Redevelopment and/or Reuse Partner for Vacant Wheat Ridge Elementary Schools

The City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, in partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools and JLL, is issuing a Request for Interest (RFI) seeking qualified developers or entities to redevelop and/or reuse two vacant elementary school properties: Kullerstrand Elementary School (12225 W 38th Avenue, approximately 10.718 acres) and Wilmore Davis Elementary School (7975 W 41st Avenue, approximately 7.23 acres). Both schools closed in May 2023 and are owned by Jeffco Public Schools, with the city seeking a partner to redevelop or reuse the portions containing the school buildings while maintaining parks and recreation use on approximately 7 acres at Kullerstrand and 2 acres at Wilmore Davis, leaving approximately 3.7 acres and 5 acres respectively available for redevelopment. Respondents must submit statements of interest addressing site improvements and City Plan compatibility, financing details including an initial financial offer to Jeffco, and organizational information demonstrating relevant experience and qualifications. The question acceptance deadline is April 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM, with initial review of submittals beginning May 7, 2026, and the overall due date for responses is May 18, 2026; site and building tours are available by request. Evaluation criteria include compatibility with the city's parks and recreation objectives, alignment with the adopted City Plan (September 2025) and Parks and Recreation Pathway, community benefits, market feasibility, proposed timeframe for closing and completion, purchase price and financial return to Jeffco, funding source certainty, financial capacity of the proposing entity, and qualifications of the project team. The city intends to continue accepting and reviewing proposals beyond the initial 45-day review period and reserves the right to proceed with selected respondents at any time.

The RFI does not indicate any specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting organizational types that may respond, meaning both public and private entities appear eligible to submit statements of interest. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are referenced in this procurement opportunity. The properties are zoned residential with limited non-residential uses permitted; however, zone changes may be required for certain development scenarios, indicating that respondents should be prepared to navigate potential zoning modifications with the city. The city explicitly states it does not intend to provide financial subsidy to private development, as neither property is within an urban renewal area and therefore ineligible for tax increment financing, though the city is willing to serve as a joint or lead applicant for grant opportunities. No specific budget range or award value is listed; rather, proposals should include initial financial offers to Jeffco, with all final decisions regarding surplus property disposition, reuse approval, pricing, and sale remaining solely with the Jeffco Board of Education.