Streetscape Planter Initiative Project

Downtown Lansing Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to downtown development in Lansing, Michigan, is requesting qualifications for design and fabrication of a coordinated family of sculptural streetscape planters for Washington Square and Michigan Avenue, with qualifications due July 31, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. A local-vendor preference applies: businesses within the Central Business District receive primary preference, with secondary preference for City of Lansing-based vendors; Lansing-based responsive and responsible bidders within 10 percent of the low bid may match the low bid amount, though this preference does not apply to projects exceeding $1 million.

The scope encompasses design and fabrication of oversized commercial-grade planters targeting approximately 48 inches in height and width, sized to fit on existing concrete pads measuring 70 inches long by 50 inches wide throughout the downtown. Materials must be commercial-grade fiberglass, GFRC, cast stone, corten steel, powder-coated aluminum, or approved equivalent. All materials must demonstrate UV and graffiti resistance, freeze-thaw durability suitable for Michigan conditions, and a minimum 20-year service life. Concealed drainage is preferred. Final locations and quantities will be confirmed during design development. The selected team will activate existing concrete pads without surrounding infrastructure reconstruction, pending the city's CSO street reconstruction.

Evaluation criteria for qualifications are weighted as follows: quality of previous work (30 percent), relevant experience (25 percent), creative approach (20 percent), team qualifications (15 percent), and project understanding (10 percent). Questions are due July 20, 2026, with responses issued July 23. Qualification reviews are scheduled for August 7, 2026, followed by interviews the week of August 10. An RFP will be distributed to shortlisted firms on August 17, 2026. Installation is planned for Fall 2026. Awardees must provide evidence of commercial general liability, workers' compensation, automobile liability, and any additional insurance required prior to contract execution.