Bid Detail

15-105 - Purchase & Redevelopment of 263 Central Street

End date: Wednesday November 19, 2014 at 2 p.m.

The City of Springfield is requesting proposals for the redevelopment of the eight-unit apartment building located at 263 Central Street and the abutting vacant lot WS Pine Street (09715-0052). The City will entertain all offers.

Property is being sold "as is" and the City makes no representations regarding the physical or environmental conditions. The selected developer accepts the property "as is" with no exception.

The City has not made and does not make any representation or warranty as to any matter affecting or relating to the property, including but not limited to the physical condition thereof, and the selected developer acknowledges that no such representation or warranty has been made and agrees to take the property in "as is" condition on the date of this agreement. The City shall not be liable or bound in any manner by any statement, representation, or information pertaining to the property which may have been furnished to the developer by any of the City's employees, attorneys, agents, servants, or other persons.
The property at 263 Central Street and the abutting vacant lot WS Pine Street (09715-0052) are located within the Maple High-Six Corners neighborhood of Springfield.

The Maple High-Six Corners neighborhood is the City's smallest neighborhood. It contains approximately 274 acres of land, plus street. Neighborhood boundaries are portion of School Street and Maple Street on the west; State Street on the north; Walnut Street to the east; and the Mill River on the south. The neighborhood is located within a one mile radius of the Metro Center of Springfield.

The neighborhood includes the architecturally significant Maple Heights and Ridgewood Historic Districts, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The neighborhood contains many large, historic mansions that were built along the bluff overlooking the Pioneer Valley and the Connecticut River. The neighborhood also includes the infamous "Mulberry Street" made famous by the book authored by Dr. Seuss "And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street."

The neighborhood was very heavily affected by the June 1, 2011 tornado and many of the properties received extensive tornado and wind related damage. This Request for Proposals (RFP) is an important piece of the City's rebuilding process.
As part of the Tornado Recovery and Neighborhood Stabilization Program the City previously contributed funding towards the construction of six new single family homes along the northern side of Central Street. In October, the City sold four buildable lots along the southern side of Central Street, to a private developer who will be constructing new single family homes that will be sold to owner-occupants. In addition, the City is currently in the process of working with a local non-profit to build an additional three single family homes along the southern side of the street that will be sold to owner-occupants.

The building at 263 Central Street is a brick, apartment building, consisting of eight units. It was constructed in 1910, it contains 16,660 square feet of living space and is located on a 4,828 square foot lot and is zoned Residence B. The assessed value is $252,000.00. The property has four floors and contains approximately eight, two-bedroom, occupied, residential units.

The City is also selling the unpaved, vacant lot WS Pine Street (09715-0052) to be used with the building for additional parking and/or accessory uses. The parcel contains 3,679 square feet. It is assessed at $1,100.00 and is also zoned Residence B.

The properties are located within the Maple-Hill Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Exterior changes to the property will require full review and approval of the Springfield Historical Commission.

For the full detail of the Maple Hill Historic District Guidelines please see "Attachment C - Maple-Hill District Guidelines."

The City will be making up to $300,000.00 in Federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funding available to the selected developer to go towards improvement to the property.

The City is most interested in proposals that will improve the existing property, complement the existing improvements and new construction happening on the street while also enhancing the historical aspects of the building.


263 Central Street (1939)

While financial benefits (i.e. price paid for the property) of a proposal are important to the selection of the developer, coupled with all selection criteria, the City will also consider the broader fiscal and economic developments to be realized from the development project. The City will not be obligated to select the proposal 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 integrate the site with the surrounding area, complement the ongoing neighborhood redevelopment work, respecting zoning and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the streetscape. Proposers should be familiar with abutting uses and mindful of such when submitting proposals, and ensure the project is respectful of existing neighbors and ongoing neighborhood development projects.

All bidders are buying property subject to all current zoning and building restrictions. Property is being sold "as is" and the City makes no representations regarding the physical or environmental conditions. The selected developer accepts the property "as is" with no exception.

If a nonprofit organization is chosen preferred developer, it will be expected to enter into an agreement with the City to make an annual in-lieu-of-tax payment, the amount of which will be fifty percent (50%) of the tax that would otherwise be paid by a for-profit venture.

This Request for Proposals is for the real property only. All contents of the property and any personal property therein may not be included in this sale at the discretion of the City of Springfield.

The City of Springfield has made all efforts to ensure that the information is accurate. However, it is the buyer's responsibility to investigate to their satisfaction any matter as it may relate to the property.

Development Incentive

This property is in the Maple-Hill Local Historic District, which is both a certified local historic district and listed on the State Register Historic Places. Income-producing projects may qualify for the federal and state 20% tax credit for historic rehabilitation.

Federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program funding, not to exceed $300,000.00, is being made available by the City, to be used for improvements to the property.

The proposed development should minimize other public expenditures and not require ongoing public operating subsidies.

Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) Requirements

Environmental Review - All properties assisted under this RFP will be subject to an Environmental Review by the City prior to acquisition, demolition, rehabilitation or new construction. Developers will be required to submit the project site address, parcel identification number and development plans to the City. The City of Springfield Office of Planning and Economic Development will conduct the environmental review in compliance with 24 CFR Part 58. If the project passes the Environmental Review, the City will issue a Notice to Proceed, and the developer may move forward with the approved development.

