Demolition, new construction, renovation and addition to a conference / convention center in West Haven, Connecticut. Conceptual plans call for the renovation of a 23,554-square-foot conference / convention center.

The City of West Haven (the "City") invites developers to submit proposals for the redevelopment of the Savin Rock Conference Center (the "Conference Center"). The City is seeking an exceptional vision for this jewel of a parcel of land. West Haven, a coastal city of 11 square miles located in south-central Connecticut, boasts the longest publicly accessible shoreline on Long Island Sound in the state, and borders the municipalities of Milford, Orange, and New Haven. It is a culturally diverse city of approximately 55,000 people, with a significant number of both long-time residents and new residents originating from many different countries around the world. West Haven has a rich historical legacy. Originally settled in the 1640s, for many years it was part of the original New Haven Colony. Since then, it has evolved from a small farming community into a bustling suburban city, offering a blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. West Haven is known for its beautiful coastline along Long Island Sound, offering residents and visitors scenic beaches and parks. Throughout its history, West Haven has been many communities rolled into one. First, from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century, West Haven was a popular seaside resort town, much like Asbury Park or Coney Island, with its miles of sandy beaches its most identifiable asset. Its neighborhoods comprise a mix of types, ages, and sizes of residences, from single-family and multi-family houses to condominium and apartment buildings. Second, West Haven continues to embody the elements of a classic New England town. Near the city's geographic center is its picture-perfect town green, containing an iconic, recently renovated church and bordering beautiful homes, storied commercial and institutional buildings, and a grand city hall. Campbell Avenue, the city's traditional shopping street, lines the green's east side, and features new sidewalks and curbs, decorative streetlights, bannered poles, and other streetscape furnishings near a redesigned Main Street intersection. Third, West Haven is a college town. The University of New Haven (UNH), recognized for its criminal justice and forensic science programs, is growing and stimulating new development in the city's Allingtown section. Yale University, one of the world's most prestigious centers of higher learning, pursues state-of-the-art research in science and engineering at its West Campus on the old Bayer Pharmaceutical site on Frontage Road. These institutions annually attract thousands of students, faculty, and visitors and create myriad local employment opportunities. Fourth, West Haven is a suburban town, with garden apartments and ranch style houses built in thick woods along curving streets and cul-de-sacs in its northern neighborhoods. U.S. Route 1, a commercial corridor lined with strip developments and other businesses, is the major thoroughfare that runs through Allingtown, the home not only of UNH but also large institutional campuses for Notre Dame High School, a private Catholic day school, and the VA Connecticut Health System's West Haven branch, a tertiary care hospital with more than 200 beds. Finally, in its downtown area, West Haven is an urban town. The city offers a convenient MetroNorth rail station that provides access to New York City and other points west, east, and north via the Metro North commuter train line. The City's plan for transit-oriented development promises to transform the formerly industrial neighborhood into a vibrant mixed-use community. Respondents are required to provide detailed and specific information in their proposals, including but not limited to the following: 1. Description of the proposed redevelopment, including building height, parking spaces, and amenities, as well as a conceptual site plan and renderings. 2. Identification of the proposed development team, including, but not necessarily limited to, its architect, environmental engineer, general contractor, and other key team members. 3. Description of the development team's capacity to execute its proposed project, including its development history and experience, particularly in West Haven, and in executing similar projects. 4. A detailed project financial pro forma. 5. Demonstration of financial capacity to execute the project. 6. A proposed lease term and annual lease payment for the property. 7. A proposed schedule that includes key milestones, both internal City dates (e.g., Planning & Zoning submission) and external Respondent dates (e.g., start of construction). 8. Proposed environmental sustainability measures. 9. Experience with community involvement and engagement. If the City chooses to interview Respondents, which it may do at its sole and absolute discretion, such interviews will review solely the content of Respondents' RFP submissions. The City will NOT accept or discuss any supplementary material that Respondents offer in any interview. All Respondents submitting a proposal must possess an active business license issued by the State of Connecticut at the time of its submission. The license must be valid and in good standing throughout the entire RFP process. It is the sole responsibility of a Respondent to maintain an active Connecticut business license for the duration of the contract period. If a Respondent's license lapses at any time during the contract period, the City will provide a grace period of fourteen (14) calendar days for the Respondent to reinstate the license to active status. If the Respondent fails to reinstate its license within the fourteen-day (14-day) grace period, the City may terminate the contract at its sole and absolute discretion. The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive any irregularities or informalities in the proposal process, and to accept any proposal that it deems to be in the best interest of the City. This RFP does not obligate the City to accept any proposal, award a contract, or pay any costs that Respondents incur in the preparation or submission of proposals. The City is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefit of or subjected to discrimination under any program or activity based on race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. The RFI (Request For Information) period ends on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 12:00pm, all questions should be sent to kchambers@westhaven-ct.gov. The method of Contractor Selection has not been Determined at this time.