Politics & Government

City Selects Five Firms for Request for Proposals on Downtown Development Project

Sandy Springs is searching for a development partner to lead development efforts surrounding the 14-acre block.

Provided by Sandy Springs spokesperson Sharon Kraun

Sandy Springs has issued a formal request for proposals (RFP) for a master developer for the city’s downtown area. The city is searching for a development partner with the experience, financial capacity and long-term commitment necessary to lead development efforts surrounding the 14-acre block bounded by Johnson Ferry Road to the north, Roswell Road to the east, Mount Vernon Highway to the south, and Sandy Springs Circle to the west. 

The RFP is open to development groups selected through a Request for Qualifications process implemented last fall. 

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During a specially called meeting, last week, of the Sandy Springs City Council, members approved five groups to move forward in the RFP process: 

  • Batson-Cook/Pope & Land
  • Carter/Selig Enterprises
  • MidCity Real Estate Partners/Morris and Fellows/John Wieland Homes/Pollack Shores Real Estate 
  • North American Properties
  • Seven Oaks Company/Orkin & Associates 

“The city understands that we don’t have all of the information available at this time for proposers to provide fully complete and final proposals,” said Sandy Springs City Manager John McDonough, in a press statement. “The intent of the RFP is to acquire sufficient information regarding the proposers’ approach, concept, financial approach and financial condition.” 

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As part of the RFP, bidding firms will have the option to submit proposals on the commercial, residential development as part of a public private partnership, as well as the opportunity to also submit qualifications to manage the design and construction of the city’s park/green space, civic building, parking facility and related site infrastructure. 

Proposals from qualified firms are due to the city March 28. Interviews with the firms will take place the week of April 14 with City Council selection expected by May. The city expects to have a Master Agreement signed by July.

Goals for the project include the creation of a unique, vibrant, walkable City Center, which incorporates mixed-use development introducing new dining, high-end residential living, amenity retail and entertainment options.  

The project also will create an appropriate setting for a new civic / cultural center that will contain multiple uses such as city offices, a performing arts facility and community activity center.  The City block will also encompass a green space network to accommodate a variety of activities. 

A number of planned infrastructure projects are underway in the immediate area as part of the approved Phase One Implementation Plan.  Among those activities: Mount Vernon Highway Street Improvement/Blue Stone Road extension, Sandy Springs Circle Streetscape Project, stormwater improvements and development of form-based code emphasizing walkable street qualities and mixed-use development.

For more information, visist www.sandyspringsga.gov, or call the Citizen Response Center at 770-730-5600.  


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