Stone_Mountain_Development_Advisor_RFP_ Final.docx

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Development Advisory Services The Lawn on Main Project

1. Introduction

The City of Stone Mountain, Georgia (“City”) is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide Development Advisory Services for the implementation of 'The Lawn on Main, a planned civic park and mixed-use destination located in the historic downtown district.

The selected Development Advisor will assist the City in structuring and managing a competitive procurement process to identify a qualified development partner and/or construction delivery team to implement the project.

The City seeks a consultant with demonstrated experience in urban park development, tourism-oriented development, public-private partnerships, downtown revitalization, and municipal procurement processes.

2. Project Overview

The Lawn on Main is envisioned as a signature civic destination that will serve residents, visitors, and the regional community. The project site consists of approximately 3.47 acres located between West Mountain Street, Ridge Avenue, Manor Drive, and the Georgia Railroad corridor in downtown Stone Mountain.

The City of Stone Mountain is located adjacent to Stone Mountain Park, one of Georgia’s most visited attractions. The City is also a historic destination with a vibrant Main Street district that attracts visitors throughout the year.

The City is focused on expanding tourism opportunities and strengthening its downtown economy by creating a vibrant public space combined with complementary private investment.

3. Concept Plan Elements

· Amphitheater and terraced lawn seating

· Splash pad, green space and flexible gathering space

· Restroom facility and shade structure

· Entry plazas and gateway features

· Stormwater landscape areas

· Pedestrian connections and shared street elements

· Hotel development to support tourism and overnight visitors

4. Purpose of the RFP

The purpose of this RFP is to select a Development Advisor who will guide the City through the next phase of implementation for The Lawn on Main project.

The advisor will help package the project opportunity, conduct outreach to the development community, prepare a developer solicitation, and assist the City in evaluating proposals and negotiating development agreements.

The City is particularly interested in development concepts that support tourism growth and create a destination experience for visitors to downtown Stone Mountain.

5. Scope of Services

The City of Stone Mountain seeks a qualified Development Advisor to assist the City in soliciting and selecting a qualified development partner for the Lawn on Main project, which will include a hotel component and public greenspace supporting the City’s tourism economy and historic downtown.

The Development Advisor will provide professional advisory services including, but not limited to, the following:

· Project Strategy and Development Packaging: The Development Advisor will review all existing planning materials, including the site survey, concept plans, and previous consultant work, and develop a clear strategy for positioning the property for successful development. This effort will include packaging the project in a format suitable for the development community and identifying appropriate development approaches.

· Preparation of Developer Solicitation: The Development Advisor will prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) or similar developer solicitation to attract qualified development teams. The solicitation will clearly communicate the City’s development objectives, site characteristics, potential financial participation by the City, and expectations for the development partner.

· Market Outreach and Developer Engagement: The Development Advisor will actively market the development opportunity to qualified developers and hospitality development firms. This process may include targeted outreach, distribution of solicitation materials, coordination with development industry networks, and engagement with developers to generate interest in the project.

· Market Feedback and RFP Refinement: The Development Advisor will assist the City in gathering feedback from potential development partners regarding the feasibility of the proposed project elements. Based on this feedback, the advisor may recommend modifications to the development approach or solicitation to improve market response.

· Proposal Evaluation and Advisory Support: The Development Advisor will assist the City in reviewing and evaluating proposals submitted by development teams. This may include analyzing development concepts, financial capacity, project feasibility, and the developer’s experience delivering comparable projects.

· Transaction and Negotiation Support: The Development Advisor may assist the City and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) in negotiations with the selected development partner. Depending on the development structure, the advisor may also assist with marketing the property for sale or lease, and may serve in a brokerage capacity if appropriate.

6. Proposal Requirements / Proposals shall include the following information:

· Firm Qualifications: Overview of the firm and relevant experience.

· Project Team: Identification of key personnel and their roles.

· Relevant Experience: Description of at least three similar projects involving hospitality, hotel/tourism, or mixed-use development.

· Project Approach: Methodology for assisting the City in selecting a development partner.

· Project Schedule: Estimated timeline for completion of services.

· Fee Proposal: Proposed fee structure and payment schedule.

· References: At least three municipal or public-sector client references.

7. Evaluation Criteria / Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

· Experience with similar municipal and tourism-oriented development projects

· Qualifications of the project team

· Demonstrated experience with public-private partnerships

· Understanding of the City's goals: to establish Stone Mountain as a tourist destination

· Proposed project approach and timeline

· Cost of services

8. Tentative Schedule

· RFP Issued: March 26, 2026

· Optional Pre-Bid Meeting: Friday, April 10, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., on-site at The Lawn on Main, 5308 W Main Street, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. The entrance to the site is located on Manor Drive. Parking is available at 5325 Manor Drive, directly across from the lawn entrance.

· Questions Submission Deadline: Interested firms may submit questions by Monday, April 13, 2026 via email to mdimov@stonemountaincity.org, and mhelton@stonemountaincity.org The City’s responses will be listed on the City’s website (Economic Development page / Request for Proposals).

· Sealed Bids Due: All sealed bids must be received no later than 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, at City Hall, 875 Main Street, Stone Mountain, GA 30083.

· Bid Opening: Sealed bids will be publicly opened on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at City Hall, 875 Main Street, Stone Mountain, GA 30083.

· Consultant Selection: The top three (3) ranked firms will be invited to present their proposals to the Mayor and City Council at the Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Following presentations, the City will identify a finalist for selection.

· Contract Execution and Public Announcement: The City may then enter into negotiations for a definitive agreement with the selected firm. The selected development advisor, along with proposal rankings, will be publicly announced upon execution of the final agreement.

9. Submission Instructions

All proposals must be submitted as sealed bids and delivered to:

City Hall 875 Main Street Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Sealed bids must be clearly marked with the project name: Proposal for Development Advisory Services - The Lawn on Main Project; and received no later than 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026. Bids received after this deadline may not be considered.

Sealed bids will be publicly opened at 2:00 p.m. on April 20, 2026 at Stone Mountain City Hall, located at 875 Main street, Stone Mountain, GA 30083.

10. Reservation of Rights

The City of Stone Mountain reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive irregularities, request additional information, and select the proposal that is determined to be in the best interest of the City.

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