RFI_Wheat_Ridge_Vacant_Elementary_Schools.pdf

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Redevelopment and/or Reuse Partner for Vacant Wheat Ridge Elementary Schools
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2026CommDev
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Jefferson County, Weston CDP, Colorado

About this file

This is a Request for Interest (RFI) issued by the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado in partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools (Jeffco) and JLL, a global real estate services firm, seeking qualified developers or entities to redevelop and/or reuse two vacant elementary school properties: Kullerstrand Elementary School (12225 W 38th Avenue, approximately 10.718 acres) and Wilmore Davis Elementary School (7975 W 41st Avenue, approximately 7.23 acres). Both schools closed in May 2023 and are currently owned by Jeffco Public Schools. Respondents may submit statements of interest for one or both properties and propose redevelopment or reuse scenarios. The question acceptance deadline is Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM, with initial review of submittals beginning Thursday, May 7, 2026. The city intends to continue accepting and reviewing proposals beyond the initial 45-day review period and reserves the right to proceed with selected respondents at any time. Site and building tours are available by request. Submittals must include a cover letter, development proposal addressing site improvements and City Plan compatibility, financing details including an initial financial offer to Jeffco, and information about the respondent organization and team with relevant experience and references.

The city does not intend to provide financial subsidy to private development, as neither property is within an urban renewal area and therefore ineligible for tax increment financing. The city is willing to serve as a joint or lead applicant for grant opportunities. Kullerstrand and Wilmore Davis are proposed for subdivision such that the city will own and maintain approximately 7 acres and 2 acres respectively for parks and recreation purposes, with the remaining portions (approximately 3.7 acres at Kullerstrand and 5 acres at Wilmore Davis) available for redevelopment. Both properties are zoned residential with limited non-residential uses permitted; zone changes may be required for certain development scenarios. Evaluation criteria include compatibility with the city's parks and recreation objectives, alignment with the adopted City Plan (September 2025) and Parks and Recreation Pathway, community benefits, market feasibility, proposed timeframe for closing and completion, purchase price and financial return to Jeffco, funding source certainty, financial capacity of the proposing entity, and qualifications of the project team. All final decisions regarding surplus property disposition, reuse approval, pricing, and sale remain solely with the Jeffco Board of Education.

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REQUEST FOR INTEREST (RFI)

Redevelopment and/or Reuse Partner for Vacant Wheat Ridge Elementary Schools

Key Dates

Question Acceptance Deadline Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM Initial Review Begins Thursday, May 7, 2026

Please read the entire document. Questions and submittals shall be directed to Brian Carroll, Executive Director of JLL, and consultant to Jeffco Public Schools (BrianC.Carroll@jll.com) AND Chris Musselman, Director, Consultant to Jefferson County Public Schools chris.musselman@jll.com using email subject “Wheat Ridge RFI.”

mailto:BrianC.Carroll@jll.com

Table of Contents

Section 1. PURPOSE

Section 2. GENERAL BACKGROUND

Section 3. ABOUT WILMORE DAVIS

Section 4. ABOUT KULLERSTRAND

Section 5. CITY PLAN

Section 6. CITY AND SCHOOL ROLES

Section 7. STATEMENT OF INTEREST

Section 8. SELECTION PROCESS

Section 9. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Section 10. EXHIBITS

Section 1. PURPOSE

The City of Wheat Ridge is requesting statements of interest regarding the redevelopment and/or reuse of two vacant public elementary school properties:

• Kullerstrand Elementary School located at 12225 W 38th Avenue

• Wilmore Davis Elementary School located at 7975 W 41st Avenue

The schools are currently owned by Jefferson County (Jeffco) Public Schools and were closed in May 2023. Through joint use agreements, the city utilizes portions of each property for parks and recreation purposes and is seeking to maintain that use in a long-term capacity, but the city is not positioned to utilize the entire property nor to repurpose the school buildings. The city is seeking a partner to redevelop or reuse the portions of each property that contain the school buildings. In partnership with the selected respondent(s), the city will present a reuse proposal to Jefferson County Public Schools.

