Press Release

Maymont Issues RFPs for Construction and Collections Packing/Storage Services for Improvements to Mansion & Wildlife Habitats

Richmond, Virginia – Today, Maymont issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for construction services and collections packing/storage services for the Maymont 2025 project, a major infrastructure project that will expand the accessibility, guest engagement, safety and long-term preservation of the historic Maymont Mansion and wildlife habitats. One RFP covers the packing, moving and off-site storage of the Mansion collections prior to the Mansion renovation work; another is for the construction phase of restoring the roof of the Mansion, replacing its HVAC system and installing a new fire suppression and security system; and the third will enhance the visitor experience along the Virginia Wildlife Trail with reconfigured pathways and animal habitats. Bidders are invited to submit proposals separately or for both scopes of work on the Mansion and Wildlife Trail.

The $11.75 million project is funded by a combination of public and private funds, including an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration and $3.75 million raised through private and public donations.

“As Maymont approaches its hundredth anniversary as a public greenspace, this timely investment will ensure Maymont continues to delight and inspire guests for another hundred years,” said Parke Richeson, President and CEO of Maymont Foundation. “The public and private funds raised will support Maymont’s important service to this community and continue its role as a strong driver of Virginia tourism.”

Bidders are invited to submit proposals separately or for both of the distinct areas of focus: One will restore the roof of the Mansion to its historical red slate and modernize its ventilation and fire suppression systems to protect the building and its collections with the latest museum-quality climate control. The other involves enhancing the visitor experience along the future Virginia Wildlife Trail for rescued, post-rehab native Virginia species. Habitats for two additional native species, porcupines and coyotes, are part of the plan, which will also upgrade seven existing wildlife habitats, to connect them more fluidly with added accessibility, expand the public viewing areas to accommodate more visitors and support enhanced education opportunities. In addition, a separate professional services provider will complete the packing, moving, storage and unpacking of the Mansion collections before and after construction.

Proposals will be due by March 20, 2024, at 3pm, and a pre-proposal bidder conference will be held at Maymont on February 21. Any firm seeking more information or that is interested in submitting a proposal should visit the RFP page.

The Mansion is closed to visitors while the work is underway. Sections of the Virginia Wildlife Trail will also be closed during the construction period. Other areas of Maymont will remain open throughout the project’s construction phase, including The Robins Nature Center, Maymont Farm, the Japanese and Italian Gardens, and the walking trails crisscrossing the 100-acre estate and arboretum. Maymont will post updates on the projects throughout the process.

About Maymont

Maymont is a well-preserved 100-acre historic estate overlooking the James River that was given to the public by James and Sallie Dooley, who lived there from 1893 to 1925. Today, Maymont is a welcoming community gathering place, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy, including the historic Maymont Mansion, The Robins Nature Center, an arboretum, formal gardens, and habitats for native Virginia wildlife and farm animals. Consistently ranked one of Central Virginia’s top attractions by travelers and locals alike, Maymont serves over 700,000 guests annually, with free admission to the grounds, plus guided and self-guided tours, seasonal events, programs and rental spaces. Since 1975, Maymont has been maintained and operated by the nonprofit Maymont Foundation, committed to creating programs and experiences that delight, educate and inspire its guests.

#  #  #

Note to editors: Photos are available upon request to mabernathy@maymont.org.