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1. What is an RFP?

A solicitation for developers interested in being: the master developer for the initial 10.8-acre site adjacent to Downtown Bellingham, the developer in undertaking the adaptive reuse of the Granary Building, or a project specific developer for a project within the 10.8-acre site.

2. Why is an RFP being offered now?

The Port and City agree that attracting a developer or developers at this stage is important because we want to get their input before the final plans are adopted. Complicated infill and brownfield projects like this are most successful when developers are part of the team to ensure a final plan works well for the new development.

3. What is the status of the Granary Building?

The Request for Proposals includes an offering for redevelopment of this building. The Port would consider proposals that meet the Waterfront District goals for this area and that would be financially viable without a Port subsidy. The Granary Building could proceed independently of the development of Parcels 1 and 2, however it must have a timeline for development that precedes the master development because it is the entry to the Waterfront District.

4. How will the Port choose a developer?

The Port will have a selection committee that will include a representative from the City, the County, Western Washington University, Port project staff and our development consultant. This committee will evaluate the RFP responses to determine: the capacity and ability of the developer, the development concept and the proposed transaction itself. Then the committee will make a recommendation to the Port Commission. Ultimately, the Commission will be charged with approving the selection and all transactions.
The goals for the type of development concept are:
• Encompasses most or all of the Initial Development Opportunity;
• Defines phasing plan for investment and project build-out, including criterion and/or factors that will be used to activate each phase
.• Strives to achieve a high level of sustainability, not only for individual buildings, but on a Waterfront District-wide level;
• Strives for enduring and high-quality job creation;
• Seeks to hide parking by minimizing surface parking and employing approaches to place it in structures, below grade, or wrapping/tucking it with pedestrian friendly uses; and
• Demonstrates pedestrian orientation and provides and enhances coordination and connectivity both among individual uses in the Waterfront District and between the Waterfront District, Old Town, Downtown, and other surrounding areas.

5. Will local developers get special consideration?

All proposals will be equally treated. This is a legal requirement and it also makes the best sense for this project. We are seeking the best developments and developers for this site and welcome all developers who have an interest in our community and in this project.

6. How quickly will a developer be selected?

The Port will receive proposals in mid-July and anticipates the evaluation and review of these proposals will take several months. When those interviews and additional research and evaluation is completed, Port staff will bring a recommendation to the Port Commission to select preferred developer or developers. After that an exclusive negotiations period would begin and would take about four or five months to complete.