This request is intended to provide the opportunity for interested developers or entities to demonstrate their interest and capability. Respondents may submit for one or both school properties.

The city intends to begin reviewing submittals approximately 45 days after the RFI is issued and may continue to accept and evaluate responses beyond that date. The city reserves the right to proceed with one or more respondents at any time following the initial review.

Section 2. GENERAL BACKGROUND

On Thursday, November 10, 2022, the Jefferson County Public Schools Board voted unanimously to close 16 elementary schools across the district. Among them were two school properties within Wheat Ridge city limits: Kullerstrand Elementary and Wilmore Davis Elementary. The schools were closed at the end of the 2022-23 school year.

The school closures occurred under the project name “Regional Opportunities for Thriving Schools,” and the school district maintains a project website regarding property disposition. Jeffco’s disposition process includes a “Municipal Interest Process” whereby the city may discuss reuse ideas with Jeffco before the property is marketed for sale. Jeffco Public Schools has honored the city’s request to hold the properties until the completion and adoption of the city’s City Plan and Parks and Recreation Pathway which took place in fall 2025.

The purpose of this RFI process is to prepare a whole site proposal for each school in partnership with the selected respondent(s) to be submitted to Jefferson County Public Schools through their Municipal Interest Process.

Jeffco Public Schools has engaged JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated), a global real estate services and advisory firm, to assist with aspects of its property disposition process.

JLL is coordinating distribution of the RFI on behalf of Jeffco Public Schools, receiving and managing questions and submittals, and will partner with the city and Jeffco Public Schools during this early stage of the property interest process. By partnering with JLL, Jeffco aims to ensure a professional and organized process for identifying potential reuse opportunities for surplus school properties. Final decisions regarding surplus, reuse approval, price and sale rest with the Jefferson County Public Schools Board of Education.

Section 3. ABOUT WILMORE DAVIS

A. Property and Zoning Information – Wilmore Davis Wilmore Davis is located within city limits on property owned by the school district. A profile of the property is provided below, and zoning and aerial maps are enclosed as supplementary documents.

• Wilmore Davis Elementary School is located at 7975 W 41st Ave.

• The school is located in the central portion of Wheat Ridge. It sits on the north side of 41st Avenue less than a ¼-mile west of Wadsworth Boulevard. West 41st Avenue is https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/services/facilities/property-disposition a collector street connecting the neighborhoods to the west to Wadsworth; 41st Avenue terminates about a half-mile west of the school property.

• The entire property is zoned Residential-Two (R-2).

• Based on Jefferson County Assessor records, the total size of the site is approximately 7.23 acres and the school building is listed at 38,595 square feet in size. Assessor records indicate the school was built in 1955.

• The surrounding area is predominantly residential in character. To the east, west, and south are neighborhoods comprised of single-unit homes and duplexes. The average lot size in the area is about 9,000 square feet. To the northeast is a 5.5-acre townhome development at 42nd and Yarrow. To the northwest is the city-owned Happiness Garden—a long-standing community garden.

• Vehicular access is currently only available from 41st Avenue. There is adjacency to the 42nd Avenue cul-de-sac at the northeast corner, and 44th Avenue is 1000 feet beyond that corner to the north.

• Wadsworth Boulevard is ¼-mile to the east of the site. The city recently completed an $85M improvement project which improved capacity, safety, efficiency, and multimodal facilities. As part of the project, a signal was installed at 41st and Wadsworth allowing full turning movements at the intersection. From Wilmore Davis, the nearest I-70 access is from Wadsworth about 1 mile to the northeast.

• A wide range of restaurants and businesses are located on Wadsworth, including a Safeway grocery store. The site is less than a mile from the city’s main street district (38th Avenue from Wadsworth to Sheridan) which is anchored by the city’s recent $8M investment in the Green at 38th, a community park and gathering space.

• The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has a bus route on Wadsworth Boulevard, and nearby east-west routes are located on 38th and 44th Avenues. The closest rail station is RTD’s Arvada Olde Town station, a 10-minute drive to the north.

