Baltimore selects contractor for Palm House
The city chose Lewis Contractors for a $7.1 million restoration project at Druid Hill Park.
By Tomas Gonzalez ·
Henry H. Lewis Contractors LLC will restore the Howard P. Rawlings Palm House in Druid Hill Park.
The Baltimore Department of Recreation and Parks recommended the firm for the work. The city's Board of Estimates is scheduled to award the contract on Nov. 5. The proposed amount is $7,176,705. This marks the second attempt by the parks department to secure a contractor for the historic structure this year.
The project first gained attention in 2024. In August, the agency asked the spending panel to approve a $9,448,320 contract with Wohlsen Construction Co. Officials withdrew that item from the agenda later. They opened new bids on Sept. 16. The first round received two proposals. Wohlsen submitted the low bid, while W. M. Schlosser Co. of Hyattsville bid $11,966,000. Schlosser planned to protest the award before it was withdrawn.
The rebid process generated four new proposals. Lewis submitted a bid of $7,176,669. Wohlsen bid $7,284,810. Schlosser bid $9,233,000. Nichols Contracting Co. of Columbia, Md., bid $7,946,650. A statement on the board's agenda from the parks department reads: “The Department finds the bid acceptable and recommends the award of this contract to Henry H. Lewis Contractors, LLC d/b/a Lewis Contractors.”
The Palm House is the tallest section of the conservatory, rising 50 feet. It features 175 windows, a vaulted roof, and a cupola. The structure opened in 1888 and was designed by George Frederick. The building contains towering palms, including Green Malayan Coconut, Bismarck, Fan, Cat, and Foxtail specimens. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The conservation includes five distinct greenhouses: Palm, Orchid, Mediterranean, Tropical, and Desert.
The scope of work involves a comprehensive restoration of the Palm House and its Orchid Room. Tasks include replacing failing glazing and windows, making structural repairs, and preserving historic elements. The project also requires modernizing mechanical and electrical systems. Workers will re-establish lush landscaping and palm trees. Funds for the work come from the city, the state, and private donors led by The Friends of the Rawlings Conservatory.
Lewis is a family-owned business founded in 1966. The firm has extensive experience restoring historic structures. Past projects include the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon and the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore. The company also restored Homewood Museum and the Maryland Hall cupola at Johns Hopkins University. Other completed work includes Davidge Hall at the University of Maryland Baltimore and Old St. Paul's Church on Charles Street.
The conservatory underwent a major restoration from 2002 to 2004. It was closed to the public during that time and upgraded with UV-protective glass. After reopening, the name changed by law to the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens. This honored the Maryland legislator who died in 2003 at age 66.
The contract with Lewis has a duration of 1,095 days, or three years. The start date depends on the board's approval. The Board of Estimates will meet virtually via Webex on Nov. 5 due to scheduling conflicts. There will be no in-person attendance. The public can access the meeting by dialing (408)-418-9388. The access code is 2334 253 2329. Charm TV will also show the meeting.
