Request for Proposals - Land Acquisition and Development of Major State Highway Property in Rusk County

Rusk County, Wisconsin is soliciting a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the purchase or long-term lease of a prime 7-acre waterfront property located at 900 and 906 College Avenue in the City of Ladysmith. The property, situated on the west side of State Highway 27 between Port Arthur Avenue and the Flambeau River, is being offered for comprehensive redevelopment with the goal of maximizing value and use potential while preserving its natural, recreational, and historical character. Potential development opportunities include retail, hotel, housing, recreation, and green space initiatives, with respondents allowed to submit proposals for individual parcels or the entire property. The RFP requires detailed submissions that include information about the development team, proposed development plans, project timeline, and financial strategy. Evaluation criteria will focus on the proposal's ability to enhance the property's value, align with community development goals, and demonstrate financial feasibility. The submission deadline is November 1, 2024, with the County Board of Supervisors expected to review and potentially approve a recommendation in late 2024 or early 2025.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned in the RFP documents. The County reserves the right to negotiate purchase price and contract terms with the selected respondent and will not provide indemnification to the purchaser. Supporting documentation includes multiple exhibits detailing property appraisals, which estimate the total market value of the vacant parcels at approximately $830,000, with an additional medical clinic facility valued at $1,970,000. The property is situated within Tax Incremental Districts (TID #9 and TID #13), which provide potential financial incentives for redevelopment. While no incumbent vendors are identified, the County has prepared comprehensive background materials including property condition assessments, site drawings, and project plan amendments to support potential developers' due diligence. The RFP indicates flexibility in development approach, welcoming innovative proposals that can transform the property while respecting its intrinsic characteristics and local community needs.