Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a service contract with Quinn Evans Architects, Inc., to provide an assessment of the City of Columbus’ historic preservation code, policies, guidelines, and processes. This ordinance also authorizes the payment for services starting August 1, 2026, until March 31, 2027.
The City of Columbus seeks to “modernize” historic preservation in Columbus and answer some big picture questions, including:
• What is the future of historic preservation in Columbus?
• How can historic preservation be used to help achieve equitable development in Columbus?
• How do the needs for housing production and historic preservation co-exist and support each other?
To answer these questions, the chosen consultant will need to analyze the city’s existing preservation code, policies, guidelines, and processes. The chosen vendor will subsequently provide recommendations on necessary revisions to said code, policies, guidelines, and processes to set the stage for the creation of a modern historic preservation program.
The Department of Development advertised RFQ032013 through the Vendor Services portal on January 30, 2026, and accepted proposals for Historic Preservation Assessment through the Bonfire portal on March 4, 2026. Eight (8) proposals were submitted in response to RFQ032013 in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes. An evaluation committee of members from the City Council and the Department of Development selected Quinn Evans Architects, Inc. The evaluation was based on project management experience, project approach, and other factors.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency action is requested to establish the purchase order and quickly begin updating preservation codes, policies, guidelines, and processes to modernize the city’s historic preservation program.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund and is available on ACPO012686 authorized by ordinance 3298-2025.
Contract Compliance: The vendor number is 054716 and expires 3/2/2028.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a contract with Quinn Evans Architects, Inc., in an amount up to $150,000.00 to provide an assessment for the historic preservation code, policies, guidelines, and processes; to authorize the expenditure of $150,000.00 from an existing Auditor’s Certificate; and declare an emergency. ($150,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Development seeks to “modernize” historic preservation in Columbus; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus utilized a Request for Proposals (RFP) process to identify and assess qualified firms; and
WHEREAS, proposals were submitted in response to RFQ032013 in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Code, Quinn Evans Architects, Inc. received the highest overall score from the RFP committee.
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure in an amount up to $150,000.00 from ACPO012686 authorized by Ordinance 3298-2025 passed by Council on December 8, 2025.
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual and daily operation of the Department of Development in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into a service contract with Quinn Evans Architects, Inc. to provide an assessment of the City of Columbus’ historic preservation codes, policies, guidelines and processes to modernize the city’s historic preservation program for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Development is authorized to enter into a service contract with Quinn Evans Architects, Inc., in an amount up to $150,000.00 to provide an assessment for the City of Columbus historic preservation code, policies, guidelines, and processes which will modernize the historic preservation program.
SECTION 2. That for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $150,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed and is authorized by Ordinance 3298-2025 and the existing ACPO012686.
SECTION 3. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance
SECTION 5. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.