The City of Tacoma invites you to respond to the Request for Proposal (RFP) to purchase Old City Hall (1892) located downtown at 625 South Commerce Street to create a high quality development that will contribute to the vitality of the Old City Hall District.  Here is the link to the document:

http://cms.cityoftacoma.org/Purchasing/Surplus/ED18-0224F.pdf

Over $1 billion is being invested into development projects in downtown Tacoma and its environs.  Most notably within the Old City Hall District, McMenamins of Portland, Oregon, known for their destination-style brew pubs and entertainment centers, is under construction with its $34 million restoration of the former Elks Temple, projected to open in spring 2019.  Developer Eli Moreno of Tacoma recently renovated the Union Club, adjacent to the Elks, for co-working space.  AxoWorks LLC of Seattle acquired 725 Broadway and is in process of developing co-working space there.

The City seeks a project that will create synergy with surrounding development, enable vibrancy and re-establish the building’s preeminence in community life.  Residential development, hotels and/or offices that support companies/organizations with financial strength, growth potential and career-ladder, livable wage jobs are strongly preferred.  Street-level, pedestrian-friendly uses, such as restaurants and retail venues, are highly desirable.

On June 20, 2018, the City of Tacoma provided two tours of Old City Hall and found additional information that may help you to conceptualize an exceptional adaptive reuse of this place-making property.

First, here is a link to a photo tour of the building:

https://gritcitymag.com/2018/05/18/tower-bells-to-jail-cells-a-rare-look-inside-tacomas-old-city-hall/

Second, here is a link to a dropbox that contains the best available/readable building plans for Old City Hall:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/p7p9nnkqmbsj9xu/AAAN3sFbuZFli2Y1bmwWbd4Za?dl=0

Based on the RFP’s anticipated schedule, we are requesting you to submit your questions related to the RFP in writing by 5 p.m. Pacific Time on July 10, 2018 to Kimberly Ward, Purchasing Division via email. Responses to questions will be provided on July 17, 2018. All proposals are due by 11 a.m. Pacific Time on July 31, 2018.

Thank you for exploring this unique development opportunity.

For more information, please contact Ellen (Elly) Walkowiak, Assistant Director with the City of Tacoma Community & Economic Development Department, by email or by calling (253) 591-5209.