I N T R O D U C T I O N
While all proposals for this property (commercial and residential) will be considered, preference will be given to projects that transform the property into a commercial use that will be a value-add to Hamilton’s existing businesses and residents, especially entertainment, food and/or beverage service related.
Through this Request for Proposal (RFP) the City of Hamilton is seeking a Developer or Developers that can make a significant capital investment in exchange for a negotiable purchase price through a Development Agreement.
Additional designated funding is not identified for this redevelopment; therefore, proposals must include a well-defined funding plan to upgrade the building to meet all current code requirements. Self-performed work can be part of the overall investment included in the proposal. The selected Developer(s) will be required to maintain ownership for a minimum of five years.
The City of Hamilton, Ohio is located in southwest Ohio and has a population of 62,000+.
Founded in 1791, the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods still retain much of their historic urban fabric. In the past twelve years, Hamilton’s downtown has experienced over $500 million in investment, including new market rate apartments, shops, restaurants, a riverfront park and amphitheater, along with newly renovated retail and office spaces, a riverfront conference center and hotel, and North America's largest indoor sports complex.
P R O P E R T Y O V E R V I E W
651 Laurel Avenue
Hamilton OH 45015
Parcel ID: P6461051000051, P6461051000052, & P6461051000053
0.2984 Acres
Photos from a site visit on May 21, 2025 are provided at the end of this document. Additional photos are available upon request.
Video of property available via link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2VMP03XJ1o
D E V E L O P M E N T O B J E C T I V E S
The purpose of this RFP is to solicit proposals for the redevelopment of 651 Laurel Avenue. While the City of Hamilton is open to considering any concept proposed by the Developer that aligns with the City’s goals to reactivate the building to its highest and most productive use to enhance the vitality and quality of life here in Hamilton, strong preference will be given to those RFP submissions which adhere to the following:
Initial Purchase Price - Propose a purchase price to acquire the property.
Redevelopment Time - It is expected that the schedule for redevelopment will incorporate the following milestones:
Within 12 months of agreement: building permits are issued for scope of redevelopment work.
Within 24 months of agreement: certificates of occupancy are issued for scope of redevelopment work
Proposed Redevelopment Budget - the provided breakdown of redevelopment budget should be sufficiently detailed and include, if applicable, anticipated self-performed labor hours and/or donated or discounted material costs. Please state the minimum investment in the property.
Zoning Approval - the property is currently zoned TN-1, Traditional Neighborhood - One. TN-1 Zoning is a residential zoning district and it is likely that to meet the goals of this RFP, the property will need to be rezoned, which is a 3 month process. For more information on TN-1 zoning, view the Hamilton Zoning Ordinance here.
Good Standing -Developer, developer’s business partner(s) or business associate(s), or any company, firm or organization that developer holds interest must not be delinquent in obligations to pay loans, fines, liens, taxes, fees or other obligations owed to the City of Hamilton or Butler County, nor own any real property that: a) has or had any unremediated citation or violation of the state or local codes and ordinances within the two years prior to the developer’s application to acquire property; b) is tax delinquent; or c) was transferred to a local government as a result of tax foreclosure proceedings. Of all real property that the Developer owns within the City of Hamilton, or holds an interest, there shall not be more than four total citations of the City of Hamilton Health, Building, Fire or Zoning Codes within the two years prior to the developer’s application to acquire property.
C
O M P E T I T I V E R E Q U I R E M E N T S
A development proposal will be selected based on, but not necessarily limited to, the following criteria/qualifications:
Greatest economic impact on Hamilton
The experience, the financial capacity, and organizational ability of the Developer in successfully planning and completing development projects of similar type and scale, on time and within budget
Pro-forma indicates an economically viable project
Leasable spaces have an identified tenant with signed letter of intent, if applicable
The project demonstrates sustainable practices in energy efficiency
The City of Hamilton reserves the right to reject any and all responses without cause, make inquiries of Developer(s) and their references and clients regarding qualifications or information submitted as part of their response as deemed necessary, conduct personal interviews of any or all Developers, and request and receive additional information as the City deems necessary. Prior to the award of a final development agreement, the City reserves the right (at its expense) of having Developer submit for financial background to insure capacity to perform in accordance with pro-forma submitted in application.
S U B M I S S I O N G U I D E L I N E S
Each Developer shall provide a general description and conceptual discussion of their proposed redevelopment and key factors in a successful redevelopment project. This description and concept shall enable the effective evaluation of the Developer's ability to achieve the redevelopment goals of the City of Hamilton and demonstrate what the Developer presently envisions for the redevelopment site and applicable portions thereof. The Developer should submit an electronic version of their proposal via email to taylor.stone-welch@hamilton-oh.gov.
1. Cover - main point of contact, firm name(s), and the RFP title. Reference specific property proposal by street address as shown above.
2. Project Narrative – Developer’s approach to the reuse of the property, how project meets Development Objectives, description of innovative design features and project amenities, a description of the activities which may be located in the building, and proposed purchase price for the property.
3. Design Concept - should include conceptual level visual materials, such as a site plan, massing models, elevations, etc. that convey key design concepts for the project.
4. Project Timeline - projected timeline for completion of project, with key milestones. The schedule can include the time needed to obtain financing, complete design and secure permits and approvals, prepare the site, start and complete construction, and start and complete lease-up and/or sellout.
5. Financial Summary - capital and if applicable, operating pro formas; major line item construction and design budget, sources of funding, five-year cash flow projection for operations, etc.
6. Special Conditions/Assumptions - include special conditions or requirements for proposed project; examples might include land use changes, parking expectations, etc.
7. Similar Completed Projects - relevant experience with similar projects.
8. Project Team - identify the entities and persons involved in the project with a description of the roles each will play.
9. Compliance with Development Objectives & Competitive Requirements - identify the aspects of proposal which specifically address compliance with development objectives and competitive requirements listed above.
10. List of all properties (address and parcel #) owned within the city of Hamilton.
Optional - if you wish to submit a visual presentation pitch to accompany your proposal that includes images, renderings, and high level bullet points to assist the City in making our decision that would be welcomed. Acceptable formats include PowerPoint, Google Presentation, etc. to be submitted electronically on CD, DVD, flash drive, or via email.
P R O P E R T Y R E S O U R C E S
Photos from a site visit on May 21, 2025 are provided at the end of this document. Additional photos are available upon request.
P R O P E R T Y T O U R S
Please contact Taylor Stone-Welch at taylor.stone-welch@hamilton-oh.gov or 513.785.7063 to schedule a tour of the property.
S U B M I S S I O N T I M E L I N E
All submissions are due by 7-18-25 by Noon
Email submissions to: taylor.stone-welch@hamilton-oh.gov
Please contact Taylor Stone-Welch, Economic Development, City of Hamilton, for any questions or to request additional information. Taylor Stone-Welch can be reached at 513.785.7063 or at taylor.stone-welch@hamilton-oh.gov.
