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Request for Request for ProposalProposal Corner Lot Craven & S. Front Streets New Bern, NC Everything comes together here. OPEN INVITATION FOR SUBMISSION OF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS (RFP) 14-001 MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT SITE IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN NEW BERN New Bern was once the state capitol of North Carolina and its influence has always been much larger than its population. This beautiful, historic city is strategically located in the Inner Banks region of North Carolina. It sits in close proximity to the coast, state ports, major inland cities and highways. With easy access to jobs, housing and recreation this City of 30,000 is rich in both historic and human resources and a quality of life unsurpassed in Eastern, NC. General Information Established in 1710, New Bern, NC is a city that exhibits its history, beauty, and serenity on every street corner. Set within the confluence of two rivers, New Bern hosts a thriving waterfront downtown with beautiful historic buildings, shops and homes. As the second oldest City in the state, New Bern boasts more than 150 homes and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, all within walking distance of the waterfront. Many small business owners also call New Bern home, finding the growing population and low cost of doing business have created a strong foundation for growth. While New Bern cherishes its small-town charm, it is rapidly becoming a major business hub. Currently there are a dozen large industries that call Eastern North Carolina Home, including, Bosch, Maola, Moen, Hatteras Yachts and Weyerhaeuser. With newly installed broadband fiber business opportunities New Bern offers are endless. The area provides all residents with an outstanding medical center, private physician network, and award-winning schools. The Croatan National Forest neighbors New Bern and offers unlimited opportunities for exploration. Add to that the rivers and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and it is easy to see why New Bern is idyllic for all ages. The mild climate ensures long seasons for golfers to be challenged at one of the many courses in New Bern. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the trails of the forest and boaters nearly year-round water fun. The Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN), located just 10 minutes from downtown, provides easy access to New Bern as well as offering direct flights to Atlanta, Charlotte and Philadelphia. Entertainment Union Point Park, located on the waterfront in downtown New Bern, plays host to many activities including Church activities, Charity runs and races, and Mumfest, New Bern’s annual festival drawing more than 80,000 visitors each year. The state-of-the-art 45,000 square foot Riverfront Convention Center provides the perfect backdrop for multiple groups/events, such as: banquets for up to 1,000 and dancing in the 12,000 square foot ballroom, numerous expos on the area, intimate art shows, wine tastings, and many other gatherings. All guests will enjoy the breathtaking waterfront veranda as well, as its close proximity to all of the historic sites of downtown New Bern. The Center can meet any need and exceed any expectation. Highlighting a visit to New Bern is the beautifully restored home of the royal governor, Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens. Completed in 1770, Tryon Palace served as the first permanent capital of North Carolina. It is open to visitors year round. New Bern also showcases its history in the Firemen’s Museum, the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola Museum and the newly finished History Museum. Enjoy a walking tour through downtown or choose the trolley tour that winds through the historic downtown area, showcasing original buildings, churches and New Bern’s rich history. Live music can be found at numerous venues to fit each individual’s style. Or enjoy them all, as they are within walking distance of each other. With its mild climate, natural beauty, historic charm, gracious lifestyle, quaint boutiques, eateries, riverfront attractions, and lively entertainment, New Bern is a growing destination place that has something for everyone. Transportation With the completion of the new bridges spanning both the Neuse and Trent Rivers, the expansion of the Highway 70 corridor, NC-43 and Highway 17, New Bern is now easily accessible from every direction. A newly formed Metropolitan Planning Organization between New Bern, three neighboring municipalities and Craven county ensures cooperative, comprehensive and continued transportation planning for drivers and pedestrians alike. The New Bern urbanized area serves as a regional hub, with an effective population well in excess of 50,000. It has become a retirement mecca for baby boomers wanting close access to water accompanied by a convenient, affordable lifestyle. Located in the midst of one of the highest concentrations of