The Florida Division of Historic Resources requires the use of Historic Preservation Architects as a condition of their grant awards. Additionally, Florida requires the ranking of such architects prior to fee negotiations. The state also provides a permissible fee scale from which to determine those fees.

In preparation of the Hacienda stabilization and restoration effort staff considered nine historic architects, ranking Bender & Associates as the most qualified. Bender is known nationally for their high standards of quality, design, depth of experience, including an underlying passion for historic preservation. The city had great success with the firm during the 2015 Special Category Grant, which allowed the city to complete the project on time, within budget and with no delays or deficiencies. The fact that Bender has been associated with the Hacienda has aided in securing these new grant awards.

The scope of work for the two new grant awards will include the following:

• Restoration of the Historic Sims Park Patio
• Restoration of the Historic Staircase
• Installation of a supporting beam in the dining room arch
• Installation of windows and doors

Bender fee are to be paid from grant proceeds and requested as follows:

•        9,889 Small-Matching Grant ($100,000 Award)

•      55,500 Special Category Grant ($750,00 Award)

•      Totaling $65,389.

This amount is $11,714 below the Florida Department of Management Fees for Architectural Services and represents 7.7% of the over cost of the project.