2-EOI260204 Specifications.pdf

Louisville Jefferson County

Metro Government

Office of Housing and Community Development

Ashanti House Operator/Leassor

Expression of Interest

EOI # 260204

COMMUNITY IMPACT SOLICITATION

LONG TERM LEASE

1150 South 28th Street Louisville, KY 40211

Parkland Neighborhood

Issued by:

Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government by and through its Office of Housing &

Community Development and Louisville Jefferson County Landbank Authority, Inc.

(Collectively referred to as “Metro”)

PRE-BID INFORMATION

To support prospective applicants and address any questions or concerns, the Office of Housing & Community Development will host two Pre-Submission Walkthroughs on March 23rd and March 24 th, 2026, at the Former Ashanti Fire House, located at 1150 S.

28th, Louisville, KY 40211. Representatives from the Office of Housing & Community Development and the Office of Management and Budget will be in attendance to provide guidance and respond to inquiries from interested contracting firms.

Any public communications including news releases related to this Bid, its associated services, data, or project must receive prior written approval from Louisville Metro Government (LMG). All media content must strictly adhere to LMG’s written instructions and guidelines.

I. PURPOSE

Metro is seeking a qualified nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)) to lease, operate, and manage the property located at 1150 South 28th Street, a former firehouse in the Parkland neighborhood, for use as a community-centered facility.

The purpose of this Community Impact Solicitation (CIS) is to identify a driven, passionate, and sustainable nonprofit organization that will:

• Operate and maintain the building as a community asset for a minimum of five (5) years and subject to annual review and performance goals.

• Coordinate reservations and shared use of the space.

• Sublease space, as appropriate, to other nonprofit or community-serving organizations.

• Implement programming that promotes positive, inclusive, and proactive messaging for at-risk communities.

• Create measurable improvements in safety and opportunities for youth, seniors, and families.

• Ensure the facility remains accessible, inclusive, and responsive to community needs.

Metro’s goal is to activate this public facility as a high-impact, community-driven hub serving the Parkland neighborhood and surrounding West Louisville communities.

II. PROPERTY INFORMATION

Address: 1150 South 28th Street Neighborhood: Parkland Council District: 04 Zoning: EZ 1 now, but will be re-zoned to C-R (see attached pages for Land Development Code Zoning Allowances) Year Built: Approximately 1899-1904 Stories: 2 Building Square Footage: 4,942 Approximate Lot Acreage: 0.1424

Lease Terms: Five (5) year lease agreement at $1 per year. Renewal will be determined by annual review and milestones, to be determined once the Operator is selected. Tenant(s) will be responsible for property maintenance and utilities. In the event there are subleases, these must be submitted to Metro for review and approval.

Required: Two office spaces that will be made available for public rental/use, which must be considered during the final build-out.

Built in the early 1900’s, the property is a former firehouse building that will be leased in “AS IS, WHERE IS” condition. The selected Operator will be responsible for operational management, interior build-out (if required), utilities, maintenance, and compliance with all applicable codes and regulations. The future C-R designation allows publicly owned community centers, which will be the end use of the space.

Site Tour Dates*:

March 23rd, 2026 – 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

March 24th, 2026 – 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

* Make Up Dates, in the event of inclement weather: March 25, 2026 – 2:00 PM-4:00 PM

Application Deadline: May 1st, 2026

LDC Chapter 2 Part 4 Commercial Zoning Districts

October 2025 LOUISVILLE METRO LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE 2.4-27

2.4.2 C-R Commercial Residential District

The C-R Commercial Residential District is primarily intended as a specialized district to promote the reuse of structures located in urban areas of Louisville Metro that had been constructed for mixed commercial and residential use, which may be currently under used or vacant, and which are located at street corners or on blocks with a significant number of retail business uses. C-R zoning may also be appropriate for new construction where a mixture of business and residential use is found to conform with the Comprehensive Plan and with any neighborhood plan covering the site.