U.S. Military personnel in the country, New Bern attracts many highly skilled individuals looking to live and work during their service and after it has ended. Recent studies have shown that over $200 million in retail sales are spent outside our retail trade area and therefore many opportunities exist for food services and retail stores. Demographics Drive time from downtown 10 Minutes 15 Minutes 20 Minutes 2012 Estimated Population 33,374 49,717 67,017 2017 Estimated Population 35,337 53,252 71,962 2012 Est. Median Household Income $39,252 $42,267 $46,907 2017 Est. Median Household Income $44,962 $49,269 $52,709 2012 Ave. Household Income $54,114 $56,678 $59,260 2017 Ave Household Income $59,056 $61,910 $64,542 2012 Ave. Per Capita Income $23,751 $24,676 $25,242 2017 Ave. Per Capita Income $26,007 $27,027 $27,564 Business & Employers In 2013 an estimated population of 127,657 resides in the New Bern North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. The largest centers of employment and the number of employees in the New Bern’s Area are: MAS Cherry Point (Military) 13,857 Craven County Schools 1,917 Carolina East Health Systems 1,900 Moen Inc. 850 BOSCH Home Appliances 720 Craven County 613 Craven Community College 596 City of New Bern 504 Walmart 500 Weyerhaeuser NR Company 282 The City is firmly committed to continuing its growth by bolstering its economic base, improving its workforce, attracting diverse, well paying jobs and providing more opportunities for people to become a part of this fine city. The City of New Bern welcomes those looking for such an opportunity. We are pleased to present a chance to become a part of the vibrant heart of this City by partnering with us on the development of one of the largest pieces of undeveloped space left in our award winning downtown. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The City of New Bern, North Carolina (hereinafter referred to as “the City”) is soliciting proposals from potential developers and/or end users for the redevelopment of a City owned parcel through a public- private partnership. The property is a greenfield site consisting of approximately 0.45 acres. It is located within the Central Business District (CBD) on the northwest portion of the South Front Street/Craven Street intersection. The City will consider proposals from interested and qualified respondents for any and/or all of the redevelopment areas/buildings and will look favorably on those proposals that include a destination retail/restaurant component (a preferred concept development rendering is included with this RFP). The City reserves the right to enter into contracts with multiple developers, master tenants and/or end- users, pursue a multi-phased project, waive any irregularities submitted, reject any and/or all submittals, re-advertise, and accept any submittals deemed to be in the best interest of the City. All interested parties must register their name, email address, address and telephone number with the City to receive any future changes, additions, addendums or notices concerning the RFP. Advertisement Date: May 9th, 2014 Due Date: July 16th, 2014 @3:00 p.m. Contact: Jeff Ruggieri, Director of Development Services 248 Craven St. New Bern NC 28563 Phone: (262) 639-7587 Email: [email protected] Proposals will be reviewed by City of New Bern staff and a recommendation will be made to the City of New Bern Board of Aldermen. Respondents are required to submit one (1) original, six (6) copies and one (1) digital copy in a sealed envelope marked in red ink "RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS SOUTH FRONT STREET". Responses should clearly indicate which development area(s) the response is for. To facilitate effective evaluation by the City, responses shall be limited to no more than a total of fifty (50) pages. All questions shall be emailed to the contact listed above and, all questions will be answered in writing. Forms required by this RFP, Appendix documentation, sectional dividers, and front and back covers will not be counted toward the total. At the discretion of the City, a short list of the most qualified respondents may be developed and respondents may be asked to give a short presentation or interview as part of the evaluation and selection process. The City of New Bern supports Equal Opportunity Employment, Fair Housing and Providing Handicapped Access. I.VISION The City of New Bern envisions a vibrant, livable, drivable and walkable area comprised of a diverse mix of complementary uses that incorporate the site’s past into its reuse thus strengthening the City's ties to its riverine roots. Preferred mixed use development option Mixed use redevelopment The City is interested in proposals that would provide for multi-story mixed used development. Schemes should take into account commercial uses (retail or office) on the first floor, and residential living on the upper floors. The City will favorably consider proposals that contribute to the redevelopment of the area as a place to live, work, shop, dine, visit and recreate.