Ashanti House Operator/Leassor

The Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government Office of Housing and Community Development is issuing an Expression of Interest (EOI) to procure a qualified operator and leassor for the Ashanti House, a historic two-story firehouse located at 1150 South 28th Street in the Parkland neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky. The facility encompasses approximately 4,942 square feet on 0.1424 acres and will be developed as a community-centered hub providing comprehensive programming for at-risk communities, including youth engagement, mentorship, workforce development, mental health support services, and family support services. The selected nonprofit operator will be responsible for all facility operations, utilities, maintenance, interior build-out, code compliance, and establishment of a sustainability plan with strategic partnerships and diversified funding sources. The operator must maintain two office spaces available for public rental or subleasing (subject to Metro approval), develop a detailed build-out plan with identified capital improvements and funding sources, and implement performance benchmarks to be negotiated and incorporated into the lease agreement, including minimum annual community programs, youth participation targets, and compliance with maintenance standards. Evaluation will be based on a 105-point narrative proposal scoring system, with the top three applicants advancing to interviews at the Office of Housing and Community Development. Required submission materials include proof of 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, two years of audited financial statements and IRS Form 990, proposed operating budget, facility build-out plan, programming plan with measurable outcomes, subleasing model, sustainability plan, board list, and insurance documentation. Mandatory pre-submission walkthroughs are scheduled for March 23rd and 24th, 2026, with a makeup date of March 25th for inclement weather, and the application deadline is May 1st, 2026.

This procurement opportunity is restricted exclusively to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, establishing a clear set-aside designation that limits competition to the nonprofit sector. The property will be leased to the selected operator under a five-year lease agreement at one dollar per year, with renewal subject to annual review and achievement of negotiated performance goals; failure to meet established benchmarks may impact lease renewal decisions. The facility is being conveyed in "as is, where is" condition, requiring the operator to bear all costs associated with interior improvements and necessary capital expenditures for build-out and ongoing operations. The property will be rezoned from EZ-1 to C-R (Commercial Residential) designation, permitting community centers and various retail and service uses that align with the community-focused operational model. No incumbent vendor or current operator is identified, as this represents a new procurement opportunity for facility management. The lease structure at one dollar per year represents a nominal consideration, with the actual financial value of the opportunity derived from the operator's ability to develop community programming and establish a sustainable revenue model through subleasing and diversified funding sources rather than through direct government compensation.