When the City acquired the Smith Park property, all of the structures on the historic campus were in need of renovation. Projects have now been completed on the Carriage House, Root Cellar, Mansion, Pool House, and detached kitchen . With the other projects now complete, the final renovation involves stabilization of the two historic slave cabins directly west of Ravenswood Mansion. These two structures are of particular historical significance due to their brick construction, something not common among slave quarters in Middle Tennessee, and the fact that very few of these buildings are still in existence today. Neither of the two cabins is currently open for public viewing.
As can be seen in the attached photos, both buildings require repairs to the masonry, brick steps, roof cornices, doorframes, trim, windows, and exterior paint. As an alternative, the bid documents will request pricing for work on the west slave cabin to make the interior suitable for daytime public viewing. This would include repair of deteriorated or missing brick, removal and replacement of baseboards, flooring, and fireplace mantel, repointing of the firebox in the fireplace, removal of crown molding, removal of electrical system, etc. These interior improvements to the west cabin would be pursued only as allowed by the project budget.
Given the considerable age of these structures (194 years), utilization of a specialized architect to design and supervise the construction activities is warranted. Centric Architecture, the Nashville-based firm that served as the City's historic structure architect on the Ravenswood Mansion renovation, has proposed in the attached agreement to provide these services. Due to the company's extensive experience with Ravenswood Mansion, and similar historic structures throughout Middle Tennessee, staff recommends engaging Centric for this project.
Attached is a proposed agreement with Centric Architecture for design and construction phase services totaling $21,000. If bid pricing does not allow the additive interior improvements to the west cabin to be authorized, this amount will be reduced by $1,400. Design is expected to be completed within 45 days, with construction being completed by June 30. The total project budget, inclusive of design services, is $150,000.
Please contact Assistant City Manager Jay Evans with any questions. |