Press Release

Maymont Issues Request for Proposals (RFP) for Construction Services for Improvements to Mansion & Wildlife Habitats

Richmond, Virginia – Today, Maymont issued a Request for Proposals for construction and construction management services for major improvement projects that will expand the accessibility, guest engagement, safety and long-term preservation of the historic Maymont Mansion and wildlife habitats. The successful bidder will execute the construction phase for the Maymont 2025 project, which is primarily funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. Maymont is raising $3.75 million in private and public funds to complete the estimated $11.75 million project.

“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.”

The project encompasses two 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.

Proposals will be due by November 21, 2023, at 3pm, and a mandatory pre-proposal bidder conference will be held at Maymont before the deadline. Any firm seeking more information or that is interested in submitting a proposal should visit the RFP page.

Work is expected to begin later this year, with the Mansion closing after November 26 to begin the process of carefully packing up the furniture and collections for off-site storage. Sections of the Virginia Wildlife Trail will also be closed during the construction period, primarily during the colder winter season. 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. The Mansion and Virginia Wildlife Trail are expected to reopen in phases in 2024.

Maymont 2025 follows a number of major infrastructure projects completed in recent years, including renovations to Maymont Farm in 2017, the renovation and expansion of The Robins Nature Center in 2020, and the new welcome center and active learning classroom that opened in September 2022 in the 1908 Stone Barn, supported by a special Commonwealth of Virginia grant to enhance the public’s appreciation of Virginia’s diverse history.

Maymont ranks as one of Central Virginia’s top attractions, earning Tripadvisor’s 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award, placing it among the top 10% of attractions worldwide for consistently positive visitor reviews. Located in the heart of Richmond, near vibrant restaurant and shopping districts, Maymont is a must-see site for visitors interested in enriched outdoor experiences and connecting with our shared history. In addition to the rescued wildlife habitats and well-preserved Gilded Age Mansion, the 100-acre estate offers walking paths through landscaped gardens and a historic arboretum, a Nature Center that showcases the James River ecosystem, and friendly farm animals, plus educational programming and community events. In addition, a variety of curated audio tours and programs provide insight and connection with historical narratives from a century ago, cementing Maymont’s place in the center of Virginia’s rich cultural fabric. With free admission to the grounds and outdoor wildlife habitats year-round, all are welcome at Maymont.

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.

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