Workshop Item - Erik Thorvig, Community Development Director
Title
Title
105th Avenue / Radisson Road Redevelopment Plan Request for Proposals
end
Background
The 105th Avenue/Radisson Road industrial area has been identified in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan as a priority redevelopment area. It has also been identified as one of the four priority areas by the City Council through the visioning process that occurred in early 2021 and is also identified in the “Growth Management” portion of the City’s strategic plan. Based on direction from the City Council, the City will embark on a visioning/design process for this area to assist in future marketing and development efforts.
The industrial area consists of older industrial buildings that have either become antiquated due to their age or have excessive outdoor storage which is not consistent with the vision for the area. The EDA has been active in purchasing property over the last five years and continues to discuss further acquisitions as property becomes available. A map is attached which shows the general study boundary, EDA ownership, and other property notes. The National Sports Center (NSC) and Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) are also key property owners in this area.
General discussions by the City Council identify this as a potential “city core” where the City should encourage walkable, entertainment type of uses that take advantage of the NSC and be an amenity to Blaine residents and visitors. Staff is suggesting a planning/design process that includes key stakeholders (city staff, boards/commissions, city council, property owners, NSC and MAC) to establish the vision for this area both visually and descriptively. An important aspect is an architect assisting in creating the visual plan for the area. The general process would be staff led, however the purpose of the request for proposals (RFP) is to select an architect to assist in creating the visual plan. The plan will also include the vacant land on Town Square Drive in front of city hall.
Unlike the recently reviewed Northtown RFP, this proposal would much more simplified as we are not asking for the architect to lead the process, nor are we needing to complete a market study, etc. Components of the RFP would include:
1. Project Introduction and Goals
• Background, visioning, etc.
2. Scope of Work
• Intended to be for architectural design assistance only.
3. Timeline
• June 21-July 16: RFP published
• Week of July 26: Staff reviews proposals
• Week of August 2: Staff interviews are conducted
• August 16: Architect is selected by the City Council
4. Proposal Content
• Transmittal letter
• Project proposal
• Work experience and examples
• Qualifications
• References
5. Review and Selection Criteria
• Qualifications
• Point system based on submittal content
Staff does not have an estimated budget. The estimated budget for the Northtown RFP was approximately $100,000. Given this project scope is reduced, the cost will be less. The study would be funded from the EDA.
Staff Recommendation
Provide general feedback about the process and RFP and direct staff accordingly.
Attachment List
Project Area Map
Final Exhibit Examples