A Permitted Uses:

All uses permitted in the R-7 Residential Multi Family District, as well as the following use(s):

Adult Care Centers

Antique shops and interior decorating shops

Artist studios

Art galleries

Bakeries, retail sales on premises only

Barber shops and beauty shops

Bed and Breakfasts

Book stores and stationery stores

Candy stores, retail sales on premises only

Child Care Centers

Clothing, dry good and notions stores

Community Service Facility

Computer programming services and software sales

Dressmaking

Drug stores or sundries stores

Florist shops

Grocery stores, where all merchandise is displayed and sold within an enclosed building

Hardware stores

Health Club/Fitness Center

Jewelry stores

Laundering and dry cleaning pick-up shops and self-service (only)

Laundries

Offices, professional or business

Photocopying, word processing and similar office-support activities

Photographic shops

LDC Chapter 2 Part 4 Commercial Zoning Districts

October 2025 LOUISVILLE METRO LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE 2.4-28

Photography studios

Physical Fitness Instruction

Picture framing

Rental businesses offering items whose sale is a permitted use in this district, videocassette and similar products, rental and sales but not constituting an adult video cassette rental center

Restaurants and delicatessens excluding drive-in facilities, and entertainment activity (Indoor alcohol sales and consumption only with proper ABC license)

Saddle and harness shops

Shoe stores

Shoe repair shops

Stationery stores

Tailors

Tanning salons

Wearing apparel shops

B. Permitted Uses with Special Standards* Certain uses are permitted in this district provided they meet the special standards and requirements listed for such uses in Chapter 4 Part 3.

C. Conditional Uses Certain uses may be permitted in this district upon the granting of a Conditional Use Permit by the Board of Zoning Adjustment. Refer to Chapter 4 Part 2 for a listing of uses and requirements that apply to specific uses.

D. Property Development Regulations Refer to the applicable Form District regulations in Chapter 5 for lot size, setback, building height and other restrictions.

E. Maximum Density and Far Maximum Floor Area Ratio: 3.0

Maximum Density: ...……………………….34.8 dwellings per acre

LDC Chapter 2 Part 2 Residential Zoning Districts

March 2023 LOUISVILLE METRO LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE 2.2-14

2.2.12 R-7 Residential Multi-Family District

The following provisions shall apply in the R-7 Residential Multi Family District unless otherwise provided in these regulations.

A. Permitted Uses:

All uses permitted in the R-1 Residential Single Family District, as well as the following use(s):

Assisted living residence

Bed and Breakfasts

Colleges, schools and institutions of learning (except training schools)

Dwellings, Multiple family

Dwellings, Two-family (Not subject to paragraph E maximum density)

Libraries, museums, historical buildings and grounds, arboretums, aquariums, and art galleries

Parks, playgrounds, and community centers

Religious buildings

B. Conditional Uses Certain uses may be permitted in this district upon the granting of a Conditional Use Permit by the Board of Zoning Adjustment. Refer to Chapter 4 Part 2 for a listing of uses and requirements that apply to specific uses.

C. Permitted Uses with Special Standards* Certain uses are permitted in this district provided they meet the special standards and requirements listed for such uses in Chapter 4 Part 3.

D. Property Development Regulations Refer to the applicable Form District regulations in Chapter 5 for lot size, setback, building height and other restrictions.

E. Maximum Density: 34.8 dwellings per acre

LDC Chapter 2 Part 2 Residential Zoning Districts

March 2023 LOUISVILLE METRO LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE 2.2-4

2.2.3 R-1 Residential Single Family District

The following provisions shall apply in the R-1 Residential Single Family District unless otherwise provided in these regulations:

A. Permitted Uses:

Accessory buildings or uses

Agricultural uses

Country clubs

Dwellings, Single-family (Existing lots are not subject to paragraph E maximum density)

Family care home (mini-home)

Family Child Care Homes

Home occupations

Publicly owned and/or operated colleges, schools and institutions of learning (except training schools)

Publicly owned and/or operated libraries, museums, historical buildings and grounds, arboretums, aquariums, and art galleries

Publicly owned and/or operated parks, playgrounds, and community centers

Residential care facilities

Temporary buildings, the uses of which are incidental to construction operations being conducted on the same or adjoining lot or tract, and which shall be removed upon completion or abandonment of such construction, or upon the expiration of a period of two years from the time of erection of such temporary buildings, whichever is sooner

Off-street parking permitted within a conservation subdivision (see Chapter 7, Part 11 for details)

B. Conditional Uses:

Certain uses may be permitted in this district upon the granting of a Conditional Use Permit by the Board of Zoning Adjustment. Refer to Chapter 4, Part 2 for a listing of uses and requirements that apply to specific uses.

