FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2020
CONTACT INFO. :
Office of the Mayor
Patricia Resende
(401) 529-3207
presende@eastprovidenceri.gov
City announces RFP for purchase of former Union Primary School
EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – The City of East Providence is requesting proposals for the purchase of the former Union Primary School, a prominent landmark of the community located at 1320 Pawtucket Ave.
The former school’s amenities could be used to house an office, medical facility, school, art studio, or daycare facility. Interested parties should submit their proposal no later than Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 at 11 a.m.
CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
WEBSITE ADVERTISEMENT
SALE OF UNION PRIMARY SCHOOL
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
RFP EP20/21-03
BID OPENING ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020 AT 11AM
The City of East Providence requests proposals from interested parties to purchase the Union Primary School, a prominent historic structure owned by the City of East Providence located at 1320 Pawtucket Avenue (map 503, block 23, parcel 9). The City seeks proposals that will benefit the City while preserving the historic architectural features of the former school house. Generations of families have attended the school and it has always been a prominent landmark of the community. Successful proposals will demonstrate a commitment to the preservation of the exterior architectural features, conformance to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and a clear benefit to the City. Specifications may be downloaded from the City’s website under Current Bids. http://www.eastprovidence.com/content/9457/10056/default.aspx
Three (3) copies of a proposal shall be submitted in one (1) sealed envelope to East Providence City Hall, Controller’s Office, Room 103, Attn: Dawn Kenney, Procurement Specialist, 145 Taunton Ave., East Providence, RI 02914 no later than FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020 AT 11AM. The bids will be publicly recorded. Bids received with a time of 11:01 AM or later will be rejected. The envelope needs to be marked BID EP20/21-03.
A non-mandatory onsite meeting is scheduled for FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 AT 10AM with all interested development firms for an opportunity to discuss the project with city officials. Any questions regarding this RFP may be directed to David Bachrach, Community Development Director dbachrach@eastprovidenceri.gov
The City of East Providence reserves the right to reject any or all bids/proposals and reserves the right to award the RFP to the bidder deemed to be in the best interest of the City.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Dawn Kenney, Procurement Specialist dkenney@eastprovidenceri.gov
CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
BID FORM
SALE OF UNION PRIMARY SCHOOL
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
RFP EP20/21-03
BID OPENING ON FRIDAY, DECEMEBER 18, 2020 AT 11AM
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All proposals must be in narrative format and must clearly illustrate the potential reuse of the property. For a proposal to be deemed complete, it must contain the following items:
1. AGENCY INFORMATION
• Name of firm;
• Business address, including city, state, zip code and phone number;
• Contact person phone and e-mail who can respond to detailed questions regarding their firm’s proposal;
• Indicate whether or not incorporated and if so, when;
• If not incorporated, name of owner(s);
• Indicate if you ever defaulted on a contract and if so, when and why.
2. DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Development Options: Identify the proposed re-use of the structure and describe why the specific development options were chosen over others such as townhouses, condos, apartments, senior living, mixed-use, live/work, artist studios, etc. Provide supporting information & data justifying why the proposed re-use option will be successfully occupied.
Property Description: Describe in detail the proposed re-use of the structure including but not limited to interior and exterior alterations, building layout, number of units, parking needs and consistency with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.
Development Benefit: Describe the benefits to the City such as green building design, sustainable energy, preservation of a historically significant structure, job creation or providing a social service to the community.
Neighborhood Impact: Describe the impact that the proposed re-use of the site will have on the adjacent residential neighborhood such as expected occupancy (day, evening, night), time of deliveries, noise levels, parking needs, and other possible impacts to the adjacent church and abutting residential properties;
Time-Line: Provide a time line of all major components of the redevelopment of the property.
Fee: An acquisition fee.
3. PROJECT TEAM
• Describe the background and relevant experience of the firm along with any sub-consultants to be employed on this project. Describe the background and experience of the designated project manager and other personnel who will participate in the project design and implementation, including a description of the function of each designated participant;
• Describe the relationship or role the firm will have with the City and other stakeholders of the project.
4. FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY & LEGAL STRUCTURE
• Preliminary development budget detailing Sources & Uses, Income Budget, Operating Budget and Cash Flow Analysis. It must be demonstrated that the proposed re-use is financially feasible;
• Describe the legal relationship anticipated with the City in terms of site development, financing, project implementation, ownership, and final disposition/property management.
Respondents may be asked to provide additional information, as needed to assist the City in the decision making process.
• The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive any informality, and to select and negotiate services in the best interest of the City;
• The respondent will abide by all applicable Federal, State and City regulations in the performance of their redevelopment of this property;
• The City reserves the right to accept all or part of any proposal, and to negotiate a contract for services and cost with the selected respondent.
BIDDING FIRM:
NUMBER & STREET:
CITY/STATE/ZIP:
SIGNATURE: DATE:
PRINT NAME:
TITLE:
PHONE NO: ( )
FAX NO: ( )
EMAIL ADDRESS:
I. INTRODUCTION
The City of East Providence requests proposals from interested parties to purchase the Union Primary School, a prominent historic structure owned by the City of East Providence located at 1320 Pawtucket Avenue (map 503, block 23, parcel 9). The City seeks proposals that will benefit the City while preserving the historic architectural features of the former school house. Generations of families have attended the school and it has always been a prominent landmark of the community. Successful proposals will demonstrate a commitment to the preservation of the exterior architectural features, conformance to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and a clear benefit to the City.
II. BACKGROUND
The Union Primary School is one of the oldest remaining former school buildings of the City. The original one-story structure with an end gable roof facing Pawtucket Avenue was built and designed by Architect Christopher Dexter in 1873. The tower and south addition were added to the original structure in 1888, which was designed by Architect William Walker and Son. Later smaller additions occurred in 1900 and 1904. The red brick addition to the rear of the main structure was added in 1961, which was designed by Architect Michael Traficante.
Previous renovations took place in the early 1990s to allow Union Primary School to serve as a child daycare center and elderly meal site. Renovations were made to the fire alarm system and handicap accessibility to meet 1990s building code requirements. In all cases, the individual, non-profit or firm that responds to this RFP must accept the premise in “as is” condition, without warranty by the City as to the condition of the land, building and mechanicals. All interested parties are responsible at their sole cost and liability for all pre-development costs including due diligence studies such as traffic, geotechnical, storm water management and other site analysis.
The subject property is a 43,480 sq. ft. parcel with frontage on Pawtucket Avenue. Access to the property is provided by three driveways on St. Michaels Court. The parcel does not have frontage on St. Michaels Court, see enclosed assessor’s map. Adjacent parcel 10 (map 503, block 23, parcel 10), which is owned by St. Michael’s & Grace Church provides access to the school’s side and rear parking area from St. Michaels Court, see enclosed memorandum of understanding.
A non-mandatory onsite meeting is scheduled for FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 AT 10AM with all interested development firms for an opportunity to discuss the project with city officials.
III. ZONING
The property is currently zoned as Residential-3, which primarily allows for residential and municipal uses. Proposals may conform to the existing zoning or may be predicated upon a zoning variance, zone change, comprehensive plan amendment or special use permit. In all cases, the applicant is responsible for all costs associated with meeting the existing or proposed zoning requirements. Proposals must clearly illustrate the potential reuse of the property and interested parties must perform their own due diligence with respect to zoning, Comprehensive Plan conformance, building code and preservation issues.
IV. REGULATORY RESTRICTIONS
Because the City used Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to make improvements to the property, the following regulatory requirements apply to its redevelopment:
• If jobs will be created, 51% will be held by, or will be available to, persons at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).
• If housing unit(s) will be created, 51% must be occupied by households at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).
• Any construction or renovation must pay Davis Bacon prevailing wages.