• The site is served by several special districts which are separate and distinct from the city: West Metro Fire Protection District, Wheat Ridge Water District, and Wheat Ridge Sanitation District.

• The building is in occupiable condition, and was used as a school building within the last three (3) years. The district has continued to heat and cool the building and has performed all preventative maintenance and custodial upkeep on both the building and grounds. The building could be occupied as-is, but it may require updates depending on the intended use.

B. City Use – Wilmore Davis The city has an intergovernmental agreement with the school district that allows for joint use of school properties, and the city is seeking to maintain long-term ownership and use of the northern portion of the Wilmore Davis property.

The city’s desired future use of the property is described below and is based on current use agreements and recommendations from the Pathway. The Trust for Public Land’s ParkServe program identifies areas south and west of the Wilmore Davis site as being “Moderate” https://rootedinfun.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Happiness-Community-Gardens-6 https://whatsupwheatridge.com/improve-wadsworth https://whatsupwheatridge.com/the-green-at-38th priority areas where residents do not currently have access to a traditional park site in their neighborhood. Preserving the northern grounds at Wilmore Davis as a public park would help fill the need for a park in this neighborhood. Acquisition of the school site (at least in part) is listed as a near-term priority on page 93 of the Pathway.

The city’s proposed use of the site is shown in the attached exhibit and described below:

• The city intends to retain the northern portion of the property (approximately the northern third). There is no public park in the area, so the area would serve as a neighborhood park.

• The estimated size of the city’s portion is approximately 2 acres in size.

• Programming would likely include a playground, pavilion, and multi-use field, though the specific use and configuration is flexible.

• The multi-use field may be used by the city’s athletics program for practice but it would likely not be sized to accommodate games.

• In addition to the park area, the city intends to retain access between the northern portion of the site and 41st Avenue along both the east and west sides of the parcel.

This access to 41st Avenue would be important for visibility, access, and connectivity and would also create a buffer between any future redevelopment and the existing neighborhoods. Whether pedestrian and/or vehicular access is provided would be determined at site planning.

• Parking for approximately 15 vehicles would be required for city use with vehicular access to be determined.

C. Redevelopment/Reuse Opportunities – Wilmore Davis The remaining portion of the property available for redevelopment or reuse would be approximately 5 acres. The limits of the existing zoning are described below.

• The property is currently zoned Residential-Two (R-2).

• Permitted uses in R-2 are as follows:

o Single-unit and duplex homes are permitted on lots that are at least 9,000 and 12,500 square feet respectively.

o Public schools are permitted, but private schools are a special use.

o Among non-residential uses, options are limited; private schools and childcare centers are allowed with a Special Use Permit.

• Given the constraints of the city’s residential zone districts, some reuse proposals may require a zone change. For example, a rezoning would be required for smaller lot residential development or townhomes.

• If residential redevelopment is proposed, the height and density caps in the city charter would apply. These include a limit of 21 dwelling units per acre and a limit of 35 feet in height for structures containing residential uses.

• The city does not have a specific vision for the private use of the school site. Given the adjacent land uses, low- to moderate-density housing (market-rate or affordable) could be appropriate. A childcare center or similar use would be https://www.rootedinfun.com/DocumentCenter/View/3607/Wheat-Ridge-Parks-and-Recreation-Pathway-2025 appropriate, particularly if the school building can be reused. Most commercial uses will not be appropriate, though neighborhood-serving uses may be considered depending on use, scope, scale, and impact.

• If residential development is proposed, city ownership of the park portion may offset parkland dedication requirements/fees.

• Any potential rezoning or redevelopment should be aligned with the city’s comprehensive plan which was adopted in September 2025 and is also described in Section 5 below.

Section 4. ABOUT KULLERSTRAND

A. Property and Zoning Information – Kullerstrand Kullerstrand is located within city limits on property owned by the school district. A profile of the property is provided below, and zoning and aerial maps are enclosed as supplementary documents.