C. Permitted Uses with Special Standards* Certain uses are permitted in this district provided they meet the special standards and requirements listed for such uses in Chapter 4 Part 3.

D. Property Development Regulations Refer to the applicable Form District regulations in Chapter 5 for lot size, setback, building height and other restrictions.

E. Maximum Density: 1.08 dwellings per acre

III. OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The selected Nonprofit Operator shall:

A. Facility Operations & Management

1. Execute a lease agreement with Metro, minimum five (5) years, to be negotiated between Metro and the chosen Operator.

2. Coordinate with Metro on the Phase II Design and Build Out of the property

• Request for Bids will be put out for a Design Build Firm to complete this work.

3. Operate and maintain the facility and property in a safe, accessible, and professional manner, including being responsible for all utilities/improvements and obtaining approval from Metro before any structural or landscaping changes.

4. Establish and enforce:

• Reservation policies

• Sublease agreements (subleases must be approved by Metro)

• Security protocols to ensure safety of the Operator(s) and citizens that will be served.

-Examples: Security systems, sign-in sheets, on staff security, etc.

• Property Maintenance, including landscaping, addressing building repairs in a timely manner, and keeping the property clean, secured, and accessible per LMCO 156 – Property Maintenance Code.

5. Maintain appropriate insurance coverage and have a reserve for building maintenance and repairs.

6. Ensure compliance with all applicable building, zoning, fire, ADA, and safety regulations.

B. Programming & Community Impact

1. Utilize the space to promote a positive, empathetic, and proactive environment where mentorship and assistance can be offered for at-risk communities.

2. Implement programming that produces measurable outcomes for youth and families, such as:

• Youth Engagement and mentorship

• Workforce development

• Mental health support services

• Conflict Resolution programming

• Family Support Services

• Proving safe spaces for at-risk populations

3. Demonstrate how programming contributes to improved community safety, particularly for:

• Youth

• Seniors

• Disabled residents

4. Establish data tracking and reporting systems.

C. Build Out & Equipment Plan

1. Identify the anticipated build out needs of space.

• There will be a minimum requirement for two office spaces that will be available for rent/use in the building.

2. Describe what existing equipment, furnishings, or capital resources the organization currently possesses that could be utilized in the facility.

3. Outline:

• Capital improvements needed

• Estimated costs

• Funding sources

• Timeline for buildout completion

• Clarify whether Metro financial assistance is being requested (if applicable).

• Demonstrate capacity to complete buildout in a timely and feasible manner.

D. Sustainability & Partnerships

1. Provide a 3–5-year sustainability and growth plan.

2. Identify strategic partners.

3. Describe shared-use model and subleasing criteria.

4. Demonstrate diversified funding sources.

E. Organizational Capacity

1. State how long the nonprofit (501(c)(3)) has been in operation.

2. Provide history of sustainable operations.

3. Submit last two years of audited financial statements and IRS Form 990*

*Applicants without two full years of financial history may submit available financial statements and a 3-5 year financial plan.

4. Provide proposed operating budget for the facility.

5. Provide governance structure and Board of Directors list.

IV. REQUIRED NARRATIVE RESPONSES

Respondents must provide complete responses to the following questions (Not to exceed 20 pages):

1. Programmatic Impact

• How will your organization utilize this space to promote a positive, empathetic, and proactive environment where mentorship and assistance can be offered for at-risk communities?

• What evidence-based or promising practices will you implement?

• What measurable outcomes will you track for youth and families?

• How will programming contribute to measurable improvements in community safety, particularly for youth, seniors, and disabled residents?

2. Community Voice & Cultural Responsiveness

• How does your organization integrate community voice and lived experience into programming?

• Describe how programming reflects culturally responsive practices.

• What role will Parkland residents play in shaping use of space?

3. Sustainability & Partnerships

• Provide a sustainability plan (minimum 3–5 years).

• Identify key partners and describe formal or anticipated collaborations.

• Describe how you will maximize shared use of the facility.

• Explain your subleasing model and how tenant organizations will be selected. How will sublease rent payments be calculated and what terms?

