R. F. P. - Sale and Redevelopment of 304 Main Street

The Town of East Hartford, Connecticut is soliciting proposals for the sale and redevelopment of 304 Main Street, a 0.26-acre vacant commercial lot, with proposals due October 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. under RFP Bid No. 27-03.

The property is a former fire station site (demolished 2021) located in the B-2 Neighborhood Business zone with 70 feet of Main Street frontage and average daily traffic of 14,500 vehicles. All public utilities are available. The Town seeks a qualified developer to purchase and redevelop the site with uses contributing to Main Street corridor revitalization and pedestrian activity. Preferred uses include neighborhood-scale commercial, mixed-use development, small office, restaurant, or cafe operations. The site qualifies as an Enterprise Zone and Federal Opportunity Zone, offering potential tax benefits.

An independent appraisal completed in April 2026 valued the property at $80,000. The selected developer will enter into a Land Development Agreement establishing responsibilities for acquisition, design, permitting, utility connections, construction, insurance, and completion. The agreement includes performance milestones for closing, permitting, construction commencement, and project completion, with property reversion to the Town if milestones are not met.

Evaluation criteria include the developer's ability to execute the project, community benefit and neighborhood stability, conformance with the Plan of Conservation and Development, financial strength and delivery capability, proposed purchase price, and related project experience. Proposals must include an executive summary, developer qualifications with resumes and comparable projects, detailed development plans with site and conceptual designs, proposed schedule, financial information, and proof of insurance and corporate resolutions. Submission requires four hard copies and one digital copy to the Town Hall Purchasing Office.

Questions are due September 18, 2026. An addendum will be issued by September 23. Anticipated selection is November 2026, with Town Council approval expected Spring 2027. Contact Michelle Enman at 860-291-7271 or menman@easthartfordct.gov for submission details.