Microsoft Word - Former Mott Library RFP.docxFORMER MOTT BRANCH
LIBRARY SALE AND REDEVELOPMENT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Issue Date: 8/2/21
Due Date: 9/13/21
Site Address: 1055 and 1105 Dorr Street Toledo, Ohio 43607
Site Owner: City of Toledo One Government Center, Suite 2250
Toledo, Ohio 43604
Submissions to: Sandy Spang, Project Manager Commissioner of
Business Services City of Toledo, Department of Economic
Development
[email protected]
Letters of intent and requests for information related to this
request for proposals should be submitted online at
toledo.oh.gov/mott.
City of Toledo | Former Mott Branch Library | Request for Proposals
| Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VI. Selection Criteria VII. Evaluation Criteria
VIII. Disposition Process IX. Legal Information
X. Attached Exhibits and Resources
A. Junction Neighborhood Master Plan B. Legal Description
C. Title Work D. Appraisal
E. Phase I Environmental Assessment and Asbestos Survey F. Lead
Risk and Mold Assessment Surveys
G. Commercial Inspection Report H. Historical Capital
Expenses
I. Historical Gas Expenses J. Historical Water Expenses
K. Historical Electric Expenses L. Zoning Designation Allowable
Uses
M. Deeds N. Authorizing Ordinance
O. Previous Planning Documents
City of Toledo | Former Mott Branch Library | Request for Proposals
| Page 3
I. INTRODUCTION The City of Toledo, Ohio (“City”) is requesting
proposals from individuals, companies, or organizations
(“Respondents”) to purchase and return to productive use the former
Toledo-Lucas County Library Mott Branch located at 1055 and 1105
Dorr Street Toledo, Ohio 43607 (“Subject Property”). From its
opening in 1918, the Mott Library has been an important community
asset. The goal of this Request for Proposals (“RFP”) is to select
a purchaser who can complete and sustain the repurposing of this
facility, consistent with the site’s zoning designation and
conforming to the Ohio Building Code, while preserving the
integrity of the building and catalyzing positive momentum in the
surrounding community. The historical significance of the Dorr
Street corridor as well as the Subject Property’s proximity to the
recently built Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, the new
Mott Library Branch, and the reinvigorated Smith Park, warrant a
quality, well-planned proposal that benefits the community and is
complementary to adjacent uses. The Independent Review Committee
(IRC), an advisory group of stakeholders and community leaders,
will be responsible for reviewing proposal submissions and making a
formal recommendation to the Mayor as to which proposal it believes
best aligns with the goals set forth in the RFP. The Mayor and
Toledo City Council will have the final authority to award a
proposal and sell the property.
City of Toledo | Former Mott Branch Library | Request for Proposals
| Page 4
II. SCHEDULE
Milestone Date
Release of the RFP Monday, August 2
Virtual Public RFP Introduction Join our Zoom meeting for a virtual
walkthrough of the request for proposal. Interested parties can
register in advance for the webinar here.
Thursday, August 5 at 5 p.m.
Public Open House and Tours The building will be available to tour
with representatives from the City.
Friday, August 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Letter of Intent to Respond Deadline A letter of intent to respond
to the RFP shall be submitted online at toledo.oh.gov/mott
identifying the individual, company or organization intending to
submit a proposal, an individual who will serve as point of
contact, and that individual’s contact information. Respondents
will receive confirmation by close of day.
Monday, August 16 at 5 p.m.
Question Submission Deadline All questions or requests for
clarification regarding the RFP must be submitted online at
toledo.oh.gov/mott. Questions received and their responses will be
shared with all who have submitted a letter of intent to
respond.
Tuesday, September 7 at 5 p.m.
Additional Scheduled Site Tours The building will be available for
additional tours with representatives from the City. Those who have
submitted a letter of intent to respond will be offered an
opportunity to schedule an additional tour.
