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Seeking Contractor

Clare'S Well, Little Falls, MN, United States


Design–Build Replacement of an Attached Greenhouse

Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls

1. Who We Are
The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls are a non‑profit religious organization seeking proposals from qualified local contractors to design and build a replacement greenhouse attached to an existing garage structure. The project will support planting and gardening activities and will be developed in close collaboration with the Sisters.

2. Project Overview
This project includes:

Demolition and removal of the existing greenhouse

Design and construction of a new greenhouse attached to an existing garage

Modifications to the garage, including moving an existing doorway

Interior greenhouse improvements such as shelving and potting stations

Electrical and plumbing work needed to support planting activities

This will be a design–build project, meaning the selected contractor will help develop the design with input from the Sisters and staff and then construct the project.

Project Location:

116 8th Ave SE, Little Falls, MN 56345

3. Mandatory On‑Site Visit
A mandatory on‑site visit is required before submitting a proposal.

The purpose of the visit is to review existing conditions, access, utilities, and attachment to the garage.

Proposals will not be considered from contractors who do not attend the site visit.

Contractors are responsible for verifying conditions during the visit.

On‑Site Visit Date(s): Weekdays January 20‑30, 2026

Provide a functional, durable, and easy‑to‑use greenhouse

Integrate the greenhouse properly with the existing garage structure and HVAC

Support planting, potting, and storage needs

Keep the design practical and cost‑conscious

Complete work in time for use in 2026

5. Scope of Work
The selected contractor will be responsible for the following:

Meet with the Franciscan Sisters and designated lay staff to discuss needs and preferences

Develop a simple, practical greenhouse design

Coordinate layout for shelving, potting stations, utilities, and access

Prepare drawings needed for permits and construction

B. Demolition

Remove and dispose of the existing greenhouse

Protect the garage and surrounding areas

Provide temporary weather protection if needed

C. Garage Modifications

Relocate an existing doorway in the garage

Repair and finish affected walls, framing, siding, and/or interior surfaces

Ensure the garage remains weather‑tight and secure

D. New Greenhouse Construction

Build and install new greenhouse structure and glazing

Properly attach greenhouse to garage

Install doors, vents, and access points

Flashing and waterproofing at all connection points

E. Interior Greenhouse Features

Greenhouse shelving

Potting stations or work tables

Hose bibs or sinks as needed for planting

Venting systems for proper greenhouse functionality

F. Electrical & Plumbing

Electrical service for lighting, outlets, and controls

Plumbing for planting and washing needs

Coordinate with existing utilities

Controls for automatic climate control if applicable

G. Project Closeout

Final walkthrough with the designated Sisters and lay staff

Address any punch list items

Provide basic maintenance and warranty information

6. Schedule
The project must meet the following timeline:

Design and coordination: Early 2026

Construction start: Spring 2026

Project completion: Summer 2026

Proposers should include a proposed schedule showing how this timeline will be met.

7. Permits and Codes

Contractor is responsible for obtaining required permits

All work must meet applicable building codes

Contractor is responsible for inspections and approvals

8. Who Should Respond
We encourage proposals from:

Local general contractors

Greenhouse builders with construction experience

Design–build firms

Small firms comfortable working directly with owners

Experience with non‑profits or mission‑based organizations is a plus but not required.

9. What to Include in Your Proposal
Please keep proposals clear and straightforward. Include:

Brief company background and relevant experience

Description of your design–build approach

Your ideas for the greenhouse and interior layout based on Sisters requests

How you would handle the garage doorway relocation

Cost proposal (lump sum or clearly explained estimate)

Warranty information

At least two references from similar projects

10. How Proposals Will Be Evaluated
Proposals will be evaluated based on:

Ability to collaborate and communicate clearly

These photos show our existing greenhouse. They are provided for reference only so you can see the current structure, layout, and materials.

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