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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Shoseian Tea House Rehabilitation Project
1. Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with MODAA, Inc. (MODAA), for the Shoseian Tea House Rehabilitation Project, Specification No. 4024, in the amount of $211,000, plus a 10 percent contingency of $21,100.
2. Resolution of appropriation to appropriate funds for the Shoseian Tea House Rehabilitation Project.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved for December 16, 2025 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Following a formal competitive bidding process, the contractor MODAA was the lowest bidder for the Shoseian Tea House Rehabilitation Project. This project includes roof repairs, wood restoration, repainting, and drainage improvements, all in accordance with historic preservation standards. The proposed work will help preserve the structure’s integrity and enhance public use. The cost of the proposed construction contract is $211,000 and a 10% reserve for contingencies of $21,100 is proposed.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the motion authorizing a construction contract with MODAA for the Shoseian Tea House Rehabilitation Project, in the amount of $211,000 with an additional 10 percent contingency of $21,100, plus a resolution of appropriation providing adequate funding for the project.
ANALYSIS
The Shoseian Whispering Pine Tea House, located in Brand Park, is a traditional Japanese structure gifted to the City of Glendale in 1974 as a symbol of friendship with its sister city, Higashiōsaka, Japan. Over the years, the structure has become an important cultural and educational resource, hosting tea ceremonies, public programs, and community events.
Due to prolonged exposure to the elements and limited repairs over time, the Tea House 24g
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now exhibits signs of exterior deterioration. A recent site evaluation revealed several issues requiring attention, including cracked and weathered roof tiles, rotted wood beams, peeling paint, and poor drainage conditions that have contributed to moisture damage around the foundation.
The proposed rehabilitation project aims to address these deficiencies and preserve the structure’s integrity.
The scope of work includes:
Repair or replacement of damaged wood elements such as posts, beams, and fascia;
Roof tile replacement using historically appropriate materials; Repainting of exterior surfaces to match original color schemes; Replacing existing roof gutters;
Grading and drainage improvements around the perimeter to divert water away from the structure.
All work will adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties to ensure historical accuracy and long-term preservation. Where possible, materials will be salvaged and reused to maintain authenticity.
By undertaking this project, the city will preserve a significant cultural landmark, enhance safety and usability, and ensure the continued enjoyment of the Tea House by residents and visitors. Public Works staff will proceed with construction coordination to minimize disruption and complete the work efficiently.
On August 26, 2025, the City Council adopted the plans and specifications and directed City Clerk to advertise for bids.
On September 25, 2025, the Public Works Department hosted a job walk, and 13 contractors attended.
On October 15, 2025, the City received six bids as follows:
1. MODAA Inc. $211,000
2. Golden Gate Construction $274,300
3. Union Construction Co. $318,200
4. Rainy Day Roofing $318,300
5. Spectra Historic Construction $456,632
6. KC Restoration $534,340
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After extensive review, Public Works staff found that MODAA has submitted a responsive bid and is deemed a responsible bidder. The proposed contract with MODAA amounts to $211,000, with a 10% contract contingency of $21,100 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $232,100. This contingency is requested to address any unforeseen conditions given a history of numerous water intrusions and potential deterioration of the underlying roofing assembly.
MODAA has current State of California General-A, B, C-33, and C-36 contractors licenses that are active and in good standing. MODAA has satisfactorily completed multiple projects with the city.
The Shoseian Tea House Rehabilitation Project is expected to take three months to complete.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
The work will be coordinated with the contractor and the Community Services & Parks Department staff to minimize any disruptions to operations and the public, including the Friends of Shoseian organization that operates the Tea House.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Shoseian Tea House Rehabilitation Project will cost $211,000, plus a 10% contingency of $21,100, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $232,100, of which $183,000 was included as a part of the FY 2025-26 adopted budget. Therefore, staff is requesting an additional appropriation of $49,000 by shifting funding from an existing project within the Building Maintenance Fund. The appropriation requests are outlined below:
Existing Appropriation
Amount Account String Funding Source
$183,000 GL: 43110-6070-PWD-0020-P0000
PL: PWD01208AN
Building Maintenance Fund
Department Cost Center Program
Public Works Projects
Requesting Appropriation
Amount From (Account
String)
To (Account String) Funding Source
$49,100 GL: 43110-6070-0020
PL: PWD01209AN
GL: 43110-6070-
PWD-0020-P0000
PL: PWD01208AN
Building
Maintenance Fund
Department Cost Center Program
Public Works Projects
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
This project is Categorically Exempt under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines §15301, existing facilities. The existing facilities exemption applies to “the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical 44g
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features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use.” (CEQA Guidelines §15301).
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: Do not award the contract thereby deferring the improvements and maintaining the status quo conditions and use of this facility which is subpar.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Daniel Hernandez, Director of Public Works
Prepared by:
Arthur Asaturyan, Senior Project Manager
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
None.