Bloomington council asked to pick highest bidder to update historic preservation plan

Posted on October 25, 2019
Downtown Bloomington
Bloomington City Council members will decide Monday night whether to hire a Chicago firm to update the city’s historic preservation plan. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington city staffers believe hiring the lowest bidder is not the best option for updating the city’s historic preservation plan.

Staffers are recommending the city council at its meeting Monday night accept the highest bid among three competitors.

The Lakota Group will charge $49,810. An Illinois Historic Preservation Agency grant will cover $30,000 of the cost.

The document is expected to guide preservation efforts for the next decade, identifying key preservation districts and landmarks, and making recommendations for policies and ordinances.

The staff’s report cites the Chicago firm’s experience and reputation, its plans to employ a dynamic public engagement strategy, and ability to link historic preservation to economic development, downtown revitalization, and heritage tourism.

The city’s current preservation plan was last updated in 2004.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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