• Kullerstrand Elementary School is located at 12225 W 38th Ave.

• The school is located in the western portion of Wheat Ridge. It sits on the north side of 38th Avenue which serves as a minor arterial.

• The majority of the property (southern two-thirds) is zoned Residential-One (R-1) with the northern portion of the field zoned Agricultural-Two (A-2).

• Based on Jefferson County Assessor records, the total size of the site is approximately 10.718 acres and the school building is listed at 34,934 square feet in size. Assessor records indicate the school was built in 1961.

• The surrounding area is predominantly residential. To the east and west are residential neighborhoods comprised of single-unit homes. The same land use pattern exists on the south side of 38th Avenue, with the exception of the Glory of God Lutheran Church directly to the south. Residential lot sizes in the area generally range from ¼-acre to over an acre in size.

• Immediately to the north of the school property is the Clear Creek Greenbelt which is owned by the city. Currently, there is no direct access to the paved Clear Creek trail because of a steep slope.

• RTD has a bus route on 38th Avenue providing transit service to the area. The nearest rail station is RTD’s Wheat Ridge · Ward station, located 2.3 miles to the north.

• The site is a quarter-mile east of Youngfield Street providing access to I-70 as well as the Applewood Village Shopping Center and Clear Creek Crossing.

• The city is currently in the design phase for improving West 38th Avenue between Kipling and Youngfield. This design will include bike lanes in both directions along with continuous sidewalks on both sides of W. 38th Ave.

• The site is served by several special districts which are separate and distinct from the city: West Metro Fire Protection District, Consolidated Mutual Water District, and Westridge Sanitation District.

https://rootedinfun.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Clear-Creek-Trail-5 https://www.regencycenters.com/property/detail/90020/Applewood-Village https://evgre.com/properties/the-lookout-at-clear-creek-crossing https://whatsupwheatridge.com/38th

• The building is in occupiable condition, and was used as a school building within the last three (3) years. The district has continued to heat and cool the building and has performed all preventative maintenance and custodial upkeep on both the building and grounds. The building could be occupied as-is, but it may require updates depending on the intended use.

B. City Use – Kullerstrand The city has an intergovernmental agreement with the school district that allows for joint use of school properties, and the city is seeking to maintain long-term ownership and use of the majority of the Kullerstrand property.

The city’s desired future use of the property is described below and is based on current use agreements and recommendations from the Pathway. The Trust for Public Land’s ParkServe program shows where residents are within a 10-minute walk to a park. Kullerstrand sits in a “Moderate” priority area where residents near the current school site do not currently have access to a traditional park site. Preserving the grounds at Kullerstrand as a public park would fill the need for a park in this neighborhood. Acquisition of the school site is listed as a near-term priority on page 93 of the Pathway.

The city’s proposed use of the site is shown in the attached exhibit and described below:

• The city intends to retain the majority of the site (approximately 7 acres) to serve as a neighborhood park, playground, and athletic fields consistent with current use.

• The recent Kullerstrand playground replacement was paid for by a grant obtained by the city, and public access must remain in place. In early 2020, the city was awarded $110,000 through Great Outdoors Colorado's (GOCO) Schoolyard Initiative for the playground replacement. Agreements were executed with GOCO and the school district which require the school district to operate, manage, and maintain the playground for its useful life, identified as 20 years. Additionally, the agreements state that the school district shall provide and maintain public access to the playground and the property, regardless of the property's ownership.

• The pavilion was added by the school district separately from the GOCO grant and is not required to be retained.

• Through an intergovernmental agreement between the city and Jeffco Schools, Kullerstrand’s two soccer fields are heavily utilized 26 weeks out of the year by the city's youth soccer program, and by the Colorado Avalanche competitive soccer program (scheduled through the Parks & Recreation Department). The city’s intent is to retain this programming and to reconfigure the site to accommodate flexible combinations of soccer fields, such as two smaller 7v7 fields and a larger 9v9 field.