Friday, August 27
RFP Submissions Due All proposal submissions, including all
requirements found in Section 5, Proposal Requirements, shall be
submitted via email at
[email protected]. Late submissions
will not be accepted. Respondents will receive confirmation of
receipt by close of day. All proposals upon receipt by the city are
public records subject to disclosure to the public in accordance
with Ohio Public Records Act, O.R.C. 149.43
Monday, September 13 at 5 p.m.
City of Toledo | Former Mott Branch Library | Request for Proposals
| Page 5
III. SITE INFORMATION The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library’s Mott
Branch first opened in 1918 and was built with funds from library
philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The branch is named after Anna C.
Mott, an active Toledo resident who left a portion of her estate to
the Library. The building was twice expanded, first in the
mid-1970's and again in 1998. It was operated as the Mott Branch
until the Library moved to a new location across Dorr Street in May
2019. Pursuant to a reversionary clause in the deed from the City
to the Library in 1972, the property reverted to the City in
January 2020. The City currently owns, maintains and controls the
Subject Property as a building available for redevelopment. The
Subject Property is located at 1055 Dorr Street, Toledo, Ohio
43607, and is comprised of two Lucas County tax parcels (10-20537
and 03-12774) consisting of approximately 1.02 total acres. The
Subject Property also consists of a 0.20-acre non- contiguous
asphalt paved parking lot located at the southwest corner of Dorr
Street and Forest Avenue (03-12774). Access to the primary site is
available via the south side of Dorr Street and the east and west
sides of Forest Avenue. The Subject Property is zoned RM36,
Multi-Family Residence District. The primary site is improved with
a 10,110-square foot, single-story, slab-on-grade building
surrounded by an asphalt paved parking lot. The building’s exterior
is comprised of brick and cinder block, with a flat rolled roof.
The building’s HVAC system consists of gas-forced air and central
air conditioning. The City has kept all of the building’s utilities
operable. Lucas County Children’s Services is temporarily occupying
the building on a month to month lease to accommodate COVID-19
requirements for their operations, and will vacate following the
sale of the property.
City of Toledo | Former Mott Branch Library | Request for Proposals
| Page 6
ADDRESS: 1055 Dorr Street, Toledo, Ohio 43607 1105 Dorr Street,
Toledo, Ohio 43607 TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS: 10-20537 and
03-12774 FRONTAGE: On the south side of Dorr St. and the east and
west sides of Forest Ave. ACCESS: Access to the site is primarily
available via the south side of Dorr Street and the east and west
sides of Forest Avenue. SQUARE FOOTAGE: 10,110 sq. ft. FOUNDATION:
Concrete foundation walls on concrete footers FLOORS: Concrete slab
EXTERIOR WALLS: Brick
City of Toledo | Former Mott Branch Library | Request for Proposals
| Page 7
ROOF: Flat rolled roof system HEATING & COOLING: Gas forced air
heat with central air conditioning ENVIRONMENTAL: Pursuant to Phase
I ESA & Asbestos Survey completed by The Mannik & Smith
Group, Inc. in August 2019, there was no evidence of RECs, HRECs,
CRECs, IAs or asbestos containing materials in connection with the
site. ACREAGE: 1.02 ZONING: RM36, Multi-Family Residence District
YEAR BUILT: 1918/1975 UTILITIES:
• Electric: Toledo Edison • Gas: Columbia Gas • Water: City of
Toledo • Sanitary: City of Toledo
DUE DILLIGENCE REPORTS (See Section X. Exhibits):
• Title Work: August 26, 2019 • Appraisal: September 10, 2019 •
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment & Asbestos Survey: August
2019 • Lead Risk and Mold Assessment Survey: October 2020 •
Commercial Inspection Report: October 4, 2019 • Historical Utility
Expenses: December 2015 – 2018 • Historical Capital Expenses: As of
December 28, 2018
City of Toledo | Former Mott Branch Library | Request for Proposals
| Page 8
IV. BACKGROUND A. Neighborhood Context The Subject Property is
located on the south side of Dorr Street and the east and west
sides of Forest Avenue in the City of Toledo, Ohio. Dorr Street is
a major east-west corridor in the city, with easy connections to
Interstate 75 (I-75), Interstate 280 (I-280) and U.S. Route 23.
