STADIUM CLUB REDEVELOPMENT 141 EAST JEFFERSON STREET
REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF INTEREST & DEVELOPMENT VISION
CITY OF JOLIET January 8, 2019 SECTION 1 – Summary
1.1 Overview The City is soliciting a Statement of Interest & Vision from individuals/firms for the ownership and redevelopment of property located at 141 East Jefferson Street. This City owned property offers a unique redevelopment opportunity. The building is a three story structure consisting of approximately 18,000 square feet, not including the basement. The property is located immediately adjacent to Joliet Route 66 Stadium (home of the Joliet Slammers Baseball Club). It is also located within close proximity of the recently completed Joliet Gateway Transportation Center which serves the Metra Rock Island District Commuter Line, the Metra Heritage Corridor Commuter Line and Amtrak.
The structure will require extensive renovation in order to provide occupancy. Interior and exterior photos are included as Exhibit A.
In 2018, the property was being considered for a redevelopment agreement with a private investor. The project was unable to precede due to extraneous factors with the private entity. The City is seeking a successor development project. This limited solicitation is being made to local and regional developers.
The City will utilize a four step process to select a developer for the property. The process phases are noted below:
Phase I – Request for a Statement of Interest and Vision – Due Friday, March 1st , 2019 by 3 p.m. in the Office of the City Clerk, 150 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432 Phase II – Interview & Selection of Finalists – March 4 thru March 8, 2019 Phase III – Formal Proposal from Finalists Due – April 5th , 2019 Phase IV – Negotiation of Agreement with Successful Firm
The firm(s) selected to proceed to phase III must be prepared to enter into a purchase and development agreement with the City. The final agreement will specify City and purchaser obligations in the implementation of the development project.
1.2 Building History The property was acquired by the City as part of the land assembly that led to the construction of the stadium. There has been no occupancy of the building since the acquisition. The structure was built in the 1920’s and its most recent use was an automobile dealership.
An aerial map of the property and neighboring features are identified in Exhibit B. Plat of Survey is attached as Exhibit C.
1.3 Recent Developments in Area
Joliet Gateway Transportation Center - Distance: ≈450 feet The property is strategically located adjacent to the New Joliet Gateway Transportation Center. The new $40 million train station was completed in 2018, with a nearby Pace/inter-urban bus station anticipated in the future. The station currently serves as the terminus for two Metra lines and an Amtrak stop. Amtrak has enhanced its current service from Joliet with the introduction of high-speed rail.
New Will County Courthouse - Distance: ≈1/3 mile Construction of the new $215 million courthouse facility in Downtown Joliet is underway. The 10-story structure is anticipate to be operational 2020.
Old Union Station Redevelopment – Distance: ≈700 feet Redevelopment for the former Union Station is completed. The City entered into two lease agreements. The former Amtrak portion was converted into a microbrewery and restaurant, MyGrain. The Grand Ballroom portion was transformed into a banquet, meeting and special event facility, The Grand Ballroom.
Illinois Marine Towing opens corporate HQ – Distance: ≈1/3 Mile The November 2018, Illinois Marine Towing moved its corporate headquarters to downtown Joliet. The company is relocating 30-40 employees into a redeveloped building at 203 N. Ottawa with the intent to increase capacity in 2019.
New downtown businesses as of January 2018
o K Ribbs BBQ o Catrinas Mex o Elder Brewing o Cut 158 Chophouse o DeWitts Cookies o Unidos Marketing o Illinois Marine Towing o It’s Amazing o Audiophil’s o Panino Fresco o Treno Café
1.4 Existing Area Attractions
Joliet Junior College – Distance: ≈1/2 mile The College opened its City Center Campus in January 2017. The facility is home to the nationally recognized Culinary Arts Program, and also hosts Workforce Development and Adult Education Programs.
Harrah’s Hotel and Casino – Distance: ≈1/3 mile World class gaming, lodging and dining are present on the downtown riverfront location.
Route 66 Stadium – Distance: Directly adjacent With a capacity of over 6,000 fans, this City-owned facility is host to the 2018 Frontier League Champion Joliet Slammers, the University of St. Francis Baseball team, Illinois High School Association Championship Tournament, and a host of other events including music.