• Parking for up to 60 vehicles will be required for city use with lower demand on weekday evenings and higher demand on weekends for soccer games. Parking, access configuration, and potential for shared parking to be determined at site planning.

• The city’s guiding documents, including the City Plan and Open Space Management Plan, specifically calling for a connection between the Kullerstrand property and Clear Creek open space to the north (OSMP pages 49 and 142). The final site configuration will need to accommodate a multi-use trail connection connecting 38th Avenue to the Clear Creek Greenbelt.

C. Redevelopment/Reuse Opportunities – Kullerstrand The city’s proposed recreational uses and the site’s current zoning present limiting factors for redevelopment, but some opportunities remain.

• The property is currently zoned Residential-One (R-1).

• Permitted uses are as follows:

o Single-unit homes on lots that are at least 12,500 square feet in size.

o Public schools are permitted, but private schools are a special use.

o Among non-residential uses, options are limited; private schools and childcare centers are allowed with a Special Use Permit.

• Given the constraints of the city’s residential zone districts, some reuse proposals may require a zone change. For example, a rezoning would be required for smaller-lot residential development.

• If residential redevelopment is proposed, the height and density caps in the city charter would apply. These include a limit of 21 dwelling units per acre and a limit of 35 feet in height for structures containing residential uses.

• The city does not have a specific vision for the private use of the school site. A childcare center or similar use would be appropriate, particularly if the school building can be reused. If the school was demolished it may be possible to accommodate a smaller-scale residential development along 38th Avenue with parking and park use behind.

• If residential development is proposed, city ownership of the park portion may offset parkland dedication requirements/fees.

• Any potential rezoning or redevelopment should be aligned with the city’s comprehensive plan which was adopted in September 2025 and is also described in Section 5 below.

Section 5. CITY PLAN

The City of Wheat Ridge recently updated its comprehensive plan, formally adopting the City Plan in September 2025. The plan provides a long-term framework for land use, infrastructure, housing, neighborhood character, and redevelopment decisions across the city. For the two former school campuses, the City Plan offers guidance relevant to reuse, redevelopment, and community compatibility. Below are key excerpts and how they apply.

The City Plan articulates four desired outcomes under “Our Character and Development Vision” (page 66):

https://www.rootedinfun.com/DocumentCenter/View/836/2023-Open-Space-Management-Plan-?bidId= https://whatsupwheatridge.com/city-plan

• Evolution of Our Places – Incremental change that is carefully curated so we can evolve while maintaining our character of distinct areas with their own look and feel.

• Peaceful Coexistence – Ensuring that new development peacefully coexists with existing neighborhoods.

• Improved Connectivity and Access – Emphasizing safe pedestrian and bicycle networks, and better linkages between neighborhoods, amenities and open space.

• Making Great Places – Focusing on the quality of public realm, building edge to curb, and enhancing the user experience of places.

Both of the school properties sit within established residential neighborhoods where the land use is predominantly lower-density. The City Plan’s emphasis on incremental change, compatibility with adjacent neighborhoods, preservation of character, and enhancing open space or connectivity strongly suggests that any redevelopment of the school sites should:

• Respect the scale, massing and transitions of the surrounding neighborhoods, and avoid abrupt or high-density forms that would interrupt “peaceful coexistence.”

• Incorporate quality public realm design, open space, connectivity (e.g., links to trails, sidewalks, bike infrastructure) and strong “place-making” elements consistent with the “Making Great Places” outcome.

• Prioritize thoughtful changes rather than wholesale transformation, consistent with the “Evolution of Our Places” outcome.

The City Plan recognizes the school properties as “special cases” (page 99) because of the unique challenge of redeveloping a vacant institutional use in a residential area. All proposals will need to align with the desired outcomes articulated in the City Plan.

Section 6. CITY AND SCHOOL ROLES

A. City Role in the Project The city is seeking to partner with the selected respondent(s) to submit a proposal to Jeffco Public Schools for each property through their Municipal Interest Process.

