Buncombe County Seeks Firms for 205 College Street Remediation, Mechanical Upgrades

Buncombe County issued a request for qualifications on Jan. 16, 2026, seeking a consulting firm to design exterior remediation of the building at 205 College Street and to plan mechanical equipment replacement. The procurement notice, posted by Buncombe County Purchasing, sets a deadline for statements of qualifications at 1:00 PM on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The RFQ calls for a single digital PDF submission per the instructions in the package. The county explicitly encourages submissions from minority-owned businesses, signaling an emphasis on inclusive procurement. Questions about the project are to be directed to the Buncombe County General Services Department; the county’s NewsFlash entry includes contact details and a link to view the full design RFQ package.

At the top of the reporting hierarchy is the county’s objective to secure professional design services before moving to construction procurement. Exterior remediation typically addresses issues such as facade deterioration, water intrusion, and code compliance, while mechanical equipment replacement involves HVAC and other building systems that affect comfort, safety, and long-term operating costs. Securing a qualified design consultant is a key step that shapes project scope, budget estimates, and the timeline for any subsequent construction work.

For local contractors and consultants, the RFQ represents an immediate business opportunity, particularly for firms certified as minority-owned. For residents and building users, the project could translate into improved building safety and reduced mechanical failures, though it may also bring temporary construction impacts such as noise, traffic changes, or work staging in the area. The RFQ’s selection process and design choices will determine the scale and duration of any disruptions.

Institutionally, the solicitation underscores the role of Buncombe County Purchasing and General Services in managing public property needs and advancing county priorities. Encouraging minority-owned participation aligns with broader procurement equity goals, while the single PDF submission requirement reflects the county’s procedural rules for competitive procurements.

Next steps for the public are to monitor the county’s NewsFlash and Purchasing announcements for updates on shortlisting, consultant selection, and any public notices about construction schedules. For firms planning to submit, adherence to the RFQ instructions and the Feb. 6 deadline is essential; for residents, the project signals upcoming changes to 205 College Street that will affect the building’s condition and operations.