Seaside park bathhouse – stables – surrounding grounds

The City of Bridgeport is requesting proposals to develop and operate the Seaside Park Bathhouse, former stable buildings, and surrounding grounds as a waterfront restaurant, catering hall, seasonal concession, and/or entertainment venue, with proposals due July 23, 2026, and a non-mandatory site tour scheduled for July 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Respondents may propose development of any single portion or combination of available areas; multi-area proposals require a detailed phasing plan. The scope encompasses the bathhouse building, adjacent stable buildings, immediate surrounding grounds, and nearby parking lot, all offered "as is." The developer is responsible for all improvements to the property and must submit a plan to reconfigure the parking lot and park permit checkpoint to provide exclusive parking without disrupting normal park operations. The lessee will pay all personal property taxes associated with operations.

The City anticipates a lease agreement for a term of at least ten years. Respondents must include a proposed lease payment amount in their proposals, subject to negotiation upon selection. Submission requirements include identification and relevant experience, specific approach and concept, economic assumptions regarding initial investment, operating expenses, and revenue, funding source documentation, and a timeline from commencement through operation.

Evaluation criteria weight history of successful experience at 35 percent, financial capacity at 35 percent, and quality of concept and business plan at 30 percent. Questions are due July 14, 2026, with responses due July 17, 2026. The City reserves the right to reject any or all responses, cancel the solicitation, select multiple entities to achieve the RFP intent, and retain all submissions as City property without return to respondents. Site tour registration is through Joe Formato at 203-576-7131 or joseph.formato@bridgeportct.gov.