The city’s preference is to ultimately subdivide the sites such that the city owns and maintains the parks and outdoor recreational portions, though creative arrangements may be proposed. If residential development is proposed, city ownership of the park portion may offset parkland dedication requirements/fees. Shared or delineated parking may be required, so that park users have access to adequate parking along with the needs of the proposed private development.

As described above, the city intends to own, maintain, and improve the parkland area for the long term, which may add value to any adjacent private development. City ownership of the park portion may offset applicable residential parkland dedication requirements.

Because the city’s contribution to each site will be through long-term public investment in the parkland, the city will not be able to provide additional financial subsidy to private development. Neither property is within an urban renewal area, so the properties are not eligible for tax increment financing (TIF).

For grant applications, the city is willing to be a joint or lead applicant, where appropriate or necessary.

B. School District Role in the Project Jefferson County Public Schools owns both properties and retains sole authority over their surplus disposition, reuse approval, pricing, and sale. On February 12, 2026, the Jeffco Board of Education approved surplus declarations for several vacant school properties, including Kullerstrand and Wilmore Davis.

Under Jeffco’s Municipal Interest Process, the City of Wheat Ridge may submit a proposed reuse concept for Board consideration prior to the properties being marketed for sale more broadly.

The city has coordinated with district staff regarding this RFI approach, and staff are supportive of the city exploring a partnership concept through this process. Jeffco has engaged JLL to assist with its property disposition process. JLL will coordinate distribution of this RFI and serve as the primary point of contact for receiving questions and submittals.

City staff, district staff, and JLL will review responses to assess general alignment with both the city’s objectives and the district’s interests.

This RFI does not bind the Board of Education to any decision. Following review of any proposal submitted by the city under the Municipal Interest Process, the Board may accept or reject the proposal and may elect to market the properties for sale through a broader process. All final decisions remain solely with the Jeffco Board of Education.

Section 7. STATEMENT OF INTEREST

Submittals may be provided for one or both schools, and submittals may propose redevelopment or reuse. The submittal must include the following sections and content:

Introduction

• Cover letter briefly stating the specific reasons for the respondent’s interest in pursuing the project.

Development Proposal Note: If multiple proposals are presented, separate proposal sections shall be provided for each school and/or for each redevelopment or reuse scenario.

• Description of the proposed project.

• Brief description of the entity or entities who would acquire, develop, or occupy the property.

• For reuse, description of the proposed interior use(s) of the building and the proposed use immediately surrounding the building.

• Description of the proposed site improvements.

• Description of how the proposal will address the City Plan goal of peaceful coexistence with surrounding neighborhoods.

• Description of how the proposal will relate to the city’s desired parks and recreation uses.

• Estimated duration for completion of the redevelopment project.

• A discussion of the market viability of the proposed use.

Financing

• Summary of the financial sources for purchase/redevelopment of the building and site. A clear understanding of the costs associated with the project must be demonstrated. Include the names of any equity partners or other parties involved in the purchase/redevelopment of the property and any supporting documentation that would further demonstrate the commitment of those sources.

• An initial financial offer that will be proposed to Jeffco for the redeveloped portion of the site.

• Outline any grant funds or foundation/non-project organizations you would solicit for funding.

• Outline any funding or other concessions requested of the city or school district.

About the Respondent

• Project lead and team description, if applicable.

• A description of any participating investors/developers, including qualifications of each.

• Experience with similar projects or public/private partnerships that demonstrate the viability of the proposal and your ability to successfully complete this type of project.

• Name, address, phone number and email of respondent.

• At least three references.

Section 8. SELECTION PROCESS

A. Evaluation Process The intent of this RFI is to identify qualified parties interested in implementing the vision and concepts outlined herein and to inform a potential proposal that the City of Wheat Ridge may submit under Jeffco’s Municipal Interest Process.

Respondents should demonstrate relevant experience with similar projects, financial capacity to implement the proposed concept, and the ability to deliver within a reasonable timeframe.

