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CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: June 17, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Lynn Merrill, Director of Public Works
Azzam Jabsheh, Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer Department: Public Works
Subject: Award of Professional Services Agreement to EnviroCare Consulting, Inc. for Woolworth Building Phased
Environmental Services in a Not-to-Exceed Amount of
$42,749, and Award of Construction Agreement to
Resource Environmental, Inc. for Woolworth Building Fire Damage Debris Removal in the Amount of $272,000 and
Contingency of $150,000 for a Total Amount of $464,749
(Ward 1)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California;
1. Approve the award of a Professional Services Agreement and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute an agreement with EnviroCare Consulting, Inc. in a not-to-exceed amount of $42,749 for phased environmental assessment, monitoring, and clearance services for the Woolworth Building; and
2. Approve the award of a Construction Agreement and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute an agreement with Resource Environmental, Inc. in the amount of $272,000 for Woolworth Building fire damage debris removal (interior demolition/cleaning); and
3. Authorize construction contingency in an amount of $150,000 for unforeseen conditions related to the Woolworth Building fire damage debris removal project, bringing the total debris removal amount to $422,000; and
4. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-086 authorizing the Director of Finance and Management Services to amend the FY 2025/26 budget to establish the 2 4
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Woolworth Building fire damage cleanup and environmental services project and appropriate $464,749 from Measure S funds for the project, as the project is not currently included in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
City Manager's Comments
Staff is bringing an agreement with EnvioCare Consulting to provide phased environmental services in not-to-exceed amount of $42,749. And an award of construction to Resource Environmental Inc. for Woolworth Building Fire Damage Debris removal. In amount of $272,000.
Executive Summary
On February 9, 2026, a fire significantly damaged the Woolworth Building located at 396 N. E Street in San Bernardino. Following the fire, staff evaluated site conditions, coordinated with environmental consultants to assess potential hazardous materials, and obtained preliminary input from a licensed demolition contractor regarding debris removal and demolition approaches.
Staff recommends awarding a professional services agreement to EnviroCare Consulting, Inc. for phased environmental assessment, monitoring, and clearance activities, and awarding a construction agreement to Resource Environmental, Inc. for debris removal, interior demolition, and cleaning. The environmental services will begin with an initial assessment of accessible materials, followed by monitoring and clearance activities coordinated with debris removal operations. Staff is also requesting approval of a $150,000 project contingency for unforeseen field conditions and a FY 2025/26 budget amendment in the amount of $464,749 using Measure S funds.
Background
On February 9, 2026, a fire occurred at the Woolworth Building located at 396 N E Street in San Bernardino. Following the incident, City staff conducted an initial site visit to assess the extent of damage and evaluate potential next steps.
The building consists of a basement level and two above-grade floors. The primary structural system consists of reinforced concrete columns (vertical elements), beams and girders (horizontal framing), and exterior tilt-up concrete wall panels. The basement slab and basement walls are also constructed of concrete.
Based on field observations, the fire caused significant damage to the non-structural and secondary structural components of the building. The roof structure, primarily composed of wood framing and lightweight materials, was fully collapsed. The upper floor framing system, also constructed of wood, experienced substantial failure and 2 4
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collapse. However, the primary reinforced concrete structural system - including columns, beams, girders, and exterior wall panels - remained in place and, based on 2 4
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initial visual observations, did not exhibit signs of major structural distress such as cracking, spalling, or instability.
To further evaluate the condition of the site, staff first coordinated with EnviroCare Consulting, Inc. to assess post-fire environmental conditions and identify potential hazardous materials. EnviroCare Consulting, Inc. provided a phased approach consisting of an initial limited hazardous materials survey, followed by monitoring and clearance activities conducted in coordination with debris removal operations.
Subsequently, staff coordinated with Resource Environmental, Inc. to obtain preliminary input regarding debris removal (interior demolition/cleaning) and potential demolition approaches. Resource Environmental, Inc. previously demolished Carousel Mall and the former School of Hope for the City, as well as the former County Hall of Records. Resource Environmental, Inc. indicated that full demolition would be limited in depth and would leave portions of the basement and underlying foundation elements in place.
In parallel, staff coordinated with materials testing laboratories to evaluate potential methods for assessing the condition of the fire-damaged structure. Discussions included both non-destructive and destructive testing approaches to verify the integrity of the reinforced concrete elements. One laboratory representative conducted a site visit to perform an initial visual assessment. Based on this preliminary observation and professional experience, the remaining concrete structural elements - including columns, beams, girders, and wall panels - appeared to be generally sound and not in a significantly deteriorated condition. However, staff was advised that formal testing and sampling would be required to obtain quantitative results and confirm the structural integrity of the concrete system following debris removal.
