RFQ BFR-039-072226 BRUNSWICK FACTORY REDEVELOPMENT.pdf

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BRUNSWICK FACTORY REDEVELOPMENT
Solicitation number
BFR-039-072226
Issued by
Middlesex County, Connecticut

About this file

Summary

This is a Request for Expressed Interest (RFQ) issued by the City of Torrington, Connecticut for the redevelopment of the historic Brunswick Factory site located at 535 Migeon Avenue. The City seeks qualified developers, real estate investors, and visionary partners to submit expressions of interest for transformative redevelopment of the 11.5-acre former industrial complex containing over 230,000 square feet of building space across 12 structures. The project envisions adaptive reuse of the historic buildings into mixed-use development scenarios that may include a mixed-use village with commercial, maker space, food and beverage, and residential components; a sports and recreation complex; or an academic and manufacturing campus. A mandatory site tour is scheduled for July 8, 2026 at 11:00 AM, written questions are due by July 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM, and sealed bid packages must be submitted in person to the Purchasing Department at 140 Main Street, Room 206, Torrington, CT 06790 by no later than 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Shortlisted respondents may be invited for interviews beginning August 3, 2026, with potential progression to detailed proposals under a future Request for Proposals or direct negotiation with the City.

The solicitation does not specify a contract value or pricing structure, as this is a non-binding expression of interest to identify qualified development partners who will negotiate a purchase and sale agreement with the current property owner, 535 Migeon Ave, LLC. The City has secured a $200,000 grant from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development for environmental assessment (completed Spring 2026) and intends to pursue additional state and federal brownfield remediation funding for environmental cleanup and hazardous building abatement. Respondents must demonstrate financial capacity, experience with adaptive reuse, brownfield redevelopment, historic preservation, and public-private partnerships. MBEs, WBEs, and SBEs are encouraged to apply. Submissions become property of the City, which reserves the right to cancel the RFQ, reject all submissions, modify deadlines, or reissue the solicitation at any time. The selection process is non-binding, with no legal obligations existing until a fully executed agreement is in place.

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11.5 Acre Development Site

Prime Mixed-Use Development Located on Route 4 and the Naugatuck River Transformative Mixed-Use Development

The City of Torrington proudly issues this Request for Expressed Interest to development companies and real estate investors for the transformative redevelopment of the former Brunswick Factory site located at 535 Migeon Avenue (the “Site”). Once a bustling industrial factory, this property has been underutilized since the factory closure in 2006. In 2022, the City of Torrington and 535 Migeon Ave, LLC, partnered to complete a Brownfield Area-wide Revitalization Planning Project (BAR Planning) to evaluate redevelopment opportunities for the Site and surrounding properties.

The City of Torrington envisions a public-private partnership with qualified developers, real estate investors, and visionary partners that will harness city and state financial resources to inspire a vibrant mixed-use and mixed-income redevelopment, revitalizing this property along the Naugatuck River and Route 4.

We look forward to your response and consideration.

Bid packages shall be mailed to the Purchasing Department, 140 Main Street, Room 206, Torrington, CT 06790, during regular office hours by no later than 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Submittals received after this date and time will not be accepted. Sealed envelope(s) should be clearly marked: “RFQ BFR-039-072226, BRUNSWICK FACTORY REDEVELOPMENT”. In the event that City Hall is closed due to weather-related or other emergency circumstances, submittals shall be due the next business day, no later than 11:00 AM on that day, when City Hall reopens. Fax or email submissions will not be accepted.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

MBE’s, WBE’s, and SBE’s ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PROJECT BACKGROUND & GOALS

SITE OVERVIEW

DEVELOPMENT SCENARIOS

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

SELECTION CRITERIA & EVALUATION PROCESS

TIMELINE AND SCHEDULE FOR RFQ

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

BRUNSWICK FACTORY CITY OF TORRINGTON

REDEVELOPMENT RFQ 140 MAIN STREET

TORRINGTON, CT 06790

Pa ge

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The City of Torrington, on behalf of 535 Migeon Ave, LLC, invites qualified developers, real estate investors, and visionary partners to submit Expressions of Interest for the redevelopment of the historic Brunswick Factory site at 535 Migeon Avenue. This RFQ is a non-binding solicitation intended to identify parties interested in transforming this former industrial complex into a vibrant, economically productive, and community-oriented destination.

The site is the focus of the 2022-2025 “Embracing Our Legacy” Brownfield Area-Wide Revitalization (BAR) Study, which outlines a vision for adaptive reuse, environmental remediation, and economic revitalization. With over 230,000 square feet of existing building space and direct access to the Naugatuck River Greenway Trail network, the site offers a rare opportunity to catalyze investment and community development in Torrington. 535 Migeon Ave, LLC currently owns the property, and any development team responding to this RFQ will be expected to negotiate a purchase and sale agreement with the property owner.

