The City of Berkeley is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) from developers or interested parties to redevelop the core of our Downtown, approximately 56 acres in area, located at the intersection of North Hanley and Airport Roads, and Madison Avenue, just east of Interstate 170. Developers or interested parties are invited to submit information regarding proposed uses for the site including concept, timetable, and financing. Early in the 1800's, the area which is now Berkeley became known as the fashionable area of St. Louis County because of its large country estates. These estates were settled by families with such famous names as the Wickhams, Seddons, Fordyce, Frost and Grahams. In 1855 the Wabash Railroad was developed through the area. This place was first known as Kinloch; the business center was located at Graham Railroad Station on Wabash Ave. and Middleway in 1891. Graham Station became the center of activity in the area since during that time there was virtually no development in this part of the county. A post office was established in 1893. Near the turn of the century, Kinloch Park Subdivision was plotted into 25 ft. by 110 ft. lots. The subdivision took its name from the popular recreation area to the north of the Wabash Railroad, known as Kinloch Park Grounds, which was used for horse racing and picnic grounds. The real estate company responsible for this subdivision had excursion trains from St. Louis to Kinloch Park. Just south of the municipality grew up an African-American settlement, and borrowed the name to become South Kinloch Park. White residents of Kinloch changed the name to Nuroad to distinguish it from South Kinloch Park. The name came from a phonetic spelling of "new road", because a new road ran through the town. In the early 1900's the community began to expand. Large tracks of land were developed into subdivisions such as Kathmar Acres, which offered lots of one and two acres. The population increased, with steady development of new housing. Much aviation history can be associated with what is now Berkeley. In 1910, the Aero Club of St. Louis built Kinloch Field. It was an L-shaped field located west of Graham Road near Frost Avenue. The first flight of a St. Louis-built airplane took place here on September 18, 1910, flown by Thomas W. Benoist. The first International Air Meet held in the United States took place at Kinloch Field in October 1910, and was attended by such famous persons as Orville and Wilbur Wright, Archie Hoxie and Theodore Roosevelt. During this air meet, Theodore Roosevelt became the first president ever to fly in an airplane. Today's aviation industry and the St. Louis Airport can be attributed to the early efforts of Benoist and Major A.B. Lambert, who got their start at Kinloch Field. The original 300-acre site is now part of Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. The community experienced a steady growth during the 1920's and 30's. In 1937, Berkeley was incorporated; Berkeley Acres was the name of the subdivision from which it took its name. Housing development during the World War II years was slow; however, after the war, the housing boom hit Berkeley. From 1940 to 1950, the population increased 104.4%, and from 1950 to 1960, when the most extensive development took place in Berkeley, the population increased 254.5%. During this same time, several large industries were developed in the area; including: McDonnell Aircraft Company, Wagner Brake Fluid Plant, the largest of its kind in the world, and Laclede Gas Company's Northwest Operations Center. Between 1960 and 1969, the population increased by 13% to 21,100. The 1970 decennial population recorded by the US Census would be the City's highest in history. The next 50 years would become a period of continuous population loss, from a robust 21,000 in 1970 to 15,922 in 1980, to 8,148 in 2020. While Berkeley continues to show negative population growth, its future is bright. The NorthPark industrial park has brought higher education, abundant professional office space and draw industries far and wide to the city. NorthPark is estimated to have added over 5,000 new jobs to the community. Questions regarding the RFP must be submitted to Elliot Liebson, Director of Planning and Development, at eliebson@ci.berkeley.mo.us by 3 pm on May 26, 2023. email inquiries only. All inquiries, and the City's response, will be shared with all potential bidders; the source of the original inquiry will not be shared. The City of Berkeley will consider each proposal to evaluate the feasibility of renovating the building or new construction, community benefits, and the overall ability to accomplish the City's concept goals. Following the initial review, a short list of candidates will be generated for on site interviews. The City may ask potential candidates to demonstrate a financial commitment to the project. Respondents who submit proposed plans must adhere to the goals and objectives of the 2009 Comprehensive Plan. The City will conduct a fair and impartial process for the selection of a development team upon satisfactory completion of the development objectives in the RFP. All decisions involving the City's participation in the project, including incentives, financing, zoning and community improvement districts, TIF, and the project site are subject to review and approval by the Board of Aldermen. The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals submitted in response to this request.
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