Rialto Square Theater – Distance: ≈¼ mile As the hub of performing arts in the community, this cultural treasure hosts music and performances throughout the year. Constructed in 1926, the theater provides magnificent European architecture and a diverse program that attracts visitors from the Midwest.
University of St. Francis – Distance: ≈¼ mile The University maintains two campus buildings downtown. The USF presence includes a business incubator and entrepreneurship programs as well as the Center for Art & Design.
Joliet Area Historical Museum – Distance: ≈1/3 mile The museum includes a permanent collection and special exhibits celebrating the history of Joliet and the region. The museum also highlights the iconic highway Route 66.
1.5 Major Employers within ½ mile
City of Joliet Offices - Distance: ≈1/3 mile Joliet’s City Hall is located in downtown Joliet & employs approx. 750 workers total.
Will County Offices - Distance: ≈1/2 mile Joliet is the Will County seat resulting in a concentration of governmental offices and an associated legal presence. Will County employs approx. 2,200 total.
Harrah’s Hotel and Casino – Distance: ≈1/3 mile Employs approximately 800 workers.
Joliet Central High School – Distance: ≈ 500 feet The school district has an enrollment of approx. 3,200 students and employs over 325 Full-time workers.
1.6 Vision for Property The property is presently zoned B-3, however zoning can be amended to accomplish a redevelopment project that meets City goals. Respondents will be expected to submit a creative vision for the property accentuating the unique features and location of the building, and proximity to commuter rail. Mixed-use development is a desired use of the property however full residential or full commercial use will be consider.
1.7 Property Relationship with the Route 66 Stadium One unique feature of the building is its proximity to the baseball stadium. The two structures are essentially linked together. Applicants should clearly explain what the project’s relationship with the stadium will be.
Many windows on the 2nd and 3rd floor face the stadium for an excellent view of events on the field. The 2nd floor also has access to the stadium’s outdoor walkway on the building’s western and northern sides. Potential developers can choose to incorporate the walkway into the project or eliminate access between the entities. While developers may incorporate the walkway into the project the Joliet Slammers baseball organization require that visitors of the stadium maintain:
1) 360 degree access to the stadium, thus can completely walk around the field. 2) access to lower deck, also known as the Jim Beam deck
1.8 Water and Sewer Service to the Building The current water and sewer services to the building are not adequate for any substantial development of the building. It is the responsibility of the developer to connect adequate service to the building. A map of the services are attached as Exhibit D.
The closest water main is south of the subject property and across Jefferson St. The City believes this water main is the most practical connection.
The closest sanitary sewer is to the east of the subject property and under Power Alley. The City believes this to be the most practical connection. The existing sewer service is in need of repair as it enters into the subject property.
1.9 Sale Price & Incentives To facilitate ownership transfer and redevelopment of the property the City is willing to consider a package of incentives. The following identifies several relevant tools that may be part of a negotiated redevelopment agreement:
TIF incentives via a redevelopment agreement. The property is within a newly created TIF District with 22 years of remaining life. Eligibility for economic development are via special service area (SSA) funding. Property is being valued at $300,000. The City will offer a Building Renovation Credit of up to $300,000 for expenses associated with bringing the building to occupancy standards. Property includes approximately 9 parking spaces on the Eastern side of the building. Permit parking of adjacent City-owned parking lot. This parking lot currently has approximately 45 parking spaces. Property is located within an Opportunity Zone and eligible for tax incentives which can be found here: https://goo.gl/SZhsGD Property is within the boundaries of the State of Illinois’s Des Plaines River Valley Enterprise Zone and eligible for certain State incentives which can be found here: https://goo.gl/n7VSYU
Note: Eligibility for incentives is subject to construction work being performed at prevailing wage.
SECTION 2 – Evaluation Process
2.1 Review Criteria
All submittals will be evaluated utilizing the following criteria:
Demonstrated understanding of the City request. Stated vision for use of the property. Firm’s likelihood of success based upon financial capacity, market realities, operational experience, realistic budget for improvements, and qualified development team. Creativity and concepts proposed for building. Schedule of completing build-out of property.