Historically, the Dorr Street Corridor was a cultural and economic
hub of the African American community in Toledo. A 2006 Toledo
Blade article states” It was a nine-block area that boasted 70
black-owned enterprises by 1971, representing the largest
concentration of such businesses in Toledo.” Today, this vibrant
economic corridor exists primarily in historical documentation and
personal memories. Urban renewal programs in the mid-1970s resulted
in the demolition of over 300 structures; homes, offices and
storefronts, two theaters and a bowling alley, in less than three
years. The Subject Property is in a portion of the Dorr Street
Corridor known as the Junction neighborhood, a mixed-use area west
of downtown Toledo, with Dorr Street to the north and the Anthony
Wayne Trail and Swan Creek to the South. Development of the area
dates to the 1840’s and the expansion of rail transportation.
Today, Junction shares a border with numerous other neighborhoods,
including Englewood to the north, Warehouse District and Uptown to
the east, Old South End and Walbridge to the south and Scott Park
to the west. Junction is home to an estimated 7,721 residents, per
2017 census data. A number of local institutions are located in or
near Junction, including Frederick Douglass Community Association,
African American Legacy Project, Art Tatum House and Park, J. Frank
Troy Senior Center, Family House, and the newly constructed Mott
Branch of the Lucas County Public Library, located on the north
side of Dorr Street, across from its original location. The new
Mott features an auditorium and a studio lab with audio/video
recording and editing capabilities. Schools located within Junction
include Martin Luther King Academy, Ella P. Stewart Academy, Jones
Leadership Academy, and Pickett Elementary. The University of
Toledo is located 1.8 miles away.
City of Toledo | Former Mott Branch Library | Request for Proposals
| Page 9
Smith Park, on the north side of Dorr Street and across from the
Subject Property, features a swimming pool, tennis and basketball
courts and open greenspace. Other parks or greenspaces in the
neighborhood include Libbey Park, Nelson Grace Park, Savage Park,
and Tatum Park, as well as several other park or playground areas.
A number of churches, faith organizations and not-for-profit
organizations are located in Junction and actively involved in the
neighborhood. The Junction Coalition has been active since 2010.
Their mission statement is: “The Junction Coalition provides a
viable voice to our neighbors and cultivates healthy relationships
throughout the community. The community seeks to promote healthy
relationships with local service agencies, community partners and
local, state, and federal government to build a better quality of
life for community members and for business owners who benefit the
Junction Community.” The Junction Coalition has four pillars:
1. Economic Justice: Community owned business + entrepreneurship 2.
Environmental Justice: Maintenance and care for our property +
re-purpose of
vacant space 3. Social Justice: Communication, resources,
self-efficacy & self-determination 4. Peace Education: DO NO
HARM, Cultural awareness & self-care / partnership
B. Neighborhood Planning Initiatives
In 2018, the Junction Neighborhood Master Plan was completed and
approved by Toledo City Council for inclusion in the Toledo 2020
Comprehensive Plan. The JNMP Steering Committee, comprised of the
Junction Coalition Core Planning Team, Toledo Design Center staff
and Toledo Lucas County Plan Commission staff, oversaw the planning
process, which included data gathering and neighborhood engagement.
Private sector stakeholders, residents, institutions, owners and
merchants provided input, as did public sector stakeholders,
including the Lucas County Land Bank and city of Toledo Economic
Development, Neighborhoods, and Public Services departments. The
JNMP can be found in the Exhibits and Resources section of this
RFP.
The JNMP contains an action plan which addresses five strategic
issues:
1. Enhance the organizational capacity of Junction Coalition 2.
Expand business development and employment opportunities 3.