Woolworth Building History
The Woolworth Building, constructed in 1941, is historically associated with the former F. W. Woolworth Company and originally operated as a retail store serving as a commercial anchor within downtown San Bernardino. Located within the historic downtown corridor, the building contributed to the development of the area as a primary commercial center and functioned as a high-traffic retail destination during the mid-20th century. Beginning in the 1960s and 1970s, commercial activity in downtown San Bernardino declined as retail development shifted toward suburban shopping centers and malls. Consistent with this broader trend, the Woolworth store ceased operations in the late 20th century, and the building transitioned out of active retail use.
Following its closure, the building experienced periods of vacancy and underutilization. Available information indicates that the building was leased and 2 4
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occupied by San Bernardino County for governmental or administrative purposes in the mid-1980s; however, specific dates and details of such occupancy have not been independently verified through official records.
Ownership of the property has evolved over time. The site was previously owned by a private entity, Central City Commerce Center. In 2006, the property was acquired by the Redevelopment Agency of the City of San Bernardino as part of downtown redevelopment efforts. In 2011, ownership was transferred to the San Bernardino Economic Development Corporation. Following the dissolution of redevelopment agencies statewide in 2012, the property was transferred to the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency. In August 2016, the property was formally transferred to the City of San Bernardino, which remains the current owner.
While the structure is not currently designated as a historic landmark, it represents a legacy commercial asset and contributes to the historical identity of the downtown area. Prior to the February 9, 2026 fire incident, the building had remained vacant for an extended period and was subject to conditions commonly associated with long- term vacancy, including deterioration, potential unauthorized occupancy, and increased risk of fire and public safety hazards.
Discussion
Following the February 9, 2026 fire, staff conducted outreach to multiple qualified environmental consulting firms to assess interest and availability for providing post- fire environmental services. Three firms were contacted. One firm attended a job walk and subsequently submitted three phased proposals. Of the remaining firms, one provided written confirmation that they would not be participating, and the other provided written communication indicating they were unable to attend or provide services. Based on responsiveness and demonstrated understanding of the project needs, EnviroCare Consulting, Inc. was selected to provide phased environmental assessment and monitoring services.
For debris removal services, staff coordinated with Resource Environmental, Inc. to obtain preliminary input regarding interior demolition/cleaning and potential demolition approaches. Resource Environmental, Inc. has prior experience performing similar work for the City, including demolition of the Carousel Mall, the former School of Hope, and the former County Hall of Records. Based on this experience and familiarity with City projects, Resource Environmental, Inc. was recommended by the Public Works Director to perform the required debris removal services.
Due to the February 9, 2026, fire, the fire-damaged condition of the City-owned building, potential hazardous material concerns, public safety concerns, and the need to secure and clean the site, staff is processing this work under the City’s applicable 2 4
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emergency procurement authority, subject to Procurement and City Attorney review.
The procurement file will include the emergency basis, supporting documentation, required approvals, and the explanation of emergency circumstances for the Mayor and City Council record.
Following this outreach, staff evaluated multiple approaches for addressing the Woolworth Building following the February 9, 2026, fire, taking into consideration structural conditions, environmental requirements, public safety, cost, and long-term redevelopment objectives. A key consideration in all scenarios is that environmental assessment, monitoring, and clearance activities are required as an initial and ongoing component of the work, due to the presence of fire-damaged and potentially hazardous materials. In addition, interior debris removal (soft demolition/cleaning) is required to provide safe access to the building, regardless of whether the structure is ultimately retained or demolished. As such, environmental services and debris removal are interdependent and must be coordinated throughout the project.
Option 1 - Debris Removal with Phased Environmental Services (Recommended)
Under this option, the City would proceed with phased environmental services in coordination with fire damage debris removal, and cleaning, without proceeding to full structural demolition of the building.
Approach includes:
Initial hazardous materials assessment of accessible areas (performed independently)
Environmental monitoring and sampling conducted concurrently with debris removal operations
Environmental clearance activities performed in coordination with debris removal, including area-by-area verification as work progresses.
Advantages:
Provides safe and controlled removal of fire-damaged materials in compliance with environmental regulations
Establish safe access to the building for further evaluation Preserves the primary reinforced concrete structural system - including columns, beams, girders, tilt-up wall panels, basement slab, and walls - which appears to be generally sound based on preliminary observations
Maintains flexibility for future rehabilitation, reuse, or other improvements Avoids unnecessary removal of potentially viable structural elements Recognizes the building’s historical association and its contribution to the downtown character
Disadvantages:
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Requires coordination between environmental monitoring and debris removal operations
May require additional structural evaluation and future improvements following cleanup
Estimated Project Cost:
Approximately $464,749, including:
$42,749 for phased environmental assessment, monitoring, and clearance services;
$272,000 for fire damage debris removal, interior demolition, and cleaning, and $150,000 construction contingency for unforeseen field conditions, including potential scaffold, pedestrian canopy, access, safety, and hazardous material coordination needs.
