Bids were recently released with a deadline of 11 a.m. on March 13 and the minimum bid was reduced by nearly half from $95,000 to $50,000 “as is” for the 3,413 square-foot fire station. There were no bids submitted during the last RFP cycle, according to city officials.
“There were some roof issues that didn’t exist when the first RFP was released,” said Jennifer Ekey, city economic development director. “A new owner would need to address those issues and we felt that this price better justified the repairs necessary.”
MORE: Middletown looking for buyer to redevelop former fire station
The fire station sits on three parcels of less than an acre at the corner of Tytus Avenue and Jackson Street. The site also has 1,408 square-feet of blacktop. It was decommissioned as a fire station in 2014 due to budget cuts and a reduction of firefighters at that time. The former fire station is equipped with a kitchen, high bay garage area, bath rooms, office space, and sleeping quarters.
However, as part of the request for proposals bidding process, potential buyers will be required to provide proof of the financial resources needed to support the project, a strong business plan, and a development plan for the selected site, according to city officials. Potential buyers will also be required to view the former fire station in person from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Ekey said no decisions have been made about possible demolition of the fire station. If the city does not receive any bids, she said the city would probably make it available for a third round of RFPs.
City officials said a primary goal of the city to redevelop the property into a current and future productive use consistent with existing market conditions and needs as well as consistent with city redevelopment objectives. Qualified applicants will be responsible for all planning and development including: design, financing, construction and management of the properties in whatever its final form.
Potential applicants will have an opportunity to survey and inspect the space and to meet with city staff by appointment.
Evidence of the financing capacity to complete needed renovations and purchase the property will influence the acceptance of a proposal.
The city is also soliciting requests for proposals for the acquisition and redevelopment of the former Studio Theater property.
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