Notwithstanding any provisions of this RFP or of resultant NSP contract(s), these documents shall not constitute a commitment of funds, which shall occur only upon satisfactory completion of an environmental review to determine whether the project meets federal, state and local environmental standards and receipt by the City of a release of funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under 24 CFR Part 58. Developers must agree that the provision of any funds to their project(s) is conditioned on the City's determination to proceed with, modify or cancel the project based on the results of subsequent environmental review. Developers funding may be required to contract for environmental consulting services to provide the information required, which shall be an eligible project soft cost.

Construction - In all work under this RFP, developers must adhere to all applicable state and local laws, codes, zoning and other requirements relating to construction and housing safety, quality and habitability.

Property Standards - All newly constructed projects funded with NSP funds must meet local codes and zoning ordinances. Plans should be of good design and enhance the quality of life for residents.

• Energy Efficiency - Plans must incorporate energy efficiency measures through materials, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, building design, and site orientation.

Affordability - Units assisted with NSP funds must be restricted so that they are available to households with incomes at or below 120% of area median income. NSP assisted units must meet the affordability requirements for not less than the applicable period specified. Affordability requirements apply regardless of the term of any loan or mortgage or the transfer of ownership. They are imposed by Deed Rider provided by the NSP grantee or affiliate. The following affordability periods apply:

NSP Funds Per Unit Min. Year of Affordability
Less than $15,000 NSP funds/unit 5 Years
$15,000 - $40,000 NSP funds/unit 10 Years
Greater than $40,000 NSP funds/unit 15 Years

Deadlines - Developers that receive NSP funds must have a fully executed construction contract for funded properties within sixty (60) days of receiving notice of intention to award by the City. Projects must demonstrate progress toward this deadline by reaching milestones in an approved schedule. Due to strict federal deadlines, projects that do not reach milestones in a timely manner will be subject to rescission of NSP funding.

Reporting - Each funded applicant will be expected to collect and report information about the uses of funds at least monthly, including, but not limited to:

• Property location & activity.
• Funds budgeted and expended (NSP and all funding sources).
• Beginning and ending dates of activities.
• Other data needed to support HUD reporting requirements and performance measures.
• Renter income, family composition & other information required to document eligibility.

Other program requirements and restrictions included in Title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 and HUD regulations related to the NSP to be found at:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neigborhoodsspg/nspnotice.pdf

Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) Eligible Costs

NSP funds are available for use as noted below:
• NSP funds may be used by developers for the costs of acquisition and development, subject to the following limits:
o NSP funds are not eligible for acquisition reimbursement of properties obtained directly from the City (as is the circumstance of this project).
If NSP funds are noted above to be available for project-related hard costs and soft costs of the developer, the following list defines the types of project costs that are eligible for NSP funding, subject to the approval of the City:
• New Construction - Any project that includes the addition of dwelling units outside the existing walls of a structure is considered new construction for NSP purposes.
• Eligible Soft Costs - NSP funds can be used to cover soft costs associated with a project as long
as they are reasonable and necessary to the project. The following list defines the type of project related soft costs that are eligible under the NSP program. Please note that funding for soft costs if only eligible in collaboration with an eligible hard cost, and must be approved by the City.
o Financing fees and other finance related costs
o Title binders and insurance
o Recordation fees and transaction taxes
o Legal and accounting fees related to the project
o Surety fees
o Environmental reviews
o Property appraisals
o Architectural, engineering
o Construction management and/or related professional services
o Builders and developers fees

• Developer Fees - Developer fees, along with any other fees earned by the developer or affiliated entities, including contractor and realty fees, must be approved by the City, and will not exceed 12.5%. Costs included in the developer fees must be distinguished from costs billed separately to the NSP grantee.

Site Tours will be conducted on October 21, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. and October 30, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Those attending site tours should wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Access will be available to vacant units and common areas, there will be limited access to occupied units. Additional access to the property, beyond the scheduled site tours, may be scheduled by contacting Amber Gould at (413)787-6500. Please note additional access will scheduled at the convenience and sole discretion of the Office of Housing, during regular business hours.

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 10 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.


Available Solicitations

As of 10:03 am Friday, March 29, 2024

24-210 - Central High School Auditorium & Gym Bleacher Renovation Project (Rebid)
End date: Wednesday April 17, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-209 - Flooring Installation at Springfield High School of Science & Technology
End date: Friday April 12, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-208 - Intercom Installation at Kensington International School
End date: Thursday April 11, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-207 - Intercom Installation at Springfield Public Day Middle School
End date: Thursday April 11, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-201 - Improvements to Nahorniak Park
End date: Wednesday April 10, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-169 - Student Bus Transportation Services for Springfield Public Schools
End date: Wednesday April 10, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-193 - On-Call Legal Services for Procurement Office
End date: Tuesday April 9, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-191 - Barney Carriage House Chimney and Roof Repair
End date: Friday April 5, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-200 - Abatement at Daniel B. Brunton Elementary School
End date: Thursday April 4, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-199 - Abatement at Thomas M. Balliet Elementary School
End date: Thursday April 4, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-198 - Abatement at Springfield High School of Science & Technology
End date: Thursday April 4, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-195 - Injured on Duty Claims 3rd Party Admin. & Accidental Disability Retirement for SPD and SFD
End date: Wednesday April 3, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-192 - On-Call and Scheduled Landscaping Services
End date: Tuesday April 2, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-197 - HVAC Parts and Equipment Supply
End date: Monday April 1, 2024 at 2 p.m.

XML  RSS 2.0 feed