E3. Award Welcome to Kalispell Sign RFPCITY OF
KALISPELL
Development Services Department
201 lst Avenue East
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-7940
Fax: (406) 758-7739
www.kalispell.com/planning
REPORT TO: Doug Russell, City Manager
FROM: Jarod Nygren, Development Services Director
SUBJECT: Gateway Sign Final Design, Fabrication, and Installation Proposal
Recommendation
MEETING DATE: April 15, 2024
BACKGROUND: The Core Area Plan and the Westside/Core Area Urban Renewal Plan identified
the need for "Welcome to Kalispell" signage on the bridge on the eastern area of the Parkline Trail.
The Urban Renewal Agency recommended this project for Council approval at its September 20,
2023, meeting. Subsequently, City Council approved the project to be funded by the Westside/Core
Area Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District.
The city advertised a request for proposals (RFP) to solicit professional design, fabrication,
engineering, and installation of the sign. One firm responded to the request for qualifications and a
four -member committee reviewed the proposal. The committee recommends Highline Design with
partners Workaday Architecture and Eclipse Engineering Kittelson & Associates to provide
professional design, fabrication, engineering and installation of a Welcome to Kalispell Sign.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Council select Highline Design and allow staff
to develop an agreement for services to implement the project.
FISCAL EFFECTS: Up to $172,000.00 from the Westside/Core Area TIF will be utilized to
complete professional design, fabrication, engineering, and installation of the sign.
ALTERNATIVES: Deny the request.
ATTACHMENTS: Highline Design Proposal
c: Aimee Brunckhorst, Kalispell City Clerk
DESIGN Ce
LETTER OF INTEREST
City Clerk
City of Kalispell
201 First Avenue East
Kalispell, MT 59901
Dear City of Kalispell,
HVdiirm Design Company LLC.
Kalispell, MT 1 406.838.6498 1 hello(o)highlinemt.com
D.b: 03/20/24
In a city with a as much potential as Kalispell, a gateway sign becomes more than a mere marker, it becomes a statement of identity.
We, at Highline Design, alongside our colleagues at Workaday Architecture and Eclipse Engineering, stand ready to blend narrative
with steel and stone.
In a town where every landmark tells a story, the new gateway sign is an opportunity to offer a warm welcome to residents and visitors
alike. We are excited to propose a project that's more thanjust a highway construction project —it's a reflection of KalispelI's spirit.
As local business owners and active members of this community, we I understand the essence of Kalispell —and what makes our city
unique. We have played a significant part in shaping the very paths that our sign will oversee, including our role in naming and branding
the Parkline Trail. With our community involvement from the KDA, KBID, Planning Board, Trail Crew, and work with countless Iota'
businesses and originations, it is hard to overstate our level or investment and expertise on this exact topic.
With Workaday Architecture adding a lifelong experience of Kalispell to our design expertise, and Eclipse Engineering ensuring
structural integrity, were not just proposing a sign —we're crafting a welcoming gesture that stands at the gateway to our shared
experiences and memories.
We will selected materials and designed elements with the durability to withstand our Montana weather and the visibility to stand out
as a true gateway. Our approach always balances aesthetic appeal with practical functionality, ensuring the final product is both striking
and sustainable.
We have enclosed our proposal, outlining how we plan to deliver a gateway sign that honors Kalispell's heritage and looks forward to its
future. Were here to answer any questions and discuss further how we can bring this project to life.
Sincerely,
George Gievas6 Zack George
HIGHLINE DESIGN LLC. WORKADAY ARCHITECTURE
Highlinedesign.co workadaydesign.com
136 2nd St. W. 127 S Main St,
Kalispell, MT 59901 Kalispell, MT 59901
george(o)highlinemt.com info(aiworkadaydesign.com
WORKRORY I Hi6hlina, Design Company LLC.
Ka ispe I, MT 1406.838.6498 1 hello(@highlinemt.com
DESIGN Ca
33J GENERAL INFORMATION
Highline:
At Highline Design, we believe that great design intimately ties with the community it serves. Rooted in the
heart of downtown Kalispell, we are a company where creativity meets local understanding and expertise. Our
portfolio showcases a spectrum of projects from branding cityscapes to a myriad of local businesses, all craft-
ed with a meticulous appreciation for their unique culture and heritage. Led by George and Elma Giavasis, our
approach is hands-on and community -driven. Our active roles with the city in various board capacities reflect
our deep investment in the city's future. Our past work, especially the branding of the Parkline Trail, and Down
Kalispell, exemplifies our commitment to designs that resonate with and elevate the community spirit.
