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Energy <br />utions <br />�y MERESCO I For Every <br />ry Need <br />J'�'� � For Every Need <br />219 S. St. Louis Blvd <br />end, IN 46 617 <br />CITY OF SOUTH BEND 0 57uth 299.4765 <br />0:574.299.4765 <br />VENUES PARKS K ARTS bvpa rg9.4783 <br />May 23 2023 <br />To Whom It May Concern, <br />JAMES MUELLE[t <br />Mayor <br />AARON PERRI <br />Executive Director <br />The City of South Bend, Indiana, retained Ameresco on a performance contracting basis to address <br />significant deferred maintenance at two buildings of critical social and cultural importance to the <br />community, the Morris Theater and Palais Royale event space, both of which are on the list of <br />National Historic Register. Ameresco Manager of Construction, Zaki Mafraji led the project <br />management of this critical project. <br />Due to the cultural and event nature of the spaces, continuous operation was essential, both for <br />community and financial purposes. Mr. Mafraji was a master conductor, adjusting to unforeseen <br />and unexpected situations. The performance contract project coincided with the Morris Theater <br />floor and seat replacement which was no small task. We requested that Ameresco begin earlier <br />than typical to coordinate with a temporary shutdown of the building while chairs and floors were <br />being replaced. This required exquisite coordination with the Morris-Palais management team, <br />subcontractors, and the interior replacement team. Mr. Mafraji was able to monitor indoor <br />temperature and humidity to retain appropriate limits during the floor demolition, in order to <br />protect the historic space. <br />Zaki was dedicated and highly responsive to the needs of the building, the staff and community it <br />serves. Even during challenges, he maintained professionalism and went beyond the call of duty to <br />ensure our needs were met. He was able to creatively solve problems without impact to the event <br />schedule and the public, and even contributed his resourcefulness to issues that were not <br />Ameresco's, but were essential to ensuring event operations were not interrupted. Tight timelines <br />framed this project, and Zaki's flexibility and ingenuity enabled the deadlines to be met. <br />Ameresco has proven to be an excellent partner in the extensive mechanical, lighting and roofing <br />project and the team has gone above and beyond to ensure that our needs were met in these <br />distinct and important spaces to our City. <br />Sincerely, <br />W. ---� <br />Aaron Perri <br />Executive Director, <br />South Bend Venues Parks & Arts <br />is <br />EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT <br />City of South Bend, IN I Department of Public Works I RFQ Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract <br />