Option 2 – Debris Removal and Full Demolition with Phased Environmental Services
Approach includes:
Initial environmental assessment
Interior debris removal (cleaning)
Environmental monitoring during all phases of work
Full demolition following clearance and access
Advantages:
Removes the entire structure above grade
Provides a cleared site for future redevelopment
Disadvantages:
Environmental services and debris removal are still required prior to demolition Demolition would be limited in depth and would leave portions of the basement and foundation elements in place
Results in loss of the existing reinforced concrete structural system, which appears to be generally stable based on preliminary observations Higher cost compared to cleaning-only approach
Eliminates opportunity for rehabilitation or reuse of the structure Reduces flexibility for future design alternatives
Estimated Project Cost:
Approximately $972,749, including:
$42,749 for environmental assessment and monitoring services $272,000 for debris removal (interior demolition/cleaning) $150,000 for scaffold and pedestrian canopy
$279,000 for full structural demolition
$229,000 for import of basement fill
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Option 3 – Stabilize Site and Defer Action
Under this option, the City would secure the site and defer further action.
Advantages:
Minimizes immediate expenditures
Disadvantages:
Ongoing safety and liability concerns associated with the fire-damaged structure Continued deterioration due to exposure to environmental conditions Potential increase in future costs
Delays evaluation, cleanup, and future use of the property Estimated Project Cost:
No immediate project cost; however, future costs may increase due to deterioration and deferred action
Staff Recommendation and Rationale
Based on the current information, staff recommends proceeding with Option 1 – Debris Removal with Phased Environmental Services, without full structural demolition at this time.
This approach provides a balanced and practical path forward by:
Addressing immediate safety concerns through controlled debris removal Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations through phased assessment and monitoring
Preserving the existing reinforced concrete structural system, which appears to be generally sound based on preliminary observations
Allowing for further structural evaluation following debris removal Preparing the building for future rehabilitation, reuse, or other improvements Given that environmental services and debris removal are required under all scenarios, and that demolition would result in additional cost while eliminating potentially viable structural elements, proceeding with a cleaning-focused approach is considered the most appropriate strategy at this time. 2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
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This project is consistent with Goal No. 4: Improve Quality of Life – Evaluate and enhance the quality of public safety services. The Woolworth Building Fire Damage Cleanup Project addresses hazardous conditions resulting from fire damage by implementing controlled debris removal and phased environmental assessment and monitoring. These efforts are intended to reduce potential safety risks, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and restore safe access to the site, while supporting future rehabilitation, reuse, or other improvements within the downtown area.
Fiscal Impact
Approval of this item will amend the FY 2025/26 budget to establish the Woolworth Building Fire Damage Cleanup and Environmental Services Project and appropriate $464,749 from Measure S funds. The project is not currently included in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Staff evaluated potential alternative funding sources, including Cultural Development Funds, the Public Improvement Fund, and the Public Use Facilities Fund. Based on the immediate public safety, environmental cleanup, and site access purpose of the work, Measure S was determined to be the most appropriate funding source at this time.
Approval of this item does not make a broader policy determination regarding future funding for the Woolworth Building or preclude future consideration of other eligible funding sources for later phases of work.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California:
1. Approve the award of a Professional Services Agreement and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute an agreement with EnviroCare Consulting, Inc. in a not-to-exceed amount of $42,749 for phased environmental assessment and monitoring services for the Woolworth Building; and
2. Approve the award of a Construction Agreement and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute an agreement with Resource Environmental, Inc. in the amount of $272,000 for Woolworth Building fire damage debris removal (interior demolition/cleaning); and
3. Authorize construction contingencies in the amount of $150,000 for the Woolworth Building debris removal project, bringing the total debris removal amount to $422,000; and
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4. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-086 authorizing the Director of Finance and Management Services to amend the FY 2025/26 budget to establish and fund the Woolworth Building fire damage cleanup and environmental services project in the amount of $464,749 using Measure S funds, as the project is not currently included in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Attachments
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Attachment 1 - Resolution No. 2026-086
Attachment 2 - Professional Services Agreement, EnviroCare Consulting, Inc.
Attachment 3 - Proposals 1, 2, and 3, EnviroCare Consulting, Inc.
Attachment 4 - Construction Agreement, Resource Environmental, Inc.
Attachment 5 - Proposal, Resource Environmental, Inc.
Attachment 6 - Project Location Map
Ward:
Ward 1
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
None.
CC: Eric Levitt, City Manager