Bid Detail

20-047 - RFP: Purchase and Redevelopment of the Knox Building

The City of Springfield is requesting proposals for the Redevelopment of The Knox Building & ES Waltham Street parcels which are located in the Upper Hill Neighborhood of Springfield. The two properties are owned by the City and the SRA. The property known as 53 Wilbraham Road is enhanced by a four story brick building and this parcel was acquired by Tax Title on June 9, 2009. The parcel known as ES Waltham Ave, is owned by the Springfield Redevelopment Authority

The two properties are located near the 3.2-mile-long State Street Corridor which recently underwent a $16 million restoration project, including roadway reconstruction, intersection improvements, new sidewalks and median strips and many new pedestrian and vehicle amenities. The properties are also across the street from the Mason Square Apartments, which in 2019 are undergoing a $23 million renovation and expansion by First Resource Company.

The properties are being sold “as is” and the City makes no representations regarding the environmental and/or physical condition of the properties and will require the buyer to assume responsibility for these conditions. Prospective developers should undertake their own reviews and reach their own conclusions concerning zoning, title and survey matters, required approvals, physical conditions, environmental conditions, reuse potential, utility services and development, leasehold, legal and other considerations. Proposers are responsible for making their own determinations of existing conditions.

SITE AND SYSTEMS INFORMATION, STREET ADDRESS

The lot known as 53 Wilbraham Rd (ID# ID: 12282-1006) is owned by the City and the property is enhanced by a four story brick building. The parcel was taken over by the City through tax title in June 9, 2009. The parcel total square footage is 39,890 zoned as Business A.

The E S Waltham Ave (ID# 11960-0038) parcel is owned by the Springfield Redevelopment Authority with a total land area of 1,557 square feet. The parcel is a commercial zone parcel.

The two parcels have a combined total assessed value of $257,000. The proposal must include both parcels. The City will not accept any proposal that does not include both lots.

DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT

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 sites 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 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:

• 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
• Creating jobs and/or quality housing opportunities for Springfield residents

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 and signing a hold harmless agreement.

• 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 historic preservation restriction shall be set on the property in perpetuity. As such, any exterior building alterations including the removal of the large front garage doors 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 twenty-four (24) 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.

G. RESTRICTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• The property will be conveyed with a reverter clause which will require completion of development within twenty-four (24) 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. Interior auto storage will be permitted.

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

PRICE PROPOSAL & REQUIREMENTS

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 and selection committee. The two parcels have a combined total assessed value of $257,000.

• PROPOSAL SURETY/BID BOND

Proposers will be required to furnish a Proposal Surety/Bid Bond in the amount of 5% of the total amount of the proposer’s cost to rehab the property with their sealed Technical Proposal on or before the proposal filing deadline. All bonds must be issued by surety companies licensed by the State Division of Insurance to transact business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Entry on the property will only be made by appointment only, and will not include upper stories due to safe access issues.

Interested parties should contact Tom Mathews at the Office of Planning & Economic Development at 414.787.6020 and tmathews@springfieldcityhall.com to schedule a viewing.

Those visiting the building must sign an indemnification agreement prior to entering, and should be prepared with sturdy footwear and flashlights for each person entering the building.

Available Solicitations

As of 12:04 pm Tuesday, April 23, 2024

24-222 - For Sale: Redevelopment Boston & Albany Railroad at Factory Road/Hendee Street
End date: Monday May 13, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-221 - Mary O. Pottenger School Parking Lot Improvement Project
End date: Thursday May 2, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-220 - Frank H Freedman School Parking Lot Improvement Project
End date: Thursday May 2, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-219 - Daniel B. Brunton School Parking Lot Improvement Project
End date: Thursday May 2, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-180 - Roadway & Sidewalk Improvements - Arterial and Residential Streets including Sidewalks
End date: Wednesday May 1, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-205 - Request for Proposals for Springfield's 2024 Public Mural Program
End date: Monday April 29, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-226 - Flooring Installation at Mary O. Pottenger Elementary School
End date: Friday April 26, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-225 - Abatement at Mary O. Pottenger Elementary School
End date: Thursday April 25, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-224 - Abatement at Samuel Bowles Elementary School
End date: Thursday April 25, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-223 - Abatement at Springfield Public Day Middle School
End date: Thursday April 25, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-203 - RFP: Review and Update of Historical District Guidelines, Policies and Procedures
End date: Wednesday April 24, 2024 at 2 p.m.

24-213 - Purchase of Bituminous Concrete
End date: TODAY Tuesday April 23, 2024 at 2 p.m.

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