Following the submittal deadline, city staff, Jeffco staff, and JLL will review responses to evaluate general alignment with the city’s objectives and the district’s interests. This RFI is intended to inform the city’s consideration of a potential public-private partnership approach; it does not constitute a formal procurement or obligate the city or the district to select any respondent.

The city and Jeffco reserve the right to request clarification or additional information from respondents and may invite select respondents to participate in follow-up discussions or presentations. The city and Jeffco also reserve the right to extend or reopen the submittal window if deemed necessary.

B. Primary Point of Contact Questions, requests for school floor plans, requests for school tours, and submittals shall be directed to:

Brian Carroll Executive Director, JLL Consultant to Jeffco Public Schools BrianC.Carroll@jll.com Email subject line: “Wheat Ridge RFI”

C. Evaluation Considerations Proposals will be evaluated on the following considerations. This is not an exhaustive list but a general indication of the main benefits desired from this project.

• The extent to which the proposed development is compatible with the city’s desired parks and recreation uses

• The extent to which the proposed development is compatible with the surrounding area and aligns with the City Plan and Parks and Recreation Pathway

• The extent to which the proposed development provides a community benefit (in addition to the city’s proposed park use)

• Ability to support a timely and efficient disposition process

• Timeframe proposed to reach closing and to reach final redevelopment of the property

• Demonstrated market feasibility and market support for the proposed use

• Purchase price or value proposition and overall financial return to Jefferson County

Public Schools

• Specificity and certainty of funding sources and overall project financing plan

• Financial capacity and stability of the proposing entity

• Stability and tenure of proposed final owner/occupant(s)

Chris Musselman Director, JLL Consultant to Jeffco Public Schools chris.musselman@jll.com Email subject line: “Wheat Ridge RFI” mailto:BrianC.Carroll@jll.com

• Qualifications and experience of the project team in executing similar projects

• References

D. Key Dates Initial review of submittals will begin approximately 45 days after the RFI is issued;

proposals may continue to be accepted beyond that date. The city and district reserves the right to proceed with one or more respondents at any time following the initial review.

• Site and building tours: By request

• Question acceptance deadline: Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM

• Initial review of submittals: Thursday, May 7, 2026

• Ongoing review: Submittals will continue to be accepted and reviewed until a preferred respondent or respondents are identified

• Short list and interviews: Conducted on a rolling basis following the initial review period

Section 9. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

A. Documents The following documents are included for review to use in the preparation of your submittal:

• Zoning Map (in Section 10)

• Aerial Map (in Section 10)

• Diagram of Current and Future City Uses (in Section 10)

• Link to City Plan

• Link to Pathway

For proposals which consider reuse of the school buildings, additional documentation about each school may be provided by request by the school district. Contact Brian Carroll at JLL (see section 8).

B. About Wheat Ridge

The City of Wheat Ridge is an inner-ring suburb west of Denver with a population of approximately 32,000. Wheat Ridge provides a small community feel with easy access to Denver, the foothills, the mountains, Interstate 70, Denver International Airport, and transit.

Wheat Ridge historically produced wheat and a variety of fruits and vegetables to serve the Denver region. Eventually the establishment of greenhouses led the city to become the largest producer of carnations in the world. The “Carnation City” grew as a bedroom community for Denver workers in the 1950s with commercial development occurring along the main roadways extending from Denver, as part of unincorporated Jefferson County.

Wheat Ridge incorporated in 1969 due to annexation pressures from surrounding jurisdictions. The city retains some of its agricultural roots today with pockets of agricultural uses and extensive open space.

The city has made focused efforts to invest in infrastructure, diversify its housing stock, attract and retain businesses, and engage residents. These efforts have been successful with the revitalization of 38th Avenue into a main street and community gathering spot, the development of Clear Creek Crossing, the rezoning of the former hospital campus, and transit-oriented infrastructure and development at the northwest corner of the city. Wheat Ridge voters have supported two infrastructure bond initiatives in the last decade and are proud of the unique character of the community.

Section 10. EXHIBITS

Proposed Parks and Recreation Uses at Wilmore Davis

Proposed Parks and Recreation Uses at Kullerstrand

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