Development proposals requested for popular Riverwest site

Project to include seasonal farmer’s market

The Department of City Development today issued a request for development proposals for a key corner in the Riverwest neighborhood at 821-33 East Locust Street. The l0,800 square foot vacant lot on the corner of Locust and Bremen Streets, is currently used as a community park and seasonal farmer’s market. The City of Milwaukee is seeking proposals that incorporate this community space within the site to continue the popular Riverwest tradition.

“We’re encouraging developers to bring forward their best, creative proposals to enhance the site on Locust Street and still maintain Riverwest’s community space,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “This is an important step in determining the future of this site.”

Some of the other criteria the proposals will need to meet: expands housing opportunities or increases employment in the area; includes a minimum of two sustainable or ‘green’ elements; provides a taxable use; and is financially viable. (For the full set of requirements, see
www.mkedcd.org/realestate/821Locust/main.html.)

Alderman Nik Kovac said the RFP criteria for the Riverwest site was developed based on input from the neighborhood received during the area planning process.

“The inclusion of a community space for the farmers market and other public activities reinforces the importance of community input in the development process,” said Alderman Kovac. “It also speaks to the power community members have when they take the initiative to creatively utilize and maintain spaces in their neighborhoods. By incorporating these long-standing uses, along with ‘green’ elements, housing, and family supporting wage opportunities in the RFP for the Garden Park site, the City is making a commitment to sustainable development in Riverwest.”

A new ‘RFP Connections’ page is a new feature unveiled by the Department of City Development today to facilitate development connections for this particular Riverwest RFP. The webpage offers a space for developers, architects, environmental consultants or potential business tenants to post a link and connect directly with others who may be in search of team members to assemble for this project.

The deadline for proposals is April 8, 2009. To respond, please review the official RFP at www.mkedcd.org/realestate/821Locust/main.html.