How to bid on Design-Build Restoration of Auditorium Walls for Thomaston Opera House

What the Town of Thomaston is buying

The Town of Thomaston is seeking proposals from qualified historic restoration firms for a design-build project. This project involves the design and execution of decorative finish restoration for the auditorium walls of the Thomaston Opera House. The selected firm will be responsible for developing the final decorative scheme, based on completed finishes investigations, and then performing the restoration work. This work includes hand-applied plaster repair, painting, stenciling, glazing, and mural work.

Key dates and deadlines

This Request for Proposal (RFP) was published on August 21, 2026. All questions regarding this bid must be submitted by email to Richard Sileo, First Selectman, by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, September 18, 2026. The final deadline for submitting sealed proposals is 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on September 30, 2026. Proposals must be submitted before this deadline.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is specifically for historic restoration firms with demonstrated experience in decorative finish restoration. The project requires expertise in design-build engagements, including developing decorative schemes and executing detailed hand-applied work such as plaster repair, painting, stenciling, glazing, and mural work. Firms must be able to show relevant experience with this type of specialized work.

How to access and respond to the RFP

The full solicitation documents and instructions on how to respond are available on CTsource, Connecticut's statewide procurement portal. You can view the bid publicly without needing an account. To download documents or submit your proposal, you will need to create a free CTsource account. Ensure you complete your submission before the stated deadline.

Tips for a competitive response

For a design-build historic restoration project like this, clearly demonstrate your firm's specific experience with similar opera house or historic theater projects. Highlight your team's expertise in decorative finishes, including plaster, painting, stenciling, glazing, and mural work. Provide examples of past projects where your firm successfully developed and executed a decorative scheme based on existing finishes investigations.

Pay close attention to the question deadline and submit any inquiries promptly. This ensures you have all necessary clarifications before preparing your final proposal. Your proposal should clearly outline your proposed approach to both the design development phase and the execution of the restoration work, emphasizing your understanding of historic preservation principles and techniques.