2025-110

WHEREAS, the Rhode Island Pandemic Recovery Office (PRO) awarded the City of Newport $7.5 Million as part of its Capital Projects Fund-Community Learning Center Program (CPF-CLC) to support renovations to the Florence Gray Community Center and the residents of both Newport and Middletown. The Subaward Agreement between the City and PRO was signed March 2024 and outlines the City’s responsibilities for fulfilling the obligations of the program, including Financial Management Standards, with a term stating that the facility must reach substantial completion with a Certificate of Occupancy by October 31, 2026; and

WHEREAS, in February 2024, the City entered into a Subrecipient Agreement with the Newport Housing Authority (owner of Florence Gray Center) and the Boys and Girls Club of Newport County; and

WHEREAS, following the Newport Housing Authority recommendation, The City of Newport awarded (Council Resolution 2024-142) Brewster Thornton Group Architects LLP of Providence RI the contract for Architecture and Engineering Services for renovation to THE Florence Gray Center; and

WHEREAS, the previously awarded contract to Brewster Thornton Group Architects did not include design and support services for technology, audio-visual, and physical electronic security, presented as Amendment #01. Given the complexity of the building housing multiple tenant spaces and shared spaces, it is more efficient and effective to have the Architect team coordinate the design at this phase of the project; and

WHEREAS, the project requires structural investigation and study of the current condition of the exterior masonry veneer and back-up wall system at the Gallagher Wing, presented as Amendment #02. The investigation and study will require temporary removal and reinstallation of a few sections of the masonry veneer to understand the condition of the existing masonry veneer and back-up wall system.

The base contract with the Architecture & Engineering team did not include this level of masonry veneer investigation and study as it is atypical; NOW THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED: the City Council approves the Department of Resilience & Sustainability recommendation to Amend (Amendment #01 and #02) the contract with Brewster Thornton Group Architects to provide additional design support for the Renovations to the Florence Gray Center. The amendments total amount is $46,660, which will be covered through the original $7.5 Million project budget. The City Council authorizes the Council Chair to sign the contract amendments subject to favorable review by the City Solicitor.

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
JUNE 25, 2025

Laura C. Swistak
City Clerk