The City of Aurora, Colorado seeks responses to a Request for Proposals (RFP).  Responses will be accepted at the Department of Public Works, Office of Real Property, Attn: J. Cravens (15151 East Alameda Parkway, Aurora, Colorado 80012) or by email to jcravens@auroragov.org.  Proposals will be accepted up until 4:00 p.m. January 21, 2013    All proposals will be considered confidential and shall be retained by the City of Aurora. The City reserves the right to reject any proposal and to select an applicant whose project is deemed to be in the best interests of the City.  The RFP process will not necessarily result in a lease or management agreement.

Re: the Future Disposition & Management of 1400 Dallas Street

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SECTION I

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

The intent of this RFP is to solicit proposals from individuals or organizations that are interested in leasing and/or managing a city-owned property located at 1400 Dallas St. Aurora, CO 80010.  The City is seeking a partner with the capacity to effectively manage this building in order to best use this important area asset for the betterment of the Aurora Arts District and the northwest portion of the city.  Proposals must identify specific uses and facility management plans that will result in the operation of the property in support of established goals (listed below).  The building consists of approximately 8,000 square feet of useable space that currently includes individual artists’ studios, an art gallery, classroom and common areas.

• The City of Aurora continues to employ economic & community development strategies for the area, including the promotion and support of the emerging Aurora Arts District.
• The building at 1400 Dallas Street will be a central destination and facility for arts activities.  This building is a key asset for the District and should anchor the arts in the neighborhood.
• Investments already made in the property (including affordable studio, classroom and gallery space) should be preserved and enhanced.
• While preserving core uses and respecting tenant needs, the building should be used to engage the broader arts and neighborhood communities as much as is feasible.
• Operations should support partnerships with other area organizations and minimize overlap with existing programs & services.
• Operations should maximize the impact the building can have on creating a dynamic Arts District, including drawing visitors to the area.
• The management plan for the property must ensure a minimum of a break-even financial plan, and must address routine maintenance costs as well as reserves for any necessary capital improvements.  (Preference will be given to plans that address basic operating costs and are able to generate revenue without compromising affordability goals.)

INFORMATIONAL MEETING

An informational meeting will be held on January 4, 2013 from 10 AM until NOON at 1400 Dallas St. Aurora CO 80010.  The purpose of the meeting will be to provide interested applicants with detailed information about the property and will include a walk-through of the building & the site.  City staff will be available to answer questions about the property and to discuss the City’s goals for the area.  Attendance at the informational meeting is mandatory for all applicants.

Packet of available information effective December 28, 2012:

• Background of the Aurora Arts District and area redevelopment strategies.
• Updates on area changes (including outcomes of the Colfax 2012 Visioning Process, RTD’s FastTraks expansion & schedule, Stapleton street connections & schedule, Westerly Creek Urban Renewal Plan and bridge, Fitzsimons redevelopment updates.)
• Current site/floor plan and square footage for demised and common areas.
• Affordability goals & guidelines for rents relative to market.
• Current Proformas (source & uses).
• Summary of rehabilitation & capital improvements since 2005/2006.
• Copies of the recent building inspection and recommended improvements.

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SECTION II

REQUIRED INFORMATION         

APPLICANT/DEVELOPER.

Proposals must include the name, address, telephone number, email, website and tax identification number of the applicant, as well as the names & contact information of key participants.

PROPOSAL AND PLAN (physical layout & uses, facility management plan, financial mgt plan)

Proposals must include a vision statement for the property as well as a description of goals and intended uses for the building and site.  Proposals should include a detailed site plan that reflects intended uses for specific areas, and a description of any proposed work and/or improvement to the site.  Plans should address parking facilities, fencing, demised interior spaces, and layout.  Simple renderings that illustrate proposed uses are encouraged.  The management plan for the property should include detailed descriptions of proposed facility operations including operating hours, policies & procedures for physical plant management, & marketing plans for all intended uses.  Financial proformas and proposed lease terms are also required.

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PROPOSED TIMETABLE & COSTS

Proposals should provide a list of planned improvements (if any) along with a description of those improvements and a timeframe for completion.  All costs, including development costs, building materials, labor and supplies should be itemized and estimated and a total project cost estimate should be projected.  Proposals should include a description of how planned improvements (if any) will be financed and identify all sources of revenue.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

The proposal should include a description of professional qualifications of the applicant and all key personnel (including any previous and relevant experience). Please include detail on any arts and/or commercial facilities management experience including rental and management of studios, galleries, classroom/workshop space, and public areas for functions.

SECTION III

SELECTION CRITERIA

The following criteria will be used for selection:

• Use of the site consistent with the City of Aurora’s goals & objectives.
• Applicant’s ability to demonstrate successful project development & management (relative to the proposed project) and to demonstrate ability to undertake the project successfully.
• Project feasibility including market & revenue projections, timing and/or phasing.
• Applicant’s ability to finance any elements of the proposed project (as needed).
• Feasibility of applicants’ proposal to leverage other sources (if any).
• Partnerships: inclusion of and support from other Aurora Arts agencies & organizations.
• Impact of proposed uses & operations (e.g. number of proposed visitors to the area, leveraging relationships and funding, job retention and/or creation).

All questions related to this RFP may be directed to

Moira Dungan at (303) 739-7128 or mdungan@auroragov.org.