The Brunswick Factory stands as one of Torrington’s most architecturally and culturally significant industrial landmarks. Though currently underutilized since its closure in 2006, the 11.5-acre campus’s late-19th- and early-20th-century factory buildings retain substantial historic integrity and redevelopment potential. As part of the redevelopment strategy, the City prefers that any future property owner pursue a nomination of the Brunswick Factory to the State or National Register of Historic Places, thereby enabling eligibility for State and Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits. These incentives will support the preservation of the site’s historic character while advancing a transformative, mixed-use redevelopment that celebrates Torrington’s industrial legacy and drives new economic investment along the Naugatuck River corridor.

In 2025, the City of Torrington was awarded a $200,000 grant for an environmental assessment from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). This funding enabled the City to complete critical environmental investigations, hazardous building material surveys, and building feasibility studies. The assessment project was completed in Spring 2026. Based on the findings from this assessment project, the City intends to partner with a developer to apply for DECD brownfield remediation funding to complete environmental remediation and hazardous building abatement, thereby advancing the redevelopment of the site.

The City anticipates that the selected development partner will collaborate with municipal staff to pursue additional state and federal funding sources, including brownfield remediation grants, historic preservation incentives, and infrastructure support programs. Preference will be given to development teams with demonstrated experience in brownfield remediation, historic preservation, and public-private partnerships – particularly those with a track record of success in similarly sized Connecticut municipalities.

As a designated distressed municipality, Torrington is committed to leveraging this redevelopment opportunity to stimulate economic growth, expand the tax base, and improve residents' quality of life. The Brunswick Factory site represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform this historically significant industrial campus into a dynamic, connected, and inclusive destination that reflects the city’s resilience and ambition.

PROJECT BACKGROUND & GOALS

Background The Brunswick Factory property at 535 Migeon Avenue is one of Torrington’s most historically significant industrial sites. Spanning approximately 11.5 acres, the campus features 12 factory buildings, many of which date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Several nationally recognized manufacturers, including Union Hardware and Brunswick Corporation, operated from this site for over a century. These architecturally distinctive structures, rich with character and craftsmanship, offer a rare opportunity for adaptive reuse that honors the city’s past while embracing its future. Adjacent to the factory campus are 13 additional acres along the Naugatuck River. The 13-acre “North Parcel” was previously used as a factory landfill and will be remediated by the current property owner, Brunswick Corporation. It is slated for open-space trails and as an extension of the Naugatuck River Greenway Trail.

Reimagining the Brunswick Factory as a mixed-use hub for innovation, recreation, and community life would bring significant economic benefits to Torrington. The site’s strategic location along the Naugatuck River Greenway Trail presents a unique opportunity to enhance connectivity between the west end, the riverfront, and Torrington’s vibrant downtown district. As the BAR Study notes, “a pedestrian and bike trail connection between the 11.5-acre Brunswick Factory property and the 13-acre Northern Parcel would leverage investment in the downtown district and in the region, expanding the overall network.” By integrating trail access, public spaces, and multimodal infrastructure, the redevelopment can catalyze increased foot traffic, tourism, and private investment. With the right vision and partnerships, the Brunswick Factory can become a dynamic destination that supports job creation, expands the tax base, and strengthens Torrington’s identity as a forward-thinking city rooted in its historic foundations.

Redevelopment Goals

• Adaptive Reuse: Maximize the preservation and repurposing of historic structures where possible.

• Environmental Remediation: A redevelopment strategy that addresses environmental conditions in coordination with a remedial action plan and in compliance with CT DEEP standards.

• Economic Development: Create jobs, expand the tax base, and attract new businesses.

• Community Integration: Enhance public access, trail connectivity, and recreational amenities.

• Phased Development: Allow for incremental investment and flexibility in implementation.

SITE OVERVIEW

• Address: 535 Migeon Avenue, Torrington, CT 06790

• Zoning: Industrial (I)

• Ownership: 535 Migeon Ave, LLC

• Environmental Status: Phase I, II-III ESAs completed (2026); site enrolled in CT

Property Transfer Program

• Utilities: Public water, sewer, and natural gas available at the Manufacturing Parcel

• Key Features:

• 12 buildings totaling over 230,000 sq ft

• Adjacent to the Naugatuck River and proposed Greenway Trail extension

• Community-supported vision for mixed-use, light industrial, and recreational uses

DEVELOPMENT SCENARIOS

The City is open to a range of development approaches, including but not limited to:

• Scenario A: Mixed-Use Village*

A blend of commercial, maker space, food & beverage, and residential (subject to ELURs).

• Scenario B: Sports and Recreation Complex

Adaptive reuse for sports, fitness, recreation, and wellness uses, leveraging proximity to the Community Health & Wellness Center.

