Economic Development Authority - Erik Thorvig, Economic Development Coordinator
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Approving the Expenditure and Approving a Contract for Professional Services with Damon Farber for the Northtown Mall (and Surrounding Project Area) Redevelopment/Revitalization Plan
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Executive Summary
Staff published a Request for Proposals (RFP) on May 12, 2021 to prepare a master land use and redevelopment/revitalization plan for the area of and surrounding Northtown Mall. Staff received 10 proposals, interviewed five consulting firms and has selected Damon Farber as the preferred consultant for this project.
Background
In February and March, 2021, the City Council directed staff to prepare a plan for the area of and surrounding Northtown Mall. On May 12, 2021 staff published the RFP with proposals due on June 18. Staff received 10 applications and was surprised and excited about the quantity and quality of the proposals that were received.
Staff used a scoring process to determine the top five firms to be interviewed: Damon Farber, WSB, Stantec, Perkins and Will and Bolton & Menk. Interviews were conducted on June 28 - 29 by eight key staff members who will be involved with the forthcoming planning process. A scoring system was used for the interview process for each firm. When the final scores were tallied, Damon Farber scored the highest and staff agreed they were the firm to hire for this process.
The City’s RFP indicated that there was an approximate budget of $100,000 for this project. All five firms that were interviewed had a proposed fee in this range. Damon Farber’s proposal included a base fee of $100,000 for this project, with a maximum of $10,000 in reimbursable expenses for travel costs, reproduction costs, delivery, mileage and parking. Staff will approach the Northtown Mall owner (WPG) regarding financial participation. Staff will provide an update at the meeting regarding WPG’s interest in helping fund this project.
Staff’s decision to offer the contract to Damon Farber was due to their communication approach, their invaluable experience (Burnsville, Rosedale and Ridgedale Mall plans), the quality of the proposal, their connections and market experience in the retail sector, and their architectural perspective for this plan. Representatives from Damon Farber will attend the meeting to introduce themselves and their proposal.
The City’s RFP garnered a lot of attention from consultants in Minnesota and surrounding states. This process is exciting not only from the City’s perspective, but it also presents a unique opportunity for consultants to do what they do best - to create an innovative design that benefits ALL stakeholders and brings the community together. Staff is very much looking forward to working on this project.
The consultant is planning on starting the study in August with estimated completion in April, 2022.
Attachment List
Damon Farber Proposal
Strategic Plan Relationship
The Growth Management strategic priority specifically lists advancing Northtown redevelopment. This planning process is the first step in achieving the targets identified for this priority.
Board/Commission Review
Not applicable.
Financial Impact
The final cost of the project is $100,000, with $10,000 in reimbursable expenses. The EDA has various financial resources to fund the study.
Public Outreach/Input
Not applicable.
Staff Recommendation
Staff is asking the EDA to approve the expenditure of $100,000 and allow the Executive Director and President to execute the contract with Damon Farber for their services for the Northtown Mall redevelopment/revitalization plan.
Body
WHEREAS; the Blaine City Council/EDA completed a city visioning discussion and identified four priority areas; and
WHEREAS, one of those priority areas is the Northtown Mall commercial area; and
WHEREAS, this specific area is identified in the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan as a redevelopment area and also in the City’s strategic plan; and
WHEREAS, the City Council/EDA directed staff to prepare a request for proposals to hire a consultant to complete a study and master plan for the area; and
WHEREAS, ten proposals were received and five consultants were interviewed as finalists; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends selecting Damon Farber as the consultant for the study.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Blaine Economic Development Authority hereby approves the expenditure of $100,000 and up to $10,000 in reimbursables and directs the president and executive director to execute a contract with Damon Farber for professional services for the Northtown Area redevelopment/revitalization plan.
PASSED by the Blaine Economic Development Authority this 19th day of July, 2021.