Title
Adopt a Resolution to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Consulting Services Agreement with Page & Turnbull for the Casa Peralta Restoration Estimate, Project No. 2025.2402 in an Amount of $566,596; and to Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Approve Amendments to the Agreement Not to Exceed 30% (or $169,980) of the Original Contract Amount
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Quality of Life
• Infrastructure
• Economic Development
SUMMARY
This Project will evaluate the condition of the Casa Peralta site and its associated structures and prepare a restoration concept and cost estimate for returning the site to a historically accurate, safe and functional condition. The resulting assessment will identify improvements needed to support future public access and house tours.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommend the City Council adopt the resolution to:
• Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Consulting Services Agreement with Page & Turnbull in the amount of $566,596 to complete assessments needed to provide a conceptual design and estimate for the restoration of Casa Peralta; and
• Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and approve amendments to the agreement up to a cumulative value of 30% (or $169,980) of the original contract amount
BACKGROUND
Casa Peralta was constructed in 1901 and has served a variety of purposes over its history. In 1969, the property was slated for demolition to accommodate a new housing development; however, in 1971, the Casa Peralta Foundation purchased the property and subsequently donated it to the City with the condition that it be preserved and operated as a community cultural, recreational, and historical center available for use by the local residents and community groups.
The City operated Casa Peralta as a historic house museum, offering weekend docent-led tours until the building was determined to be seismically deficient in 2016. The City envisioned expanding public use of the facility through increased rental opportunities, additional educational programming, and amenities such as a concession stand or café. To support this vision, the City sought to restore the grounds using historically appropriate materials, finishes, and furnishings whenever feasible.
In 2015, the City retained Architectural Resources Group (ARG) to prepare a conceptual design report evaluating the preservation and restoration needs of Casa Peralta. ARG completed its assessment in 2016 and categorized the recommended improvements into three priority levels:
• Short-term improvements: Urgent repairs necessary to prevent further deterioration and avoid more costly repairs in the future
• Medium-term improvements: Important repairs and enhancements that, while less urgent, were strongly recommended to preserve the property
• Long-term improvements: Non-urgent restoration work primarily intended to enhance the site's historical authenticity.
In December 2016, the conceptual design report was presented to the City Council Facilities and Transportation Committee, which recommended funding the short- and medium-term improvements. However, due to funding constraints, the recommended work was not undertaken. As a result, the condition of the property and its structures have continued to deteriorate.
On May 8, 2025, staff presented an update on the condition of Casa Peralta and associated preservation challenges to the City Council Facilities and Transportation Committee and requested directions on next steps. The Committee directed staff to conduct a new evaluation to reassess the property's current condition and develop an updated scope of work and cost estimate for its restoration.
The evaluation will assess existing site conditions, develop updated repair and restoration cost estimates, and identify improvements necessary to preserve the site's historic character, improve public safety, support future public use, and comply with current codes and regulatory requirements.
ANALYSIS
A Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Casa Peralta Concept and cost estimate was publicly advertised on the City’s website. Four (4) proposals were received from qualified consulting firms. Staff evaluated and ranked the proposals based on qualifications, relevant experience, project approach, and demonstrated ability to perform the required services. References were obtained and reviewed for the two highest ranked firms. Based on this evaluation, staff determined that Page and Turnbull is the most qualified firm to perform the work due to their expertise in historic preservation and successful completion of similar projects.
The proposed contract amount of $566,599 reflects staff’s current understanding of the scope of services necessary to complete the evaluation and restoration concept. As work progresses, additional services may be required to address unforeseen conditions, incorporate new information, or complete tasks necessary to deliver a comprehensive final product. To provide flexibility and avoid delays associated with returning to the City Council for approval of minor scope modifications, staff recommend authorization for the City Manager to approve cumulative contract amendments and change orders of up to 30% (or $169,980) of the original contract amount.
Previous Actions
• On December 15, 2003, by Resolution No. 2003-251, the City Council approved the designation of Casa Peralta, amongst certain properties, on the City’s existing historic sites as City Landmarks in accordance with Historic Preservation Ordinance No. 2003-14.
• On November 3, 2015, the City Council Facilities and Transportation Committee directed maintenance of the historical value of Casa Peralta as much as possible during the renovation process.
• On December 21, 2015, by Resolution No. 15-664, the City Council approved a Consulting Services Agreement with ARG in the amount of $65,800 for Conceptual Design for the Casa Peralta Improvement Project.
• On January 22, 2019, by Resolution No. 2018-594, the City Council approved a Consulting Services Agreement with ARG in the amount of $341,130 for the Casa Peralta Improvements to provide construction-ready plans, specs, and cost estimates for various repairs and improvements to the building and grounds.
• On July 8, 2020, the City Council Facilities and Transportation Committee directed staff to defer Casa Peralta work with the exception of $500,000 for roof repair.
• On May 8, 2025, the City Council Facilities and Transportation Committee directed staff to conduct a new evaluation to reassess Casa Peralta’s current condition and develop an updated scope of work and cost estimate for its restoration.
Applicable General Plan Policies
• Policy ED-5.6 Cultural and Historic Resources
• Policy CD-1.1 Broad Approach to Preservation.
• Policy CD-3.8 Use of Historic Buildings
Summary of Public Outreach Efforts
The RFP was published on December 10, 2026, on the City’s website. Staff contacted consulting firms that asked to be notified of potential opportunities via email.
No public meeting is planned for this phase of the project.
Financial Impacts
The total project cost is estimated as follows:
Consultant Contract: $566,596.00
Contingency: $169,980.00
Staff Time: $75,000.00
Sufficient funds are included in the adopted capital improvement budget for the Casa Peralta project (Capital Improvement Projects Fund - Capital Improvements - Casa Peralta)
Capital Improvement Projects Fund, Account 210-38-403 $1,343,847.03
This Council action will not impact the fund balance because there are funds available in the adopted FY 2026 capital improvement budget, which will carry forward into FY 2027 for project execution.
ATTACHMENTS:
A: Resolution to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Consulting Services Agreement with Page & Turnbull for the Casa Peralta Restoration Estimate, Project No. 2025.2402 in an Amount of $566,596; and to Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Approve Amendments to the Agreement Not to Exceed 30% (or $169,980) of the Original Contract Amount
B: Draft CSA Page and Turnbull
PREPARED BY: Diana Garcia, Assistant Engineer, Public Works