July 1, 2024; is there an idea about the broader schedule for implementation of the work?
A: The Madison Working Group seeks to work collaboratively with the selected firm that will lead schematic design. Ideally, schematic design will be complete by the end of the 2024 calendar year, with full design-build efforts commencing in 2025. Per the RFP, please note that we have stated that the Team selected to develop Schematic Design plans is not guaranteed to be selected as the final Architect of Record for the redevelopment of the property.
Q: Any chance to extend the first phase RFP by another week?
A: The modified Proposal Response Submission date is now March 8 by 5:00 pm ET (digital submission).
Q: How “public “ is your mission - do you imagine that visits are open or by appointment only?
A: The level of public access will likely grow over time. We want to build relationships with the town and immediate neighbors to establish trust and to better understand the level of public engagement that fits this neighborhood site and scale. It is likley that by-appointment or small scale engagements will grow to include mid-scale convenings (approx 50-75 pp)
Q: Does the Foundation currently have a (new) permanent art collection and/or contemplate art installations in the buildings/landscape?
A: The Tremaine Collection has largely been dispersed to new owners through sales and two Christies auctions (1988 and 1991); however we anticipate working with artists and curators to mount small gallery/studio exhibitions and events.
Q: Is there an established estimated budget for the work?
A: This response answers several questions regarding the estimated overall budget and purpose: Early estimate is $2-$4M, inclusive of all fees. This is projected to cover restoration of existing structures, new building construction, landscape, interiors, lighting, engineering, etc. The goal of the master planning process is to address the full 6-acre site, integrating the projected uses. The Madison Working Group will be learning alongside of the participating firms to better understand if this is a realistic all-in budget projection.
Q: Have you received any estimates for initial restoration cost estimates to date? If so, can you share the range of this estimate, and what is most needed?
A: Please see the building assessment report available on the Visioning site under reference materials. The high end of the initial stabilization is $1.4M, but this is not full restoration (it does not include landscaping, interiors, etc.). Please see the Guide to RFP respondents slide deck to view the priority use activations, including slide 13 which shows priority areas for restoration and other areas for possible restoration or replacement, adaptation, and potential new builds.
Q: Is there an architectural program (i.e. various uses of the property) for the work?
A: On the Visioning site, under resources, please see the Guide to RFP respondents slide deck to view the priority use activations, including slide 13 which shows priority areas for restoration and other areas for possible restoration or replacement, adaptation, and potential new builds.
Q: In terms of “spaces for restoration (architecture/landscape of significance)” shown in green on an early slide, is the expectation that everything will be truly restored? Thinking in particular about the pool and walls, but also exterior paving and other landscape/garden features.
A: Yes - we imagine as close to full restoration as possible for the green areas on slide 13 of the Guide to RFP respondents slide deck (see link under resources). The Johnson designed garden wall, patio, pool, sunroom, "cube" entrance, barn and immediate adjoining landscape should be targeted for high level restoration.
Q: Are the structures locally or nationally landmarked?
A: Elements of the site (the Johnson additions) were eligible for landmark status in 2004, but no designations were applied for.
Q: Will your civil be available to all teams?
A: Summer Hill Civil Engineers & Land Surveyors, P.C. (details in the consultant list under resources) will likely be available. In addition, the topographic map is already on the Visioning site and we will make a new site map that will be part of an application for a special use exception for philanthropic activities available as soon as it is completed.
Q: What are expectations around accessibility beyond ADA?
A: We are looking to apply UDL (universal design for learning) guidelines. This stems from more than 35 years of grantmaking in the space of learning disabilities and learn differences. Click Here for UDL for learning (education sector) guidelines. In addition, here is a link to UDL guides for residential buildings:
Q: Has the Town of Madison confirmed its support for, or provided any preliminary feedback in favor of, or concerns regarding, the proposed site program and uses?Have you been granted any change of use approvals for the property? Are all of your adjacent neighbors, and all of the key departments in your land use offices aware of your plans for the change of use and the expanded building program?
A: On a parallel track, the Foundation is working with a land use attorney to submit a special use exception (for philanthropic uses) with the Town of Madison. We have had initial conversations with the Town Planner and First Selectwoman. We are aiming to be on the Planning Commission hearing schedule for April, though the process may require multiple hearings. We hope to secure a special use exception that is embraced by the Town, community and immediate neighbors by June.