SECTION 3 – Building Familiarity
3.1 Building Access Familiarity with the building interior is required prior to submitting a proposal. If the City does not have a record that you toured the building, such a tour must be arranged. Property tour must be conducted prior to Friday, February 22, 2019. Building access shall be arranged with Derek Conley, Economic Development Specialist at (815) 724-4014 or via [email protected].
SECTION 4 – Submittal Requirements
All respondents are required to submit the information requested for items 4.1 – 4.5 as follows:
4.1 Respondent Qualifications A cover letter shall be submitted indicating interest, commitment and project understanding. The respondent shall identify the redevelopment team and identify similar or relevant projects undertaken that will demonstrate the ability to successfully complete this project.
4.2 Building Uses & Improvements
Narrative Describing Building Use. Tell us in detail your vision for the first, second and third floor environments, as well as the basement space. BE CREATIVE. This is your opportunity to demonstrate the nature of your proposed redevelopment and how this would mesh with Joliet Route 66 Stadium and businesses located on East Jefferson Street. Identify any perceived challenges with the proposed use.
Narrative Describing Use of Exterior. Tell us if you have any anticipated use of the exterior of the building. Indicate if your redevelopment would utilize the exterior patio space. If so, identify the vision for this space, and how access will be provided, etc. If not, please indicate no access.
4.3 Project Schedule Provide a project schedule anticipated for all development phases of the building described in your vision. For purposes of estimation, assume the purchase and development agreement with the City is executed on October 1, 2018.
4.4 Financial Overview The respondent is to provide an overview of the source of capital that will be necessary to complete the project. Although detailed financial information will not be required until the selection of finalists has occurred, this is an opportunity for the respondent to identify their capacity to successfully complete the project.
4.5 Project Ownership & Certification Complete the form attached as Exhibit E to identify project ownership and any partnership arrangements that are proposed for redevelopment of the property.
SECTION 5 – Submittal Guidelines, Questions & Deadline
5.1 Proprietary Information. All proposals and related materials become the property of the City of Joliet and may be subject to public inspection in accordance with the State of Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Proprietary information submitted shall not be publicly disclosed under the State of Illinois FOIA. Applicant should indicate the portions of their material that is proprietary. Do not mark the whole proposal proprietary.
5.2 Questions & Property Tours. All property tours and questions regarding the property will have a cutoff date of Friday, February 22, 2019. If you have any questions or seek a property tour, or require additional assistance in the completion of the proposal, such communication shall be directed to Derek Conley, Economic Development Specialist at (815) 724-4014 or via [email protected]. All proposal document holders should sign up for RSS feeds at http://cityofjoliet.info/departments/finance/purchasing/bids- proposals/development-opportunities and provide your first and last name and email address to automatically receive addendums. Addendums will also be posted on the City of Joliet’s website at http://www.cityofjoliet.info/bids-proposals.
5.3 Submittal Instructions Five (5) copies of the submittal shall be provided to the City, along with a digital version via thumb drive or disk. All proposals shall be submitted in an opaque sealed envelope identifying the name of the individual/firm submitting a response, and be clearly be marked with the phrase “141 EAST JEFFERSON STREET DUE FRIDAY, MARCH 1ST, 2019.” Submittals are due no later than 3:00 PM on March 1st and shall be directed to:
Office of the City Clerk City of Joliet 150 West Jefferson Street Joliet, IL 60432-4158
EXHIBIT A 141 East Jefferson – Interior and Exterior Photos
THIRD FLOOR :
EXHIBIT B Joliet Route 66 Stadium – Property Location
EXHIBIT C Property Plat of Survey
EXHIBIT D Map of Services
EXHIBIT E Ownership & Certification 141 East Jefferson Proposal
The Respondent is a:
______Corporation ______Partnership ______Limited Liability Company ______Sole Proprietorship ______Other (please explain :______)
Name______
Address______
City/State/Zip Code______
Office Phone: ______
Mobile Phone: ______
Email address: ______
I certify and attest that the information submitted in this Proposal is true and accurate.
______Printed Name
______Title
______Signature
______Date