City releases RFP for Main Street apartment building

Date: 2/5/2015

SPRINGFIELD – Interested in investing in the city’s future? The city of Springfield has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a 12-unit apartment building at 2612-2616 Main St.

According to the RFP, “The building at 2612-2616 Main St. is a brick, residential apartment building constructed in 1907, it contains over 17,000 square feet of living/commercial space and is located on a 12,150 square foot lot and is zoned Business A. The assessed value is $740,900.00. The property has four floors and contains approximately twelve residential units.

“The city is in the process of demolishing the back apartment building that faces out onto Arch Street. The land where the Arch Street building currently stands in the rear will be able to be used as parking for the front building that will remain.

“The city is most interested in proposals that will improve the existing property in “a way that compliments the surrounding neighborhood. While financial benefits (i.e. price paid for the property) of a proposal are important to the selection of the developer, coupled with all selection criteria, the city will also consider the broader fiscal and economic developments to be realized from the development project. The city will not be obligated to select the proposer offering the highest purchase price if another proposal better satisfies the selection criteria and other requirements of this RFP as a whole.

“Although the property is assessed at $740,900, the city will entertain all offers. The property has been abandoned and vacant for several years. The apartment building has experienced fire, vandalism, and neglect and has been open to the elements. Prior to the building being abandoned it was poorly managed and regular and routine maintenance for even basic operation was ignored by the owner. The building will require extensive rehabilitation and financial investment in order for it to be habitable.

“Based on these factors the city will accept less than the assessed value if a proposer intends to invest significant funds to rehabilitate the building and return the property to the tax rolls. ??The city is most interested in proposals that creatively integrate the site with the surrounding area, respecting zoning, and in a manner that creates a viable redevelopment opportunity and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the streetscape. Proposers should be familiar with abutting uses and mindful of such when developing a redevelopment project and program to ensure the project is respectful of existing neighbors.

Mayor Domenic Sarno said, “This vacant and deteriorated building has been negatively impacting the neighborhood for years. We are excited to use a combination of demolition and redevelopment of valuable residential space – to enhance and preserve Springfield’s assets. The city is interested in proposals that will rehabilitate the Main Street building in such a way that creates a vibrant living space for future occupants, enhances the street-scape and is an asset to the adjacent neighborhood.”

There will be two open houses for potential buyers to view the building. The first will be Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. and the second will be Feb. 16 at 2 p.m.

Proposals are due March 4 at 2 p.m. To view the complete RFP document go to http://www3.springfield-ma.gov/finance/procurement/bid_detail.php?bid=201515-167.