Renovate existing housing and develop new housing 4. Enhance open
space and recreation 5. Enhance public transportation throughout
the neighborhood
City of Toledo | Former Mott Branch Library | Request for Proposals
| Page 10
The JNMP also contains an overview of these previously created
planning documents:
• Revitalization Plan: Junction Avenue Neighborhood Business
District, 1987, Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions Neighborhood
Planning Program
• Dorr Street Vision Plan, 2009, The Collaborative Inc + Poggemeyer
Design Group + Mannik and Smith Group
• Market Analysis and Neighborhood Impact Study for Dorr Street
& Smead Avenue Parcels, 2015, The Community Land Use and
Economics Group
• Toledo Strategic Plan for Arts & Culture, 2015, The Arts
Commission • Junction Avenue Vision Plan, 2015, Toledo Design
Center • The Junction Neighborhood Greening Plan, 2015, TMACOG •
Toledo Bike Plan, 2016, City of Toledo • An Open Space Action Plan
for the Junction Neighborhood in Toledo, Ohio,
2016, Center for Community Progress • Toledo Waterways Initiative,
2017, City of Toledo
The JNMP mission statement addresses the process and purpose of the
plan, which looks to the future as it builds on the past:
“This Master Plan builds on these existing plans to create a
cohesive vision for the future of the Junction Neighborhood,
especially for its current residents.” V. Proposal Requirements 1.
Title Page
The Title Page should include the following information: • Proposal
Title • Property Name (i.e. Former Mott Library) • Date • Name and
Address of Company or Organization • Point of Contact Name, Title,
Phone and Email Address
2. Table of Contents
Provide a list of the proposal contents with page numbers 3. Letter
of Interest
Provide an official letter stating the Respondent’s offer to
purchase the site (include addresses and legal description) and
ability to meet the proposal’s goals. Include an
City of Toledo | Former Mott Branch Library | Request for Proposals
| Page 11
explanation of ownership entity (single owner, partnership, LLC,
non-profit) of the Respondent. The letter should be signed by an
authorized agent of the ownership entity.
4. Respondent History and Background Provide a brief history and
background of the individual, company or organization
responding.
5. Principal Team Capacity & Experience
State the names, titles and contact information for each of the
members of the principle team. State total number of employees.
Describe the experience of each member and provide an explanation
of how this experience is relevant to the proposed repurposing of
the Subject Property.
6. Respondent Current Activities and Location
Provide a description of the current projects and activities of the
Respondent. Explain if these will continue and if the current
location will continue to be utilized.
7. Proposal Narrative
Provide a detailed description of the proposed use for the Subject
Property and the strategy for execution of the plan,
including:
a. Description of planned improvements or alterations to the
Subject Property b. Prospective Development Timeline, closing to
occupancy. c. Explanation of how the proposed repurposing of the
Subject Property is:
• Beneficial to the community • Complementary to adjacent uses •
Reflects the concepts & principles expressed in existing
community-led
strategic planning initiatives for the Dorr Street Corridor. d.
Community Engagement Plan- explain how you will engage the
community
and incorporate their input if selected, both prior to occupancy
and after. 8. Financial Capacity
Detailed description of the ability to fund the costs associated
with the project a. Identification of the people or entities which
will have an ownership interest in
the property, including any and all joint venture, general, or
limited partners and respective percentages of interest
b. Role of each individual listed above, in the implementation of
the development plan
c. Statement of equity contributions with sources identified d.
Letter of Interest or references from lending institutions, if
applicable
City of Toledo | Former Mott Branch Library | Request for Proposals
| Page 12
e. Letters of Interest from potential tenants, if applicable 9.
Budget
a. Funding sources identified. b. Project funding uses, including
purchase offer as well as projected hard and soft
costs of redevelopment prior to occupancy. c. Operating Proforma
including all anticipated ongoing operational and
maintenance costs. 10. Other
Provide any additional information that will demonstrate the
Respondent’s ability to be successful in meeting the RFP’s
objectives.
