Community House RFP 9 1 2026.pdf

CITY OF RICHMOND HILL

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND ADAPTIVE REUSE

SOLICITATION

FOR THE

HISTORIC COMMUNITY HOUSE

10512 Ford Avenue, Richmond Hill, Georgia

Issued: September 1, 2026

I. INTRODUCTION

The City of Richmond Hill ("City") is soliciting proposals from qualified development teams for the acquisition, stabilization, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse of the historic Community House located at 10512 Ford Avenue, Richmond Hill, Georgia.

The Community House is a significant historic and community asset located within the Ford Avenue Historic District. The City seeks a qualified development team with demonstrated experience in historic rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, project financing, and implementation of complex redevelopment projects. The selected team will be expected to undertake immediate stabilization efforts, rehabilitate the building in accordance with applicable historic preservation standards, and establish a sustainable long-term use that contributes to the economic and community life of Richmond Hill.

Constructed in 1936, the Community House is one of Richmond Hill's most significant historic landmarks and was developed as part of Henry Ford's extensive investment in the community during the 1930s and 1940s. Designed by Savannah architect Cletus William Bergen in the Colonial Revival style, the building served as a community center providing educational programs, social activities, and recreational opportunities for local residents. Purpose-built with classrooms, dormitory accommodations, dining facilities, and a large second-floor ballroom, the Community House became a focal point of civic and cultural life in Richmond Hill, hosting dances, celebrations, educational programs, and community gatherings. Following the Ford-era, the building continued to serve a variety of community-oriented uses, including residential lodging and later a funeral home, while remaining a recognizable landmark on Ford Avenue. A Chapel was added to the building in 1997. Acquired by the City of Richmond Hill in 2022, the Community House retains its historic character, prominent presence, and strong association with the community's history, making its preservation and adaptive reuse a priority for the City. It was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024.

At this stage, the City seeks to evaluate the qualifications, experience, vision, and implementation approach of prospective development teams. Respondents are not required to submit a purchase price, development fee schedule, or detailed financial proposal as part of this solicitation.

II. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

Property Address: 10512 Ford Avenue, Richmond Hill, GA 31324

Parcel Identification Number (PIN): 0532125

Property Size: 1.42 Acres

Improvements:

• Community House (approximately 10,538 square feet; constructed 1936)

• Chapel (approximately 2,374 square feet; constructed 1997)

Zoning: Commercial-Specialty (COMM11)

Current Occupancy: Vacant

III. PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The City's objectives include:

1. Immediate stabilization of the historic structure to prevent further deterioration.

2. Comprehensive rehabilitation of the Community House in accordance with historic preservation standards.

3. Adaptive reuse that preserves the historic character and significance of the property.

4. Creation of publicly accessible uses that contribute to Richmond Hill's economic vitality and community life.

5. Long-term stewardship of a significant historic resource.

IV. HISTORIC PRESERVATION REQUIREMENTS

All redevelopment activities shall comply with:

• Applicable local historic district regulations;

• The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation;

• Any applicable state and federal preservation requirements associated with historic preservation incentives.

Respondents are encouraged to demonstrate familiarity with and successful use of historic preservation tax credits and/or grants, as well as other preservation-related incentive programs.

V. CITY SUPPORT AND INCENTIVES

The City may provide support for the redevelopment project, including, but not limited to:

• Waiver of some or all permitting fees, including but not limited to building permits and Certificate of Appropriateness fees;

• Varying parking requirements, where permitted;

• Assistance with rezoning and/or zoning variances, if necessary;

• Permission for alcohol sales and service on the property, subject to applicable ordinances and regulations;

• Reduced fees related to infrastructure and utility improvements;

• Access to existing conditions documentation and drawings prepared by Shamrock+

(2022) and Lynch Associates Architects (2025);

• Expedited COA and building permits for previously approved stabilization scope

• Reduced property taxes for a finite period.

VI. MANDATORY PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements shall be incorporated into all proposals:

1. Compliance with local historic district regulations and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.

a. Community House (contributing)

b. Chapel addition (non-contributing)

2. Availability of the upstairs ballroom for City-sponsored events at least two (2) times annually, subject to mutually agreed scheduling procedures.

VII. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Cover Letter

Provide a cover letter including:

• Name of Respondent;

• Primary contact person;

• Mailing address;

• Telephone number;

• Email address;

• Website address (if applicable);

• Authorized representative's signature.

2. Development Team Qualifications

Provide a concise summary of the development team's qualifications, including:

• Organizational background and experience;

• Historic rehabilitation and adaptive reuse experience;

• Experience securing historic preservation incentives and tax credits, preferred experience in Georgia;

• Experience financing, developing, and constructing rehabilitation projects of a similar size;

• Description of team structure and responsibilities of each team member or entity.

