ROCKLAND — The City of Rockland Community and Economic Development Department is requesting information regarding an opportunity to develop the Rockland waterfront consistent with the purposes and objectives and the project description detailed below, and including the buildings and sites at the addresses and owners listed in the area of concern.

RCEDD invites all interested parties to submit a written response to this request for interest.

This RFI is being sought strictly for the purpose of gaining knowledge and creative ideas to address this need in the community with an estimate of their corresponding costs and should not be construed as intent, commitment, or promise to acquire services, supplies, or solutions offered. No contract will result from any response to this RFI.

Information submitted in response to this RFI will become the property of RCEDD.

RCEDD will not pay for any information herein requested nor is it liable for any cost incurred by the vendor. RCEDD expects to issue a request for proposals based on the information submitted for this RFI and the City’s own research at a later date. It should be noted that private property owners whose sites are involved in this RFI may choose to negotiate with potential developers without undertaking further solicitations for proposals.

RFI responses must be received prior to May 25 at the following address:

City of Rockland Economic & Community Development

Director Audra Caler-Bell

Address: Rockland City Hall

270 Pleasant Street

Rockland, Maine 04841

Telephone Number: 207-594-0306

Fax Number: 207-594-9481

Email Address: abell@ci.rockland.me.us

Questions may be directed to the director of the RCEDD with the contact information above.

Purposes and Objectives

The City of Rockland’s waterfront area, or Tillson Avenue District, is primed for redevelopment and revitalization. This underdeveloped area has stunning views of Rockland’s harbor and is directly adjacent to private and public boat launching and storage facilities. The Tillson Avenue District is also a key junction between Rockland’s historic downtown and harbor.

Rockland’s downtown has undergone a transformation to become an international destination for the arts. The working waterfront continues to thrive through wharfs off Tillson Avenue that are used by fishermen and workboat skippers but has evolved to also include marinas for recreational boaters. However, many of the properties between the downtown and waterfront are vacant, underdeveloped or generally do not contribute to Rockland’s economic and community vitality.

The City’s development goals for this area include:

1. Unifying the waterfront and downtown (Main Street) by replicating the form and scale of historic downtown development patterns to create a street scape or wall and define civic spaces;

2. Integrating compatible activities to create an environment that supports a range of uses (housing, retail, commercial, light industrial, etc.) and promotes year round business and community activity;

3. Creating a highly walkable urban setting; and

4. Preserving and framing existing and new water view sheds and corridors.

Project Description

While the entire waterfront area (Tillson Avenue District) is the subject of this RFI, there are specific parcels, both privately and publicly owned, that are potentially available to purchase for redevelopment.

The following specific parcels are currently available for redevelopment:

  65 Tillson Avenue

  29 Tillson Avenue

  8 Lime Street

  11 Lime Street

  9 & 14 Wharf Street

  Upper portion of 17 Commercial Street (will be considered depending on proposal)

Though not pictured above, depending on the nature and scope of the response(s), the City will also consider the redevelopment of the upper portion of 17 Commercial Street.

The City of Rockland’s 2011 Waterfront Area Redevelopment Plan outlines the vision for the redevelopment of Rockland’s Tillson Avenue/Waterfront area. It is recommended that respondents to this RFI familiarize themselves with the goals and desired planning outcomes identified in the 2011 Waterfront Area Redevelopment Plan: www.ci.rockland.me.us/vertical/Sites/%7BDE9EDD66-EFF4-4A6B-8A58-AA91254C1584%7D/uploads/2011_Waterfront_Redevelopment_Plan.pdf .

RFI Response Instructions

RCEDD is asking all interested parties to submit a response containing the following information:

 Interest and proposed solution(s). Solutions might include new construction or re-use of an existing space.

 Brief description of past experience providing real estate/development services.

 From your past experience, has RCEDD identified all the major components necessary to complete this project? If not, please provide information on other necessary components.

 Please provide a list of potential problems/risks that the RCEDD may encounter during this project.

 Please provide any ideas or suggestions about how such problems/risks should be addressed in a  solicitation.

 Identification of potential public amenities or benefits that may be offered as part of the proposed development.

 Your best estimated price range to provide the services/supplies as stated herein, lowest estimate to highest estimate.

 Your best estimated time frame for completing the project.

Projected Timeline

RCEDD is working to secure funding or match opportunities for the Project. This is expected to continue at least through early 2016.

The process for selecting a partner is anticipated to follow this timeline:

April 21 2015: Release of the Request for Interest

May 25, 2015: Responses to RFI Due to RCEDD

Mid-June 2015: Informational Meeting with Respondents

July/August 2015: Release of Request for Proposals to Selected RFI Respondents

September 2015: Selection of Partner

Fall 2015: Begin Construction, Renovation and/or Fit-Out