Workaday Architecture:
Workaday Architecture, and Zack George, a native of Kalispell, has come to represent the next wave of archi-
tectural design in the valley. With a tailored approach that respects the regions history while pushing towards
innovation. The firm's expertise spans across various sectors, consistently delivering designs that are not only
functional but also enhance the local fabric. Workaday's portfolio showcases a versatility in tackling complex
projects with a focus on sustainability and contextual design, making them an indispensable partner in envision-
ing a gateway sign that truly speaks to Kalispell's future without forgetting its past.
Eclipse Engineering:
Partnering with Eclipse Engineering ensures that the structural integrity of the gateway sign matches its visual
appeal. With a reputation for excellence in engineering solutions, Eclipse has a robust portfolio that demon-
strates their technical prowess across diverse projects. Their local presence in Montana and familiarity with the
specific environmental and regulatory demands means that the structural components of the gateway sign will
be designed and vetted for utmost safety and longevity. Eclipse's collaborative approach and commitment to
innovation will be crucial in fabricating a sign that is not just an emblem but a lasting landmark for Kalispell.
2
WORKADAY I Highfine IDsaiign Company LLC.
Kalispell, MT 1 406.838.6498 -iel o(@highlinemt.com
DESIGN Ce
3.3.2 RELEVANT COMPANY EXPERIENCE
Highline Design, in alliance with Workaday Architecture and Eclipse Engineering, co lectively bring forth an unparal'eled m'x of local
insight, design excellence, and structural expertise that stands testament to our so'id reputation within Kalispell. Our deep roots and
active involvement in the community's fabric underpin a proven track record of del'vering high -quality, sustainable pro ects tag ored to
the unique narrative and needs of the city. Th's collaborat.on ensures a seam ess fus on ofvisionaryaesthetics and robust functionality,
promising a gateway sign that w'll embody the essence and enduring spirit of Kalispell with unmatched service capabIlties.
Between our agencies we an present a large variety of relevant past work. Here are images of just a few:
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WORKADAY I Highline Dmign Compeny LLC.
- f Kalispel , MT 406,838.6498 1 hello(@h'ghlinernt.com
DESIGN C4
PROJECT CONCEPTS
These are not final designs but represent conceptual exp orations to env'sion how the ex'sting Parkline and Downtown Ka ispel
brands could be integrated into this project Uthat was the chosen visual direction).
The above design concepts belong to Nighline Design Company.
WORKRORY
DESIGN C4
3.3.3 COMPANY QUALIFICATIONS
3.3.3a
Highline Dn;gn Company LLC.
Kal'spel , MT 1 406.838.6498 I hello(Dhighlinemt.com
I hope by now I have well establ'shed that our partnership has a long and deeply rooted history of so ving design and budding prob erns in the
Flathead and doing it ;n effective, innovatve ways.
While you will have access to the dozen or so emp oyees and staff members of the'nvolved agencies, you will be principally workng w'th George
Giavasis, Elma Giavasis, and Zack George. See Appendix for further details.
3.3.4 CONTRACT UNDERSTANDING AND APPROACH
Based on the RFP and my meeting w'th city staff at the pre-subm'ttal conference, I have a full grasp of the project. Our firms would plan, de-
sign, fabricate, install, and otherwise estab "sh the Welcome to Kal'spel! gateway s"gn.
We only have minimal concerns that wall easily be addressed dur'ng design and planning.1) working with MDT on needed permits, access, and
regulations for work around and over H�ghway 2. 2) There are a number of decorative and design possibilities for this entry. Our agencies tend tc
th'nk big, and wi-1 likely bring options to the table that have not been considered by the city. For example, painting the concrete under the bridge
could be a great and simple way to g've this project more life. We wi I propose various options now, but know through our process that we can
work collaboratively to ach'eve the best possible outcome.