4. Organizational Capacity

• How long has your nonprofit (501(c)(3)) been operational?

• Provide a brief history of operations and demonstration of sustainability.

• Describe your governance structure.

• Include last two years of audited financials and most recent IRS Form 990*

*Applicants without two full years of financial history may submit available financial statements and a 3-5 year financial plan.

• Provide an operating budget for the proposed facility.

5. Service Area & Target Population

• Who is your primary audience?

• What neighborhoods, zip codes, or council districts do you serve?

• How would the surrounding Parkland community specifically benefit from your occupancy?

V. PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS

Performance benchmarks will be negotiated with the selected operator and incorporated into the lease agreement. Metro may require the Operator to meet agreed-upon benchmarks including but not limited to:

• Minimum annual number of community programs/events.

• Youth participation targets.

• Number of community-based partner organizations utilizing space.

• Annual financial stability (balanced budget or sustainability demonstration).

• Safety metrics or documented improvements.

• Submission of quarterly or annual performance reports.

• Community satisfaction feedback mechanism.

• Compliance with maintenance and building standards.

Failure to meet performance benchmarks may impact lease renewal.

VI. CHECKLIST FOR SUBMISSIONS

Proposals must include:

• Detailed cover letter that answers above questions under “Required Narrative Responses”

• Proof of 501(c)(3) status

• Organizational budget (last 2 years)

• Submit last two years of financial statements and IRS Form 990. Applicants without two full years of financial history may submit available financial statements and a 3– 5-year financial plan.

• Proposed facility operating budget (3-5 Years)

• Build out plan and capital needs assessment

• Programming plan and measurable outcomes

• Subleasing model, if applicable

• Sustainability plan

• Board list

• Insurance documentation or quote

• A list of other properties that are owned by the organization. Properties must be in compliance with Louisville Metro Government, including property taxes.

• Optional: Letters of Recommendation from individuals/organizations that have benefited from your organization.

Deadline: May 1st, 2026 Submission Method: Bonfire

PROPOSED SCORING CRITERIA

Applicants will be scored based on the criteria outlined in this Community Impact Solicitation and in an In-Person interview with Metro. The top three (3) highest scoring applicants will also be interviewed individually before an Operator is awarded with the property lease.

NARRATIVE PROPOSAL SCORING (105 PTS)

1. Community Impact (30 Points)

• Clear strategy addressing program goals (10)

• Defined measurable outcomes and evaluation plan (10)

• Demonstrated impact on youth/families (10)

2. Organizational Capacity & Financial Sustainability (25 Points)

• Years of successful operation (5)

• Financial stability and diversified funding (10)

• Realistic operating budget and sustainability plan (10)

3. Community Engagement & Cultural Responsiveness (15 Points)

• Integration of community voice (5)

• Lived experience reflected in leadership/staff (5)

• Culturally responsive programming (5)

4. Facility Management & Shared Use Plan (15 Points)

• Clear operational structure (5)

• Reservation and sublease framework (5)

• Maintenance, utilities, safety, and compliance plan (5)

5. Partnerships & Broader Community Benefit (15 Points)

• Strong collaborative network (5)

• Plan for maximizing access and shared use (5)

• Direct benefits to Parkland residents (5)

6. Bonus Points (5 Points)

• If an applicant Operator attended one of the Community Meetings on either February 20th or March 6th and signed the attendance sheet, then they will be granted five (5) bonus points.

INTERVIEW (TOP THREE CANDIDATES)

• Will be scheduled after Narrative Proposal Scoring.

• Will be held at The Office of Housing and Community Development in front of a

Metro-selected panel.

• Interview will consist of discussing your organization, community impact, and property management plans.

Louisville Metro Government reserves the right to reject any and all proposals.

Marketing Disclaimer

Properties conveyed through the Community Impact Solicitation (CIS) Program may be featured in marketing, communications, and public reporting materials highlighting successful redevelopment and community impact. By participating in the CIS Program, applicants acknowledge that the Louisville and Jefferson County Landbank Authority, Inc.

May request follow-up information, photographs, or video documentation of the property and completed project. These materials may be used in publications, presentations, social media, websites, or other media to promote program outcomes and demonstrate community impact.