Nash Square Public Realm Plan

The City of Raleigh is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Nash Square Public Realm Plan, seeking design firms with expertise in urban planning, landscape architecture, historical and cultural planning, public engagement, civil engineering, cost estimating, urban forestry, and transportation planning. The project aims to develop a comprehensive long-range vision and management plan for Nash Square, one of Raleigh's original public squares, focusing on preserving its historical integrity while preparing for urban redevelopment and the new Civic Campus. Key objectives include enhancing the public realm, integrating new development, protecting historical significance, and creating a management strategy for long-term resilience. The RFQ was posted on July 23, 2025, with proposals due by August 22, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST, and the total project duration is expected to be approximately one year, with a final plan to be presented to the Raleigh City Council by October 20, 2026. Evaluation criteria will include firm background, project understanding, team qualifications, similar project experience, public engagement capabilities, and familiarity with the project area. The selection process will follow the Mini-Brooks Act, with price not being a determining factor in the selection.

The RFQ does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The project will be funded wholly or partially with federal funding, which will require compliance with various federal provisions. While no incumbent vendors are listed, the city encourages the formation of collaborative teams with diverse expertise. The RFQ reserves the right for the city to negotiate with the most qualified firm and potentially continue services with the selected consultant for future phases of study and design development. Although a specific budget range is not provided, the comprehensive nature of the project suggests a significant investment in reimagining Nash Square as a vital civic space. The project scope extends beyond the square's formal boundaries to incorporate surrounding streetscapes and public rights-of-way, indicating a holistic approach to urban design and public realm improvement.