Resumes of individual staff members are not required at this stage.

3. Relevant Project Experience

Provide information on three (3) projects of comparable scope and complexity.

For each project, include:

• Project name and location;

• Description of the Respondent's role;

• Architect, contractor, and major project partners;

• Narrative describing project scope and outcomes;

• Photographs, renderings, or other illustrative materials;

• Acquisition, construction, and completion dates;

• Total development cost;

• Summary of financing sources utilized;

• Professional references.

4. Proposed End Use and Redevelopment Concept

Respondents shall provide a conceptual redevelopment plan that includes:

• Proposed end uses for the Community House and Chapel (if retained);

• Description of how the proposed uses complement the historic character of the property;

• Identification of publicly accessible components and community benefits;

• Description of anticipated economic impacts;

• Explanation of how the proposed use supports long-term preservation and viability of the property.

Detailed architectural plans are not required at this stage.

5. Implementation Strategy and Timeline

Respondents shall submit a proposed implementation schedule that identifies anticipated project phases and key milestones.

The timeline should, at a minimum, address:

• Property acquisition and due diligence;

• Immediate stabilization activities;

• Design and planning;

• Historic review and permitting;

• Financing and incentive applications;

• Construction and rehabilitation;

• Occupancy and commencement of operations.

Respondents should clearly identify project phases, where applicable, and provide estimated durations for each phase.

6. Historic Preservation Approach

Describe the team's proposed approach to:

• Protecting and preserving historic features;

• Rehabilitation in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards;

• Utilizing historic preservation incentives;

• Managing historic review processes.

VIII. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated using a weighted scoring system based on the following criteria:

Criteria Weight

Historic Rehabilitation Experience 30%

Quality and Feasibility of Proposed End Use 25%

Public Accessibility and Community Benefit 20%

Implementation Strategy and Timeline 15%

References and Demonstrated Capacity 10%

Additional consideration may be given to proposals demonstrating successful use of historic tax credits and other preservation incentives with an emphasis on projects completed in Georgia.

IX. PROCUREMENT PROCESS

This RFP is intended to identify the most qualified and capable development team and evaluate the viability of proposed redevelopment concepts.

Following review of submissions, the City may:

• Conduct interviews with selected Respondents;

• Request additional information;

• Enter into negotiations with the highest-ranked Respondent;

• Request a detailed development proposal and financial terms from one or more

Respondents.

Submission of a proposal does not obligate the City to enter into a development agreement, sell the property, or proceed with any proposed project.

The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to terminate the solicitation process at any time.

X. SITE VISIT AND QUESTIONS

A site visit will be conducted as follows:

Site Visit: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 10:00AM, 10512 Ford Avenue, Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324.

Questions regarding this RFP must be submitted in writing no later than the date identified in the procurement schedule.

Any clarifications or addenda will be issued by the City and made available to all prospective Respondents.

XI. PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE

Event Date

RFP Issued September 1, 2026

First Advertisement September 3, 2026

Second Advertisement September 10, 2026

Site Visit September 22, 2026

Deadline for Questions October 6, 2026

Proposal Submission Deadline November 2, 2026

Evaluation and Interviews To Be Determined

Selection and Negotiations To Be Determined

Proposals must be sealed and labeled as follows:

City of Richmond Hill – Community House Proposal A<en=on: Derrick Cowart, Finance Director.

• USPS Proposals shall use: PO Box 250, Richmond Hill, GA 31324

• UPS/FedEX shall use: 40 Richard Davis Drive, Richmond Hill, GA 31324

• Hand deliveries shall use: 40 Richard Davis Drive, Richmond Hill, GA 31324

Please submit ten (10) hard copies of proposal along with a flash drive containing a singular .pdf file of the en=re proposal.

All proposals shall be received by 3pm on Monday November 2, 2026. NO LATE PROPOSALS

WILL BE ACCEPTED. NO ELECTRNONIC SUMBISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

All inquiries should be directed in wri=ng to Nathan Clark, Assistant City Manager, at nclark@richmondhill-ga.gov Any amendments or addenda will be posted on the City’s website.

XII. FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

Respondents are not required to submit acquisition pricing, development fees, detailed pro formas, or financial offers as part of this solicitation. Such information may be requested during a subsequent phase of negotiations with shortlisted or selected Respondents.

mailto:nclark@richmondhill-ga.gov

Appendix A

The RFQ contains the following primary documents and resources.

1) Historic Building Eleva=ons – Ethos

2) Historic Building Floor Plan – Ethos

3) Exis=ng Building Floor Plan – Ethos

4) Na=onal Register of Historic Places -Ethos

5) Final Dra` Plan Proposal – Lynch

6) Three Op=on Plan Proposal – Lynch

7) Conceptual Landscape Plan – WJK

8) Feasibility & Use Study - Zonda