[MassHistPres] Request for Proposals - MA DCR Historic Curatorship Program

[Allen, Kevin (DCR)]

The Department of Conservation and Recreation is pleased to invite proposals for the rehabilitation, reuse and maintenance of the following historic property:

COACHMAN'S HOUSE AND OUTBUILDINGS, Maudslay State Park, Newburyport, Massachusetts

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is issuing a Request for Proposals for the rehabilitation, reuse, and maintenance of the Coachman's House Complex in Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Through DCR's Historic Curatorship Program, outside parties rehabilitate and maintain a historic property in return for credit toward a long-term lease.

"The Historic Curatorship Program demonstrates an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to preserving the history and culture of our park system," said DCR Commissioner Edward M. Lambert Jr., "By securing the long term preservation and maintenance of these historic resources, the partnership is a true win-win."

This complex makes up the greatest concentration of original structures from the Gilded Age former Maudsleigh Estate located along the banks of the Merrimack River. Designed by Boston architect William G. Rantoul, the Shingle style house is situated on a wooded, hilly parcel.  In addition, three Rantoul-designed outbuildings survive - the Teahouse, Boathouse and Pumphouse.  Surrounded by mature hardwoods, mountain laurel and rhododendrons, the complex is minutes from Newburyport's historic downtown.

Reuses of this property must be compatible with Maudslay State Park, while enhancing the visitor's experience of the public park. Curators are selected through an open and competitive process.  Proposals are evaluated based on a number of criteria, including the compatibility of the proposed reuse with the property and the park, experience in restoration and historic preservation, proof of sufficient financial resources to complete the project, and level of public benefit proposed beyond providing required biannual public access.

The Request for Proposals describes the submission requirements and provides detailed information on the property, including an assessment of its current condition and required improvements and estimated costs. Interested parties can submit a proposal for review by DCR.

Responses to the RFP are due on December 15, 2011, by 5 p.m.  An open house at the Coachman's House is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, November 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Preregistration is required for the open houses: Call 617-626-1361 or send an email to HCP.Requests at state.ma.us<mailto:HCP.Requests at state.ma.us>.

The Request for Proposal application and supporting documents can be found at:

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/curator/coachhouse.htm

For hard copies of the documents or more information on the program, send an e-mail to HCP.Requests at state.ma.us<mailto:kevin.allen at state.ma.us>, call 617-626-1361, or write to Historic Curatorship Program, Department of Conservation and Recreation, 7th floor, 251 Causeway St., Boston, MA 02114.

NOTE: Please do not attempt to enter the Coachman's House or any of the associated buildings.  The buildings are not open to the public and are potentially hazardous.  Prospective Curators can inspect the interiors during the Open House or if accompanied by DCR staff.  Prospective applicants may visually inspect the building exteriors and grounds.

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