HomeMy WebLinkAbout5B2 Request for Proposals - 403 E Madison St (Former Singer Sewing Mfg. Bldg.) - SignedFor mer Singer Manufacturing Building Request for Proposals
AT A GLANCE
3.39 ACRES
60,216 USABLE SQ FT
ALONG ST. JOSEPH RIVER &
EAST BANK TRAIL
PURPOSE &
OVERVIEW
The South Bend Redevelopment
Commission (the “Commission”) is
soliciting proposals for the former
Singer Manufacturing building located at
403 E Madison St., South Bend, IN
46617. The 3.39 acre site is improved
with a 3-story 60,216 sq ft building that
dates back to 1868. The Commission is
primarily interested in a full rehabilitation
of the existing building and will accept
any proposals that are for uses
allowable by the Downtown Zoning
District.
Situated along the East Bank Trail and
St. Joseph River, the site is ripe for
redevelopment and investment. The
parcel is located on the edge of
downtown South Bend and is only a 7
minute drive from the University of Notre
Dame.
This RFP does not commit the
Commission to award a contract or pay
costs incurred in preparation of a
proposal responding to this request.
Proposals will be due on October 8 .
Questions can be sent to Erin Michaels
at emichaels@southbendin.gov.
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PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Meet zoning ordinance requirements;
Plan for the full rehabilitation of the
existing building;
Properly address the St. Joseph River
and East Bank Trail;
Reflect the architectural character of
surrounding properties and South
Bend’s architectural history;
Feature a variety of housing price
points, if housing is included; and
Incorporate existing building tenant,
East Bank Learning Center.
BUDGET
Provide a clear understanding of the overall project
budget and funding source(s) and basic project pro
forma, including the developer fee.
TIMELINE
Provide a start-to-finish timeline for the implementation
of the project, including timeframes for completion of
major milestones.
E V I D E N C E O F F I N A N C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y
Must demonstrate ability to execute proposed project
(see form: Statement of Qualification and Financial
Responsibility included in this document).
AFFIDAVIT OF NON-COLLUSION
Applicant shall complete the Affidavit of Non-Collusion
on the form provided. The Affidavit is affirmation that
the Applicant has not colluded, conspired, connived, or
agreed with any other Applicant or person, firm, or
corporation regarding any submittal to the Commission.
The Commission shall not be responsible for errors
and/or omissions on the part of the Applicant, and the
Commission will not be responsible for making
interpretations or deleting or correcting errors in
calculations. The Commission expressly reserves the
right to accept or reject any or all proposals, and to
waive any informalities, irregularities, or technical
defects if such are deemed, in the Commission’s sole
opinion, to be immaterial.
INCOROPORATION
Detail how the East Bank Learning Center will be
incorporated into redevelopment plans. The East Bank
Learning Center occupies approximately 6,000 sq ft of
the north end of the first floor with their own separate
entrance.
COVER LETTER
Provide a brief cover letter including an overview of the
Applicant’s organization, the proposed development,
and proposed purchase price.
ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION
Detail the qualifications, skills, background, and
relevant experience of the organization. Not-for-profit
applicants must provide a copy of its tax-exempt
nonprofit status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code.
CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN
Provide a conceptual site plan that illustrates the
layout and design of the proposed project.
NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION
A description of how the proposed project meets
the evaluation criteria and guiding principles.
The purchase price for the parcel identified in this
RFP.
A description of proposed building/property use(s).
This must include the number of units,
approximate unit size and number of bedrooms /
baths per unit, and planned price point (market rate
vs. subsidized). Must address how the project will
incorporate the existing tenant, East Bank Learning
Center.
Details about the project post-construction, such
as proposed occupancy (i.e., rental, for-sale),
overview of marketing plan for selling or renting
unit(s), and overview of property maintenance and
management plan (if maintaining ownership).
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All proposals must be submitted using the legal name
of the organization with whom a contract would be
executed and must be signed by an authorized
representative. An electronic copy of the submittal, in a
single PDF document, shall be submitted to
emichaels@southbendin.gov with subject line of
“Proposal: Former Singer Manufacturing Building
Redevelopment” and include each of the following:
DEVELOPER REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be legally incorporated and in
good standing or a validly formed not-for-profit
organization capable of demonstrating proof of
tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code.
Preference given to applicants with prior
experience managing and completing all phases of
construction for a project of this size and scope.
Applicants must comply with City of South Bend
ordinances and all other federal, state, and local
laws and regulations.
Applicants must agree to hold the South Bend
Redevelopment Commission harmless and to
indemnify it and the City of South Bend for any
damages or costs related to any claim, suit, or
demand related to any action occurring as a result
of the Applicant’s proposal.
The Commission reserves the right to reject
proposals submitted by Applicants who are not
current on property taxes or utility payments for
any properties currently owned, or for any other
reason deemed to be in the best interest of City.
D E S I G N
The size and character of the proposed development fits the
general design principles for the site. Specifically, the design,
site layout, number of units, materials, and similar
considerations will be evaluated. Special attention should be
given to highlighting the St. Joseph River.
E X P E R I E N C E
Applicant has sufficient experience and a successful track
record of projects of similar type, size, and complexity.
F I N A N C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y
The Applicant demonstrates the ability to finance and complete
the Proposal in the timeframes stated.
S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y
The degree to which sustainability features are incorporated
beyond building code requirements.
P U R C H A S E P R I C E
Proposed purchase price for the Commission-owned parcel.
PRO J E C T S C O P E
A competitive project, for example, would consist of a planned
rehabilitation and reuse of the entire building--not just a partial
reuse.
Any other factors which will assure the Commission that the
proposal will best serve the interest of the community, both
from the standpoint of human and economic welfare and public
funds expended.
R F P R E Q U I R E M E N T S
Proposal is complete and meets or exceeds the requirements of
this request for proposals.
C O N S I S T E N C Y W I T H C I T Y P L A N S A N D S T U D I E S
Proposal is consistent with the goals of River East Development
Area Plan.
South Bend Zoning Ordinance
TIF Districts
River East Development Plan
The staff of the South Bend Redevelopment
Commission will review all submittals to determine
whether they are complete and responsive to this
RFP. Only submittals that are complete, responsive,
and meet all requirements of this RFP will be
evaluated. Complete and responsive submittals from
qualified applicants will be reviewed in detail as they
are submitted. If warranted, the Commission reserves
the right to request clarification or additional
information from individual applicants. If a proposal
is accepted, the proposal will be publicly
recommended at a meeting of the South Bend
Redevelopment Commission.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
PROCESS FOR EVALUATION RESOURCES
For any and all tour requests,
please contact Erin Michaels at
emichaels@southbendin.gov
by September 12 . th
TOURS
FORMER SINGER
MANUFACTURING
BUILDING
RFP TIMELINE
RFP RELEASED
June 26 , 2025th
PROPOSALS DUE
October 8 , 2025 at 12PM th
REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
PROPOSAL OPENING
October 9 , 2025th
STAFF RECOMMENDATION TO
REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
December 11 , 2025th
INTERVIEWS/FOLLOW UP
October 10 — November 30 , 2025thth
NEW
AMENITY
The City will be building a
new pedestrian bridge,
connecting residents
from E Marion St. to the
East Bank Trail and
allowing for access to
downtown amenities.
Alternates 1 and 2 are
shown on the right.
Exact design and location
are subject to change.
Alternate 1
Alternate 2
NEW PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
The City will be building a new
pedestrian bridge near Marion St. Note,
this is a draft plan and is subject to
change at any time.