REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DESIGN STANDARDS & GUIDELINES

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: The City of Forest Grove is seeking a qualified historic preservationist/ planning consultant to prepare design standards and guidelines for the City’s historic downtown district, which consists of approximately 50 parcels. This project intends to develop clear and objective, context-sensitive standards that preserve the downtown’s historic character while supporting compatible new development and renovation projects. In addition to developing historic standards, historic guidelines will also be created.

Recognizing that no set of standards can be perfect, the historic guidelines will provide guidance on how new construction might deviate from the standards, and yet still accomplish the goal of protecting our architectural heritage. In practice, all development projects must meet the standards; however, projects would be permitted to deviate from the standards in some ways, if it is demonstrated that the related design guidelines have been addressed and that deviations would result in a higher quality development.

REQUIREMENTS: The chosen consultant will be responsible for creating non-residential design standards and guidelines for the City’s Downtown Historic District. The project scope of work shall include the following:

• New design standards and guidelines should address visible changes to all styles of architecture and materials represented within the historic district. The document should address new construction, additions, replacement of original material, and other common requests. The City has currently adopted residential standards and guidelines for its three residential historic districts. These design standards and guidelines are available to view on the City's website here: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/forestgrove/latest/forestgrovedev_or/0-0-0-6507
• The consultant should expect to spend time exploring the historic district and reviewing existing resource surveys to better understand the architectural styles, materials, and condition of both contributing and non-contributing properties within the district.
• Coordination with the City Staff and the Historic Landmarks Board (HLB).
• Public outreach (as required) – Anticipate at least one public forum to gather public input and provide attendance for both first and second readings of the final ordinance at 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.

CONTRACT CONDITIONS: The total budget for this project is $10,000.00, provided by a grant awarded from the State Historic Preservation Office. Respondents should prepare their submittals with the understanding that this is the confirmed level of funding and is intended to cover all consultant services, deliverables, and associated expenses. This RFQ does not commit the City of Forest Grove to the award of a contract, nor to any of the costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals in anticipation of a contract. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals received as a result of this request, to negotiate with all qualified sources, or to cancel all or part of this RFQ. The contract shall specify a billing procedure acceptable to the consultant and the City.

EVALUATION: Submittals shall not exceed three (3) pages, excluding attachments. Submittals will be evaluated based on the consultant’s demonstrated qualifications, relevant project experience, and understanding of the project objectives and requirements. The City’s selection will place strong emphasis on expertise in historic preservation planning, the preparation of design standards and guidelines, and familiarity with best practices consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. Additional consideration will be given to demonstrated experience in public engagement and the consultant’s ability to complete the project within the desired timeframe (final adoption by December 31, 2026). This RFQ will remain open until filled, and the City’s final selection may include an interview.

SUBMISSION: One digital copy of the submittal and any supporting information provided by the respondent shall be emailed to:

Matt Johnson, Senior Planner
City of Forest Grove
Forest Grove, Oregon 97116-0326
mjohnson@forestgrove-or.gov