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HomeMy WebLinkAboutState Theatre RFP 12.4.25 FINALState Theatre Request for Proposals AT A GLANCE 0.37 ACRES 42,000 USABLE SQ FT MICHIGAN STREET CORRIDOR IN DOWNTOWN SOUTH BEND ADJACENT TO CITY-OWNED PARKING GARAGE WITH FREE PARKING PURPOSE & OVERVIEW The South Bend Redevelopment Commission (the “Commission”) is soliciting proposals for the former State Theatre located at 212 & 216 S Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601. The 0.37-acre site is improved with a 4-story 42,000 sq ft building that dates back to 1919. The site is a mixed- use building and its primary west facade includes four storefront spaces, the theatre lobby and office space above. The original auditorium seated 2,500 patrons with a stage and wings. The Commission is primarily interested in a Public-Private Partnership for 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 Michigan Street Corridor in the heart of downtown South Bend the site is ripe for redevelopment and investment. The parcel is located in downtown South Bend near new redevelopment sites such as Dainty Maid, the Grand Leader Building and adjacent to a City-owned parking garage with free parking options 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 April 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM EST. Questions can be sent to Erin Michaels at emichaels@southbendin.gov. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS Meet zoning ordinance requirements; Plan for the full rehabilitation of the existing building as a part of a Public- Private Partnership Reflect the architectural character of surrounding properties and South Bend’s architectural history; Designated end use and operational plan for the building CURRENT CONDITIONS OF SITE Auditorium has been cleared of all seating Retail spaces have been gutted and all interior finishes removed Building has no active utility connections outside of the marquee sign 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. 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 FLOOR PLAN Provide a conceptual floor plan that illustrates the layout and design of the proposed project. The floor plan does not have to be to scale, but should give an overall sense of the proposed usage of the building. NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION A description of how the proposed project meets the evaluation criteria and guiding principles. A description of proposed building/property use(s) and how the proposed project would function as a Public-Private Partnership. Details about the project post-construction, such as proposed occupancy (i.e., rental, for-sale), overview of marketing plan for selling or renting mixed-use space(s) if applicable, 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: State Theatre 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 as well as experience with rehabilitating historic buildings 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 desire to rehabilitate the historic State Theatre. Specifically, the design, site layout, square footage of any mixed-use spaces, materials, and similar considerations will be evaluated. Special attention should be given to highlighting the historic nature of the building and how the proposed Public-Private Partnership would work. 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. Preference will be given to applicants who have managed redevelopment projects for historic buildings. If the proposed end use for the applicant’s project is a type of public arts or theatre space then preference would be given to an applicant with experience managing a similar facility. 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. 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 Downtown South Bend 2045 Draft Plan dated February 27, 2025. South Bend Zoning Ordinance TIF Districts Downtown South Bend 2045 Draft 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 March 25, 2026. TOURS STATE THEATRE RFP TIMELINE RFP RELEASED December 11, 2025 PROPOSALS DUE 9:00 AM EST on April 9, 2026 REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION PROPOSAL OPENING 9:30 AM EST on April 9, 2026 STAFF RECOMMENDATION TO REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION 9:30 AM EST on June 11, 2026 INTERVIEWS/FOLLOW UP April 13 - May 29, 2026