RFQ Developer Partner West End Choice Neighborhood

The Johnstown Housing Authority is requesting qualifications from professional developers to serve as development partner for the West End Choice Neighborhood redevelopment initiative in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, with qualifications due August 17, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. The selected developer will finalize the Housing Element of the West End Choice Neighborhood Plan and negotiate a master developer's agreement for project implementation following a HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant application (anticipated fiscal years 2027 or 2028).

The scope covers reviewing current site concept plans and housing market studies for the Coopersdale Community (a 121-unit public housing site built in 1959); developing and refining a final concept plan with feasible site layout and preliminary renderings; assisting in acquisition of key off-site housing parcels; developing a project phasing plan that avoids resident displacement; assessing financial feasibility and developing an initial funding structure; and preparing materials for the final Choice Neighborhood Plan and HUD Implementation Grant application. Draft deliverables for the Housing Element plan are due February 5, 2027, with feedback by February 19, 2027. The anticipated housing mix includes up to 241 mixed-income rental units (inclusive of the 121 replacement public housing units) and 10 affordable homeownership units.

Respondents must demonstrate extensive experience and financial resources in comprehensive mixed-income, mixed-finance, mixed-use housing developments and proven capacity to leverage multiple funding sources including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, Municipal Bonds, New Market Tax Credits, HOME, CDBG, and FHLB funding. Preference will be given to developers with successful completion of comparable HUD-related housing developments of similar scope, scale, and complexity. Submissions must include a firm fixed fee for Housing Element planning services. The selected developer must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including General Liability, Worker's Compensation, Automobile Liability, and Professional Liability. Qualifications must remain valid for a minimum of 90 days from submission. Submissions should be directed to Michael Alberts, Executive Director, at malberts@jhaonline.org.