• Scenario C: Academic and Manufacturing Campus

Light industrial and workforce training facilities in partnership with regional institutions.

* Note: The 2025 environmental reports and building feasibility study determined that residential uses are a viable option based on current data. The City intends to partner with a developer and apply for Brownfield Remediation grant funding to clean the property to residential standards.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Interested parties should submit a concise Expression of Interest, including:

1. Cover Letter: Introduction to the development team and interest in the project

2. Team Qualifications: Relevant experience with adaptive reuse, brownfield redevelopment, or similar projects

3. Preliminary Vision: Conceptual approach to site reuse, including historic preservation, potential uses, phasing, and community benefits

4. Financial Capacity: Demonstrated ability to finance and execute complex redevelopment projects

5. References: Contact information for recent project partners or municipal clients

Response Package Submittals Shall Include:

• One (1) original of the entire bid package

• One (1) exact copy of the entire bid package

• One (1) thumb drive containing the entire bid package

SELECTION CRITERIA & EVALUATION PROCESS

The City of Torrington will evaluate RFQ submissions and develop a shortlist of development teams for interviews and further discussions. Selected teams may be asked to provide additional qualifications, information, or proposals based on the following criteria:

• Alignment with City goals and community vision

• Experience with similar redevelopment projects

• Financial and organizational capacity

• Creativity and feasibility of the proposed approach

• Willingness to collaborate with the City and community stakeholders

The City of Torrington is committed to selecting a development team that will purchase the property and maximize the potential of the Brunswick Factory Redevelopment, thereby contributing to the city’s long-term economic and community revitalization.

TIMELINE AND SCHEDULE FOR RFQ

• RFQ Issued: June 17, 2026

• Site Tour: July 8, 2026 at 11:00 am

• Questions Due: July 15, 2026 at 11:00 am

• RFQ Submission Deadline: July 22, 2026 at 11:00 am

• Interviews Starting (if applicable): August 3, 2026

• Next Steps: Shortlisted respondents may be invited to submit detailed proposals under a future RFP or negotiate directly with the City.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

The City of Torrington will accept responses to this Request for Expressed Interest through Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 am, and begin reviewing them in the first week of August 2026.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Project:

• Brunswick Factory Project Website

• Embracing Our Legacy BAR Grant Study (2025)

• Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (2025)

• Phase II-III Environmental Site Assessment (2026)

• Hazardous Building Material Investigation (2025)

• Building Feasibility Study 1a (2025)

• Building Feasibility Study 1b (2025)

• Building Feasibility Study 2 (2025)

• Property Card – 535 Migeon Avenue

City-Wide Information & Data

• Torrington Economic Development Website

• Current City of Torrington Zoning Regulations

• 2022 – 2027 Housing Affordability Plan

• 2023 Plan of Conservation and Development

• 2024 Torrington Market Analysis

• 2018 Brownfield Redevelopment Strategy

Regional Data (Northwest Hills Council of Governments)

• 2024 – 2029 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) https://www.torringtonct.gov/682/Brunswick-Factory-Assessment-Project https://www.torringtonct.org/economic-development/files/embracing-our-legacy-bar-grant-2025 https://www.torringtonct.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif12226/f/pages/2025-01.pdf https://www.torringtonct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1796/Phase-II-III-ESA-VHB-2026pdf https://www.torringtonct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1798/HBM-Inv-Eagle-Env-2025pdf https://www.torringtonct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1803/Feasibility-Study-1a-Crosskey-2025pdf https://www.torringtonct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1802/Feasibility-Study-1b-Crosskey-2025pdf https://www.torringtonct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1804/Feasibility-Study-2-Crosskey-2025pdf https://www.propertyrecordcards.com/PropertyResults.aspx?towncode=143&uniqueid=1535 https://www.torringtonct.gov/227/Economic-Development https://www.torringtonct.org/land-use-department/pages/zoning-regulations https://www.torringtonct.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif12226/f/uploads/torrington_2022-2027_housing_affordability_plan.pdf https://www.torringtonct.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif12226/f/uploads/torrington_pocd_-_effective_2-24-23_with_maps_rfs_0.pdf https://www.torringtonct.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif12226/f/uploads/market_analysis_torrington_2024.pdf https://www.torringtonct.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif12226/f/uploads/tbar-brownfieldstrategywithcloseups.final_.20180921.pdf https://www.nhcogct.gov/_files/ugd/9c21c2_a43a68bc3a21416685b6335e7c614850.pdf

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Reservation of Rights The City of Torrington reserves the right to:

• Cancel or withdraw this RFQ at any time, before or after the submission deadline.

• Modify or issue clarifications to the RFQ prior to the submission deadline.

