Request for Proposals LC Walker Restaurant Space
March 11, 2019
The City of Muskegon is seeking developers with experience and capability in implementing quality restaurant and/or craft alcohol locations. The City’s objective is to negotiate and enter into an agreement with the selected developer to construct and operate a gastropub, sports bar style restaurant, or micro distillery in the southwest corner of the L.C. Walker Arena, fronting Western Avenue and directly adjacent to Rad Dad’s Tacos and Tequila Bar. The total development area is negotiable, but can be as large as 3,500 square feet of developable space. The ideal proposal will include ingress/egress on both Western Avenue as well as to the interior of the arena in order to maximize accessibility and operation during events. Outdoor seating areas are highly encouraged.
The objective of this RFP is to determine the level of interest and number of qualified available developers for the concept identified above. Responses to this RFP should provide general ideas and strategies for the development of the site including resumes and relevant qualifications for the development team. The City will review qualification packages to select experienced and qualified developers to advance to the final selection process which may include a more detailed proposal leading to the selection of a preferred developer, and the eventual disposition of the development site through sale or lease under mutually beneficial financial terms. The City will look favorably on respondents that possess the capacity and interest to carry their development from concept to implementation, including design/build capability, menu genre concepts, access to capital, and management strategy.
The City of Muskegon has experienced significant growth and development in all sectors, including its traditional downtown corridors. The selected development team will successfully demonstrate how their concept will bring new and valuable offerings to this environment and what benefit their development will bring to the further redevelopment of the Muskegon community. The City will favorably review developments which satisfy the listed Areas of Interest, which are listed in detail in the following section.
Depending on the number and quality of responses received, the City reserves the right to request additional information from some or all respondents, or to issue additional requests to advance the review process. This process does not obligate the City of Muskegon or any of its agents, assigns, or employees to select or negotiate with any development team or to accept offers which the City, in its sole judgment, determines not to be in the best interest of the City and its residents. Thank you for your interest in this development opportunity.