Title
Bethel Station (B)
This is request for City Commission approval for the top ranked proposal of the Bethel Station RFP.
Explanation
Responses to the Bethel Station RFP have been received and evaluated. Two proposals were received for the site, both proposing a café use. Each proposal was evaluated based on the respondent's qualifications/experience, the proposed business concept/character, a financial analysis, and business terms. The top ranked response is Café Lono. Café Lono is proposed by local Gainesville entrepreneurs Clea Lauriault and Robyn Mole. The business will provide a quick service, tasty, healthy, and fresh alternative to what is currently available in the downtown food service market. The Café Lono business proposal provides a feasible business concept and demonstrates a clear understanding of both the strengths and challenges associated with the Bethel site, including creativity in making the most of the small interior space. The proposal also demonstrates a full utilization of the Bethel site's exterior spaces in a manner that will provide energy and activity oriented to both the Plaza and to the surrounding Downtown areas. Much consideration has been given to ambiance, character, and business concept. The café proposes a landscaped patio area effectively planned to serve as a safe, open, and relaxing space to enjoy the heart of Gainesville's downtown community. The business will also reserve a portion of their patio space for the First Friday Artwalks, offering a sculpture garden where local artists can display their artwork and temporary installations. Additionally, on evenings where there is no stage performance at the Plaza, Café Lono plans to provide live entertainment such as local musicians and improvisational comedy in their patio garden. The business owners have also already reached out to local groups such as the Farmers Market, arts organizations, etc., to coordinate an active and inviting atmosphere at Café Lono.
As has been previously discussed, the Bethel site requires physical changes in order to accommodate a new business. The CRA is the City's lead agency for Bethel revitalization; and this summer the CRA has worked to stabilize the Bethel property and provide general repairs to portions of the building and sidewalk, in order to stabilize the property and bring the site to the condition of a universal commercial shell. These repairs (which included restoration of damaged historic elements, new roofing, window and woodwork repair, interior building demolition, lead paint/asbestos removal, etc.) are now complete. The site is now ready for utility work and "personalized" upgrades needed to customize the site to the needs of the selected tenant. These upgrades were addressed by Café Lono in their business proposal for the site. Café Lono has proposed a cost sharing mechanism in which permanent improvements to the site will be paid for by the landlord. Costs related to equipment, non-permanent upgrades, etc. will be born by the tenant. Café Lono is seeking a five year lease agreement with the option to renew for an additional five years. Café Lono has obtained construction cost estimates from Olrich construction and estimates the costs to the landlord at approximately $54,000. The costs to the tenant will be approximately $24,000.
The next step in this process is City Commission approval of the rankings of responses for the Bethel RFP. Once approved, the CRA staff can work with Café Lono to finalize a lease agreement for the site and obtain building permits, and finalize Bethel buildout. The goal is to begin these items immediately, as the City, the CRA, and Café Lono are eager for the site to become operational as soon as possible.
Fiscal Note
$138,587.18, remaining from a 2005 Bond for Plaza Improvements, is budgeted in General Government account 332-M660-5190. The CRA is authorized to utilize these funds for Bethel and Plaza improvements.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) approve the ranking of Café Lono as the top ranked respondent to the Bethel Station RFP; 2) authorize City Manger, or designee, to negotiate and enter into a lease agreement at the Bethel site, as to form and legality by the City Attorney; and 3) approve use of funding from account 332-M660-5190 for this project, at a cost not to exceed $55,000.