Nathan hale school reuse/repurposing

The Town of Manchester, located in Hartford County, Connecticut, is seeking proposals for the reuse and repurposing of the Nathan Hale School through RFP #22/23-65. The procurement targets qualified entities to either purchase or enter into a long-term lease for the 58,960 square foot building and 3.8-acre site, with potential uses including housing, office space, mixed-use development, nonprofit facilities, educational opportunities, and creative spaces. The project aims to transform the historic 1922 Cheney Brothers school building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, into a community asset that brings renewed energy to the neighborhood. Proposals will be evaluated using a 100-point scoring system: 45 points for delivering a transformative project aligned with town vision, 20 points for proposed structure and requested incentives, 20 points for financial capabilities, and 15 points for relevant project experience. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for June 6, 2023, with proposals due by June 21, 2023, at 11:00 am. The Town has conducted extensive community engagement through the Repurposed Schools Task Force, identifying key community desires such as affordable housing, transitional housing, senior and disabled housing, a community recreational center, and support services.

The RFP does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though the Manchester Living Wage Certification form suggests some considerations for smaller businesses and nonprofits. Exemptions exist for charitable foundations with 501(c) tax-exempt status, businesses employing fewer than 25 eligible employees, or contracts valued under $25,000. The Town reserves the right to select multiple proposals that fulfill community goals and is open to various ownership structures and development approaches. While no specific budget range or award value is explicitly stated, the project's flexibility suggests a preference for comprehensive, community-focused proposals over strictly financial considerations. The property currently hosts recreational activities like pickleball, badminton, indoor markets, and family events, and is located near the Town's Office of Neighborhood and Family Services, within half a mile of downtown Manchester. Interested parties should demonstrate their ability to integrate existing community uses while proposing innovative approaches to repurposing the historic school building.