Contractor

Design–Build Replacement of an Attached Greenhouse

Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls

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.

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

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

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

• Remove and dispose of the existing greenhouse
• Protect the garage and surrounding areas
• Provide temporary weather protection if needed

• 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

• 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

• Greenhouse shelving
• Potting stations or work tables
• Hose bibs or sinks as needed for planting
• Venting systems for proper greenhouse functionality

• Electrical service for lighting, outlets, and controls
• Plumbing for planting and washing needs
• Coordinate with existing utilities
• Controls for automatic climate control if applicable

• Final walkthrough with the designated Sisters and lay staff
• Address any punch list items
• Provide basic maintenance and warranty information

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.

• Contractor is responsible for obtaining required permits
• All work must meet applicable building codes
• Contractor is responsible for inspections and approvals

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.

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

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.