11. Required Information
• Include a statement of assurance or the portion of the employment
manual committing the organization to employ and promote without
consideration as to race, religion, national origin or sex.
• Provide a statement of assurance that the responding entity is in
good standing with government (real property taxes, income taxes,
code enforcement, judicial, applicable regulatory agencies, etc.),
and is registered with Ohio’s Secretary of State.
• State whether the responding entity intends to engage, either as
an employee or independent contractor, in performing the activities
contemplated by the proposal, any employee of the City, or any
person who has been an officer or employee of the City, or any
entity as to which such an officer or employee (i) is a partner, if
the entity is a partnership, (ii) owns or controls more than five
percent of the outstanding shares, if the entity is a corporation
or (iii) owns, holds or controls more than five percent of the
total indebtedness of such entity. If your response is in the
affirmative, identify the person or persons and list the details of
the activities contemplated to be secured from them.
VI. Selection Criteria A. Independent Review Committee An
Independent Review Committee (IRC), an advisory group of
stakeholders and community leaders, will be responsible for
reviewing proposal submissions and making a formal recommendation
to the Mayor on which proposal it believes best aligns with
City of Toledo | Former Mott Branch Library | Request for Proposals
| Page 13
the goals set forth in the RFP. The Mayor and Toledo City Council
will have the final authority to award a proposal and sell the
property. IRC members are: Shantae Brownlee Roy Hodge John C. Jones
Karen Poore Robert Smith Willie Ward Vanice Williams B. Eligible
Proposals Eligible proposals include the following
characteristics:
• Are consistent with the City’s goals for the property (Toledo
2020 Comprehensive Plan, Junction Neighborhood Master Plan).
• Sale of property – the City will only entertain proposals that
involve the sale of the property and, therefore, will not entertain
proposals to lease the building from the city.
• “As Is” – the City will only entertain proposals that accept the
property “as is” and do not include any modifications to the
property prior to sale.
• Conform to Code –proposals should be consistent with the site’s
zoning designation and conform to the Ohio Building Code.
• Applicant – the City will only entertain proposals that involve a
Respondent in good standing with government (real property taxes,
income taxes, code enforcement, judicial, applicable regulatory
agencies, etc.), registered with Ohio’s Secretary of State, and who
demonstrates the financial capacity to execute the project
proposed.
VII. Evaluation Criteria The review of each proposal will be based
upon seven criteria. Each criterion has been assigned a maximum
number of points, with the cumulative maximum possible points being
100. The Independent Review Committee will recommend the proposal
with the highest cumulative point total to the Mayor.
Notwithstanding, the City reserves the right to reject any and all
proposals for its convenience. The proposal should respond directly
to each criterion. The proposal should also provide the required
information requested in the evaluation criteria.
City of Toledo | Former Mott Branch Library | Request for Proposals
| Page 14
1. (15 points) The Proposal Reflects the Concepts and Principals
of
Existing Planning Documents. Does the proposal narrative identify
areas of alignment with previously created, community-led,
strategic planning initiatives?
2. (15 points) Financial Capacity to Redevelop the Subject Property
for
the Proposed Use. Has the Respondent identified clearly the sources
and uses of the funding and demonstrated financial capacity to make
necessary alterations to the property and to purchase furnishings,
fixtures and equipment needed for the proposed use?
3. (15 points) Financial Capacity to Sustain the Proposed Use Has
the Respondent identified sustainable sources of revenue to operate
and maintain the property, building and proposed use
indefinitely?
4. (15 points) Community Engagement Does the proposal include a
plan for meaningful, ongoing engagement with the community?
5. (15 points) Partnerships Does the proposed use bring extra value
to the neighborhood by engaging in strategic partnerships, either
within the building or within the community?
6. (15 points) Organizational and Team Strength Does the responding
individual, company or organization have the training, experience
and staffing level to successfully implement and sustain the
proposed use, as well as operate and maintain the property and
building?
