RFQ out to Develop Huge and Historic Firestone Facility in Akron, Ohio

AKRON, Ohio - April 22, 2016 - PRLog -- The City of Akron, Ohio (COA), has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the "Firestone Development Property," which features 33 acres in the heart of South Akron and 3 buildings including a huge building constructed in 1910 with more than 1.3 million square feet. The COA owns the buildings and seeks to identify a creative, experienced developer to either renovate or deconstruct the property in a redevelopment that realizes the full potential of this anchor property and catalyzes the area around it.

The City acquired the Firestone Building, clubhouse and adjacent property, a currently vacant, former industrial and office building, because of its excellent location and extraordinary potential. Industrial, commercial and residential uses all coexist nearby. While the zoning for the area is commercial/industrial the COA is willing to be flexible to accomplish the overall goal of property redevelopment according to the RFP.

The main building needs capital improvements, but approximately 100,000 square feet is currently used to produce racing tires. Responding developers should provide a financial strategy that addresses the need to invest in the building as a long-term asset, while also providing for private sector uses that can support the building operations and maintenance over time. But the COA is also open to other options that relocate the tire manufacturing, demolish the building(s) and reuse the property-particularly for projects with strong job creation components.

The COA is issuing this RFQ as the first of a two-step selection process. The RFQ phase is an opportunity to present creative ideas that integrate commercial uses consistent with the established objectives for the property.

RFQ responses are due on May 9, 2016 no later than 4:00 pm (Eastern).

View and download this RFQ at:  https://brownfieldlistings.com/listings/view/329/rfps

View all the active RFPs on BrownfieldListings.com:  https://brownfieldlistings.com/request-for-proposals

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