Title
Downtown Gainesville Hotel and Conference Center Proposal Process (NB)
Explanation
In April 2010, the CRA issued an RFI for a publicly owned conference center/hotel in order for the CRA to respond to Alachua County's (the County) "Capital Projects that Promote Tourism" request. The proposed development was to be a publicly-owned, multi-level conference center with highly flexible space, a privately-owned, full service hotel and potentially, street-level retail. The project was not chosen for award by the County.
Since that time, interest in a hotel and conference center in Gainesville's urban core has remained high. At its September 19, 2011meeting, the CRA Board directed CRA staff draft language for some type of competitive proposal for a hotel and/or conference center to be located on either the City-owned Lot 10 parcel or elsewhere in/near Downtown Gainesville. Placement of a hotel and/or conference center will be limited to the boundaries of the Community Redevelopment Agency redevelopment areas. The proposed solicitation process is envisioned to be jointly issued by the City and CRA in two phases; an initial solicitation requesting the qualifications of the developer demonstrating successful completion of similar projects elsewhere, team composition, as well as a general understanding of the CRA or City financial assistance sought in order to pursue this project. Initial proposals will be evaluated solely on qualifications. Financial assistance sought would be requested for informational purposes only.
Following evaluation, the applicant pool would be narrowed to the top ranked developers. Up to three top ranked developers would be invited to participate in the second phase of the solicitation. If no proposals meet the qualifications, there would be no second step.
The second phase of the solicitation would require developers to provide a more detailed proposal of the project, detailed information on the economic impact and job creation potential of the project, and more specific information regarding the financial assistance sought by the CRA or City. Potential financial assistance may include such things as land or City or CRA incentives.
The anticipated schedule is issuing the first phase in January 2012, evaluating proposals and issuing the second phase by March 2012, followed by thorough evaluation of potential economic impacts and benefits, and ranking of the respondents.
Negotiations would then begin starting with the top ranked proposal. The CRA and City reserve the right to determine ultimate feasibility of this project and are not required to make an award in this solicitation.
Fiscal Note
None at this time.
Recommendation
CRA Executive Director to CRA Board: Receive update from staff.