7. (10 points) What is the Potential of the Proposed Use to
Catalyze Positive Momentum in the Adjacent Area? Does the
Respondent indicate ways in which the proposed use will increase
the likelihood of additional investment in the neighborhood or spur
success in other action areas of the JNMP?
City of Toledo | Former Mott Branch Library | Request for Proposals
| Page 15
VIII. Disposition Process The City and the selected respondent ill
negotiate and enter into a Real Estate Sale and Development
Agreement (RESADA). The RESADA will at a minimum contain or be
subject to the following conditions:
• The City will by sale, convey its fee simple interest in the
entire 1.02-acre Subject Property by way of a Quit Claim Deed. The
City will not lease the property under any circumstances.
• The City will retain a security interest in the property to
insure the project is timely completed until a Certificate of
Occupancy is issued by the City’s Division of Building
Inspection.
• The City will sell the property “as is” and will not perform any
modifications to the property prior to sale.
• The sale of the property is conditioned upon authorizing
legislation of Toledo City Council.
• The City shall retain an interest in the property requiring
further conveyance of the Property only occur with City
consent.
IX. Legal Information
1. The City shall have the right to verify the accuracy of all
information submitted and to make such investigation as it deems
necessary to determine the ability of a Respondent to perform the
obligations in the response. The City in its discretion reserves
the right to reject any response when the available evidence or
information does not satisfy the City that the Respondent is
qualified to carry out properly the obligations of the response; is
a person or firm of good reputation or character for strict,
complete and faithful performance of business obligations; or if
the Respondent refuses to cooperate with and assist in the making
of such investigation.
2. Inspection of Parcel: Respondents shall be given an opportunity
to inspect the
property and the title to the property, among other things. If the
Respondent is selected and elects to proceed after exercising its
due diligence, it shall acquire or take possession of the parcel(s)
in “AS-IS” CONDITION.
3. Building Permits, Zoning Variances and Financial Viability: The
sale of the
property in no way guarantees or warrants grading permits, building
permits, zoning variances or financial viability. The City reserves
the right to refuse to sell the property until a Redeveloper is
able to obtain all necessary permits.
City of Toledo | Former Mott Branch Library | Request for Proposals
| Page 16
4. Disclaimer of Liability: Respondents acknowledge by submitting
information and
proposals that the City does not undertake any obligations and
shall have no liability with respect to the development program,
this RFP and responses thereto, nor with respect to any matters
related to any submission by a Redeveloper.
5. The City reserves the right to accept an offer or proposal other
than the highest
offer.
6. The City reserves the right to negotiate with any, all, or none
of the Respondents and to recommend another Respondent in the event
that the originally selected Redeveloper defaults or fails to
execute a disposition contract.
7. The City shall be the sole judge as to which, if any, proposals
best meet the
selection criteria. Notwithstanding anything in this RFP to the
contrary, the City reserves the right to reject any or all
proposals received, to waive any submission requirements contained
within this RFP, and to waive any irregularities in any submitted
proposal.
8. This RFP is submitted subject to errors, omissions and/or
withdrawal without
notice by the City at any time.
9. All proposals, including attachments, supplementary materials,
addenda, etc. shall become the property of the City and will not be
returned.
10. Addenda will be posted on the City website. All such addenda
shall become part
of the RFP documents. All Respondents shall be bound by such
addenda, whether or not received by the Respondents.
11. RFP Compliance: All Respondents must adhere to the instructions
contained in
this RFP in preparing the submitted proposal.
12. Nondiscrimination: Each Respondent agrees not to discriminate,
whether in employment, contracting or otherwise, in violation of
any federal, state, or local law and/or on the basis of sexual
orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression.
City of Toledo | Former Mott Branch Library | Request for Proposals
| Page 17
X. Attached Exhibits and Resources
Please find the Exhibits at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ry2CP7J_GPjJfaeGfwA1mPpjdZnZ7o_Q?usp=sh
aring