As previously mentioned through a legal notice, Alachua County is inviting contractors to submit proposals for the renovation of the former Scottish Inns motel (4341 SW 13th St., Gainesville) into permanent housing units. The goal of this project is to provide additional housing for vulnerable residents.
A mandatory pre-solicitation meeting will be held at the site on Dec. 20, 2024, at 9 a.m. All interested contractors must attend this meeting to qualify for bid submission.
The renovation will include the installation of a new fire sprinkler system, mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades, as well as exterior patching, painting, and reroofing. The interior improvements will feature new bathrooms, kitchenettes, vanities, flooring and the replacement of storefront windows and doors.
Proposals for this project (ITB 25-525-LC) will be accepted through OpenGov until 2 p.m. on Jan. 15, 2025. The project budget is estimated at $4 million.
Vendors may also submit questions via the “Questions and Answers” tab on the project page. The deadline for submitting questions is Jan. 5, 2025.
In November 2023, the Alachua County Commission approved the purchase of the Scottish Inns property to address housing needs for vulnerable residents. The renovation project is being funded through Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funds.
In addition to this renovation, the county is also renovating the nearby Budget Inn and converting shipping containers into homes, which will collectively provide approximately 75 permanent housing units.
This initiative is part of a broader national trend where local governments are converting motels and hotels into affordable housing units.
For more information, contact Leira Cruz Caliz at 352-337-6268 or lcruzcaliz@alachuacounty.us.