3.3.S APPROACH TO CONTRACT MANAGEMENT
Our contract management wig be very straightforward,1) Our init'al meeting will establish the goals and address any outlying variables. From
then on, the city will interact w'th Highline and Workaday as needed. Each step of our process builds upon the last. Planning, design, structural
engineering, permitting, construction/fabrication, electrical, insta laton. We maintain regular meetings as needed with review and revisions cycle
at each phase.
3.3.6 PROPOSAL FOR PROJECT
3.3.6.a Provide a work schedule
Our agencies would begin work immediately upon award. Planning, engineering, and design could happen as soon as this spring with the aim of
completion by earlyJune list. Painting, fabrication, and 'nstal'at�on could be scheduled to take place any time thereafter.
3.3.6.b Schedule of proposed work methods
4/5/24 Meet with Highline and Workaday - Stakeholders meeting
4/5/24 Contact with MDT on relevant regulations, permitting, and installation/work timelines
4/25/24 Provide Kalispell with first rounds of design options and elevations
5/15/24 Apply feedback and revisions to design concepts
5/20/24 Upon approval, schedule structural engineering assessment of materials
5/30/24 Address any issues with structural on designs and schedule fabrication and installation
6/10/24 Dependent on availability of materials, schedule pa'nt'ng, electrical, and installation.
3.3.61 Provide a ful I schedule of costs for each component of the work scope.
Design & Arch: $30,000
Structural Engineering: $12,000
Sign Fabrication: $35,000
Sign Install: $20,000
Painting and or mural on and around concrete: $25,000 - $60,000 (the cost range depends on the complexity and detail)
Electrical: $15,000
$3.6 PROPOSAL FOR PROJECT
We affirm that ouragencies are willing and able to proceed promptly, and to meet and abide by the C-ty's needs and requirements with few or nc
objections or changes. 9
DESIGN C9
APPEN DIX A.
WORKADAY
Highline Design Company LLC.
Kalispell, MT 1 406,838.6498 1 hello(@h-ghlinemt.com
Elmo Giavasis: Owner, founder, creative director, and design lead at Highline Design Co.
Elma has worked over 15 years as a graphic designer and art director for a multitude of larger
establishments and smaller boutique -style design studios. Her experience ranges from
interactive/web design and environmental graph'c design, to identity and branding. Nonprofit
involvement: VP of the Kalispell Downtown Assoc'ation, Board member of F a.head Ele: -r c.
Coops Roundup for Safety. Organizer or board member with, Kalico Art Center, Foy's to
Blacktail Trails, Kalispe I Boulder Project, and f 4,«rre I Perhakucna
George Giavasis: Owner, founder, art director, and development lead at Highline Design
Co. George has a Bachelors of Fine Art, and a Masters in Forestry focusing on interpretive
communication. He co -founded Highline 'n Kalispell where he has designed and developed
hundreds of projects over the last 13 years. Nonprofit involvement: Board member Kalispell
City Planning & Zoning, Kaiispe I Business Improvement District, Kalispell Parking Commis-
sion, F'oy's to Blacktail Tra ss. Founder of the Art & Culture Council of Kalispell. Founding
committee member of Ka ico Art Center, Ka *spell Boulder Project,and K Iisnell Pechakucna
Meredith Miele: Meredith is a senior designer at Highline. Originally from the Flathead
Valley, she Is an MSU graduate with years of experience working with Highline on branding,
web, events, and all manner of collateral design and production, Meredith is an exceptionally
talented designer and shares Highline's passion for nonprofit work that benefits Montana and
its people.
Zach George is a partner and founding member of Workaday Design. He attended Montana
State University's Architecture program for h's Undergraduate and Master's degrees, where
he met the other founding members of Workaday Design. Growing up in Montana, Zach
made his way back to the F athead Valley after working for architecture firms in both Seattle
and Portland. Zach runs Workaday's Montana office and is committed to bringing good
design to his loca' community.
Blair Sorlie is a licensed architect and member of the AIA. She attended Montana State
University's Architecture program for her Undergraduate and Master's degrees. B air's a
Kalispell native and made her way back to the Flathead after working for an architecture firm
in Seattle. Blair brings commerc'a' experience to the Workaday team and has he ped them
start to take on more commercia! projects.