• Reject any submission deemed incomplete or non-responsive to the stated requirements.

• Consider a submission that does not fully comply with the requirements if, in the City’s sole discretion, it is in the best interest of the project and the community.

• Reject all submissions received under this RFQ.

• Modify submission deadlines or other procedural elements as needed.

• Reissue this RFQ, a revised RFQ, or initiate a new RFQ or RFP, regardless of whether responses were received for this issuance.

The City of Torrington is committed to ensuring a fair and competitive process that results in the highest-quality redevelopment of the Brunswick Factory Redevelopment Project.

Modification of RFQ The City of Torrington may post notices or updates related to this RFQ, including cancellations, deadline changes, or other modifications, on the City of Torrington’s website and the state’s website. It is the responsibility of interested developers to check for any such updates, as the City is not obligated to provide direct notifications.

Ownership of Submissions All submissions become the property of the City of Torrington. The City reserves the right to use any ideas or concepts included in a submission, regardless of whether the submission is selected for further consideration.

Requests for Additional Information The City may request that developers clarify their submissions or provide additional details as needed. Developers may also be asked to submit best and final proposals or participate in oral presentations as part of the evaluation process.

Non-Binding Selection Process The selection of a developer through this RFQ process signifies only the City’s intent to continue discussions and does not constitute a binding commitment to execute a final agreement. No legal obligations will exist between the City and any selected developer until a fully executed agreement and all required supporting documents are in place.

Limitation of Liability By participating in this RFQ process, developers agree to hold the City of Torrington, its officers, employees, agents, and consultants harmless from any claims, liabilities, or costs related to all aspects of this solicitation.

Non-Discrimination:

The respondent agrees and warrants that in the performance of the contract pursuant to this solicitation he/she will not discriminate or permit discrimination against any person or group of persons on the grounds of sex, race, color, religion, age, marital status, ancestry, national origin, past history of mental disorder, mental retardation or physical disability or other basis in any manner prohibited by the laws of the United States, the State of Connecticut or the City of Torrington.

Insurance Certificate of Insurance: All insurance policies must include a Waiver of Subrogation whereby the insured waives its right to subrogate against the City, its subsidiaries, employees, volunteers, directors and officers. Proof of proper insurance coverage, Workers' Compensation Insurance, Liability and Property Damage, and Vehicle Insurance shall be filed with the City of Torrington Purchasing Agent within 10 days after the award of the bid. The Certificate of Insurance must name the City of Torrington, 140 Main St., Torrington, CT, its subsidiaries, employees, volunteers, directors & officers as the “Additional Insured” and filed with the Purchasing Agent prior to commencement of work. Renewal Certificates of Insurance must be mailed to the Purchasing Agent 10 days prior to the expiration of the required coverage.

Indemnification To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Bidder shall indemnify and hold harmless the City and their respective consultants, agents, and employees from and against all claims, damages, losses and expenses, direct, indirect or consequential (including but not limited to fees and charges of attorneys and other professionals and court and arbitration costs) arising out of or resulting from the performance of the Firm’s work, provided that such claim, damage, loss or expense is caused in whole or in part by any negligent act or omission by the Firm, or breach of its obligations herein or by any person or organization directly or indirectly employed or engaged by the Firm to perform or furnish services, or anyone for whose acts the Firm may be liable, regardless of whether or not it is caused in part by a party indemnified hereunder.

As to any and all claims against the City or any of its consultants, agents or employees by any employee of Firm, by any person or organization directly or indirectly employed by Firm to perform or furnish any of the work, or by anyone for whose acts Firm may be liable, the indemnification obligation under this section shall not be limited in any way by any limitation on the amount of type of damages, compensation or benefits payable by or for Firm under worker’s or workman’s compensation acts, disability benefit acts or other employee benefit acts.

Federal Procurement Any procurement made pursuant to a federal award or subject to reimbursement, in whole or in part, with federal funds must comply with the City of Torrington’s purchasing procedures, state law, and the applicable Federal Procurement Requirements, including 2 CFR § 200.322 ("Procurement of recovered materials"), 2 CFR § 200.323 ("Contract cost and price"), 2 CFR §

200.324 ("Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity review"), 2 CFR § 200.325 ("Bonding requirements"), and 2 CFR § 200.326 ("Contract provisions"). In the event of any conflict between Town, State, or federal requirements, the most stringent requirement must be used. (See 2 CFR § 200.318.) City employees must comply with funding agency requests for review of technical specifications or procurement documents as provided in 2 CFR § 200.324.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PROJECT BACKGROUND & GOALS
SITE OVERVIEW
DEVELOPMENT SCENARIOS
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
SELECTION CRITERIA & EVALUATION PROCESS
TIMELINE AND SCHEDULE FOR RFQ
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

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