This regulatory requirement will not apply if the purchase price is equal to or greater than its Fair Market Value (FMV). The last appraisal was done in 2017 which determined a FMV of $250,000.
V. DESIRED REUSE
The entire building is handicap accessible, multiple rooms vary in size, a front reception area and more than adequate off-street parking. These amenities of the building and site could accommodate a variety of different types of uses such as an office, medical examination facility, art studio or a daycare facility. The following development type (or combination of types) is desired for this property:
• Professional offices (i.e. business or medical)
• Residential
• Medical clinic
• Private school
• Child day care center
• Health, fitness and wellness facility
• Animal or veterinary hospital
• Commercial educational facility
• Art studio (i.e. live/work)
No future large scale exterior additions that would impact the exterior historical architecture or impede the site lines of the front façade from the street will be permitted and the City will reinforce this requirement through deed restrictions intended to protect the exterior historical architectural features as well as the following:
• Preserve all exterior features of the L-shape main structure (1873 original school house, 1888 addition and early 1900s additions) that include, but not limited to the tower, gables, brackets, trim, siding, bands, cladding, windows, window frames, transitions boards, and chimney;
• Preserve all interior features of the tower that are above the drop ceiling at the base of the tower that served as a small office. The interior area to be preserved is approximately 8 feet from the first floor elevation to the top of the interior of the tower;
• Preserve the exterior sign located on the west gable facing Pawtucket Avenue. This sign may or may not date to the 1873 school house, but has been a prominent feature of the school for the last 50 years or more;
• Preserve all interior features of the ceiling of the large room located in the northwest portion of the 1873 school house that include, but not limited to the brackets, molding, and trim. The approximate area to be preserved begins 8 feet from the first floor elevation to the ceiling;
• The rear addition that was built in 1961 offers no historical value, however it may be a threat if its height is allowed to exceed the height of the L-shape main structure (1873 original school house, 1888 addition and early 1900s additions). Currently, the 1961 addition is not visible from Pawtucket Avenue and was intentionally designed to be hidden from Pawtucket Avenue. Alterations may occur to the footprint of the 1961 addition provided they are not visible from Pawtucket Avenue or visually impact the L-shape main structure; and
• Landscaping in the front-yard facing Pawtucket Avenue is currently limited to a few medium size trees and a 6 foot stockade fence located along the north side-yard property line. The lack of landscaping and fencing in the front-yard maintains an adequate view of the building from Pawtucket Avenue and any future landscaping in the front-yard must be limited to species that maintain an adequate view corridor.
VI. DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES
The City has the following incentives to stimulate the investment of capital that advances the City’s community goals:
1. CITY TAX STABILIZATION
The City offers tax stabilization for expansion or renovation of any existing facility, construction of a new facility, the addition of tangible business property, or leasehold improvements, excepting instances where the proposed taxable improvements are in excess of $5,000,000, the percentage of new added taxable assessment shall be stabilized in accordance with the tax exemption schedule of 100% in the first year and reducing 20% each subsequent year over a total period of 6 years.
The minimum threshold for participation in the stabilization program by existing eligible properties is $150,000 in taxable improvements as determined by the city tax assessor. The minimum threshold for new eligible and tangible business equipment is $500,000. In addition, applicants for stabilization of tangible business equipment must document the creation or relocation of no fewer than 10 full time equivalent jobs (FTE's) to receive stabilization.
2. BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAMS
The City of East Providence offers a low interest (20 percent below prime) commercial loan program for either commercial or industrial businesses to finance the acquisition, construction and improvements of land or buildings and for the purchase of capital equipment. The Commercial Loan Program is available to business currently located in or relocating to East Providence and provides funding from $10,000 to $100,000, at a variable rate adjusted annually, with a maximum payback term of 15 years.
