Bid Detail

17-058 - Purchase & Redevelopment for the Knox Building (53 Wilbraham Rd. & Waltham Ave.)

The City of Springfield is soliciting proposals for the redevelopment of the historic \\\"Knox Building\\\". The building is located on 53 Wilbraham Road enhanced by a four (4) story brick building. The parcel is identified as #12282-1006 at the total square footage is 39,890 and is zoned Business A. The ES Waltham Avenue (parcel #11960-0038)is owned by the Springfield Redevelopment Authority and is zoned Commercial. The two (2) parcels have a total assessed value is $274,100.00.

The building is known historically as the “Knox Building”. Knox Automobile Company was a leading manufacturer of gasoline engine vehicles during the first two decades of the 20th century. The building was constructed in three stages between 1891 and 1910. The company built touring cars, delivery vehicles, and fire trucks. The first modern fire truck was manufactured by Knox. The Springfield Fire Department, in fact, was the first in the nation to become fully motorized.

The City is seeking to select a developer who submits the most advantageous proposal consistent with the selection criteria and proposal requirements set forth in this RFP, and who demonstrates the ability to perform as proposed in a timely fashion.

While the financial benefits (i.e., price paid for the property) of a proposal are important to the selection of a developer, coupled with all selection criteria, the City will also consider the broader fiscal and economic benefits to be realized from the redevelopment project. The City will not be obligated to select the proposer offering the highest purchase price if another proposal better satisfies the selection criteria and other requirements of this RFP as a whole.

The City is most interested in proposals that creatively integrate the site with the surrounding area, respecting zoning that creates a viable redevelopment opportunity and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the streetscape.

Proposers should be familiar with abutting uses and mindful of such when developing a redevelopment project and program to ensure the project is respectful of existing neighbors. As mentioned before the parcel, 53 Wilbraham Rd, is zoned as Business A, any other use may require a zone change. This would be up to the developer to investigate any changes in zoning.


The City envisions a development that incorporates any reasonable proposals which could include some or all of the following elements:

• Creating jobs for Springfield residents
• Featuring and preserving historic features and attributes of the property
• Creating positive street level activity.
• Firm financing letters or proof of funding to undertake redevelopment costs
• Timeline to have building occupied

DEVELOPMENT CONDITIONS

• The designated developer, its agents, consultants, engineers, other contractors and designees will be granted a right of entry to advance its due diligence activities, subject to providing the City in advance with certificates of insurance evidencing that such parties have in place reasonable amounts of comprehensive general liability and workers compensation insurance for their activities on the premises.

• The designated developer should give the City 48 hours’ notice of any required entry to the property.

• An exterior preservation restriction shall be set on the property in perpetuity. As such, any exterior building alterations will require approval of the Springfield Historical Commission.

• The property is being sold in as-is condition, and the designated developer will take responsibility for any and all environmental conditions upon transfer.

• The City will require a certificate of occupancy within (18) months of the transfer of property to the designated developer or the property will revert back to the City.

• Prior to property transfer, the designated developer will produce financial commitment documentation for the value of the project from its lenders and/or funding sources.

• Prior to closing, the designated developer will produce a detailed project schedule and final floor plans for the building.

• The Office of Planning & Economic Development will maintain a Site Plan approval of final landscaping/parking on-site plans. No tree removal or other landscaping or site plan alterations should be made prior to this approval.

• The City is most interested in proposals that creatively integrate site with the surrounding area, respecting zoning, and in a manner that creates a viable redevelopment opportunity and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the streetscape.

• Proposers should be familiar with abutting uses and mindful of such when developing a redevelopment project and program to ensure the project is respectful of existing neighbors.

Restrictions and Requirements

• The property will be conveyed with a reverter clause which will require completion of development within eighteen (18) months of conveyance of the deed.

• Automotive related uses will not be permitted (i.e. used or new car sales, auto repair, etc.) and or uses that consist primarily of bottle and or can redemption.

• The City will only consider proposals that include the purchase and redevelopment of both parcels as a single project.

PRICE PROPOSAL

The City will entertain all competitive bids for the property. Price will not be the only factor in selection, but proposers are encouraged to make the best financial benefit case possible to the City.
Open house will be held at 53 Wilbraham Road at the following time: November 9, 2016 at 10:00 AM.

Common areas and the vacant building will be the only areas accessible during the designated time, November 9, 2016 at 10 AM. Bidders should arrive promptly as there will be no other times scheduled to view the subject property.

Those visiting the open house must sign an indemnification agreement prior to entering, and should be prepared with sturdy footwear and flashlights for each person entering the building. See “Attachment B - Indemnification Agreement”.

Questions regarding the RFP may be submitted in writing to the Procurement Department. In order to provide prompt answers to questions, the City requests that all proposers submit written questions to the City’s Chief Procurement Officer, Lauren Stabilo on November 16, 2016 by close of business. Questions may be faxed or emailed.

The Procurement Department’s fax number is (413) 787-6295 or Email lstabilo@springfieldcityhall.com The Procurement Office will compile written answers which will be emailed to all Proposers who requested a copy of the RFP, no later than November 21, 2016.

The City of Springfield supports the goal of twenty percent minority and women participation in all contracts. No questions will be answered unless received by the Chief Procurement Officer at least 7 days prior to the expiration of the time set for submitting bids or proposals. The Chief Procurement Officer reserves the right to waive any informality in and to reject any or all bids if it is in the public interest to do so.

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