Lewis Contractors Wins $7.2 Million Bid to Repair Druid Hill Park Conservatory
The Baltimore Board of Estimates is scheduled to finalize the three-year restoration contract on November 5.
By Jonathan Hoffmann ·
Baltimore residents will see extensive construction work at the Rawlings Conservatory in Druid Hill Park after the city selected a contractor to restore its oldest building. The Department of Recreation and Parks recommends awarding the project to Henry H. Lewis Contractors LLC. The Board of Estimates will vote on the contract at its November 5 meeting.
The contract value stands at $7,176,705. This figure is lower than the $9,448,320 bid from Wohlsen Construction Co. that the parks department initially recommended in August. Officials withdrew that earlier item from the agenda to solicit new proposals. The city received four new bids in September. Lewis submitted the lowest amount at $7,176,669.
The scope of work covers a comprehensive restoration of the Palm House and its Orchid Room. The Palm House, built in 1888, is the tallest section of the conservatory at 50 feet. It features a vaulted roof, a cupola, and 175 windows. The project includes replacing failing glazing, stabilizing structural elements, and updating mechanical and electrical systems. The work also involves re-establishing the surrounding landscaping and palm trees.
The Rawlings Conservatory is a National Register of Historic Places landmark. It consists of five distinct greenhouses and surrounding gardens. The Palm House is the oldest part of the complex. It was designed to house towering palms, including Green Malayan Coconut and Bismarck varieties. The conservatory underwent a major restoration from 2002 to 2004, during which it received UV-protective glass.
Funding for the project comes from the city, the state, and private donors. The Friends of the Rawlings Conservatory has raised money through various fundraisers. The proposed contract duration is 1,095 days, or three years. The start date depends on the Board of Estimates approval.
Lewis Contractors is a family-owned business founded in 1966. The firm has a history of restoring historic structures. Previous projects include the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon, the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore, and the Maryland Hall cupola at Johns Hopkins University. The Board of Estimates will meet virtually via Webex on November 5 due to scheduling conflicts.