The East Providence also offers a Commercial Microloan Program to finance lease hold improvements, startup expenses, operating expenses and/or to purchase assets for businesses with five (5) or fewer employees, which are unable to obtain a loan through banks and other commercial lending sources. To be eligible for a Microloan, a business owner must reside in the City and meet HUD income guidelines. Microloans are available for up to $10,000 at an interest rate of prime rate plus one point, fixed over the term of the loan, with a maximum payback term of 5 years.
VII. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All proposals must be in narrative format and must clearly illustrate the potential reuse of the property. For a proposal to be deemed complete, it must contain the following items:
1. AGENCY INFORMATION
• Name of firm;
• Business address, including city, state, zip code and phone number;
• Contact person phone and e-mail who can respond to detailed questions regarding their firm’s proposal;
• Indicate whether or not incorporated and if so, when;
• If not incorporated, name of owner(s);
• Indicate if you ever defaulted on a contract and if so, when and why.
2. DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Development Options: Identify the proposed re-use of the structure and describe why the specific development options were chosen over others such as townhouses, condos, apartments, senior living, mixed-use, live/work, artist studios, etc. Provide supporting information & data justifying why the proposed re-use option will be successfully occupied.
Property Description: Describe in detail the proposed re-use of the structure including but not limited to interior and exterior alterations, building layout, number of units, parking needs and consistency with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.
Development Benefit: Describe the benefits to the City such as green building design, sustainable energy, preservation of a historically significant structure, job creation or providing a social service to the community.
Neighborhood Impact: Describe the impact that the proposed re-use of the site will have on the adjacent residential neighborhood such as expected occupancy (day, evening, night), time of deliveries, noise levels, parking needs, and other possible impacts to the adjacent church and abutting residential properties;
Time-Line: Provide a time line of all major components of the redevelopment of the property.
Fee: An acquisition fee.
3. PROJECT TEAM
• Describe the background and relevant experience of the firm along with any sub-consultants to be employed on this project. Describe the background and experience of the designated project manager and other personnel who will participate in the project design and implementation, including a description of the function of each designated participant;
• Describe the relationship or role the firm will have with the City and other stakeholders of the project.
4. FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY & LEGAL STRUCTURE
• Preliminary development budget detailing Sources & Uses, Income Budget, Operating Budget and Cash Flow Analysis. It must be demonstrated that the proposed re-use is financially feasible;
• Describe the legal relationship anticipated with the City in terms of site development, financing, project implementation, ownership, and final disposition/property management.
Respondents may be asked to provide additional information, as needed to assist the City in the decision making process.
VIII. SELECTION PROCESS & CRITERIA
Responses will be evaluated on the basis of the relative merits of the proposal. Proposals will be assessed generally on their overall benefit to the City, preservation of the interior and exterior architectural features, financial feasibility, benefits to the community and quality of design. A brief presentation of the proposal and interview with City staff will be requested prior to City staff submitting a recommendation to the Mayor and City Council. Respondents may be requested to present their proposal before the City Council at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
The following criteria will be used to evaluate the responses to this RFP:
• Qualifications of the respondents;
• Response from references;
• The extent of preserving the interior and exterior architectural features and a redevelopment plan that is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties;
• Impact the redevelopment will have on the immediate residential neighborhood;
• The type of relationship being proposed between the City and the respondent;
• Financial structure and degree of financial commitments from other private and public funding sources;
• The financial feasibility of the proposal and timeline.
• Purchase Price
VIIII. GENERAL CONDITIONS
• The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive any informality, and to select and negotiate services in the best interest of the City;
• The respondent will abide by all applicable Federal, State and City regulations in the performance of their redevelopment of this property;
• The City reserves the right to accept all or part of any proposal, and to negotiate a contract for services and cost with the selected respondent.
X. CITY CONTACTS
Any questions regarding this RFP may be directed to:
David Bachrach, Community Development Director
East Providence City Hall
145 Taunton Avenue
East Providence, RI 02914
office (401) 435-7536
dbachrach@eastprovidenceri.gov
