Request for Proposals: Gastonia Conference Center Hotel Pad

The City of Gastonia, North Carolina is soliciting development proposals for a hotel to be located adjacent to the Gastonia Conference Center. The city-owned property is approximately 0.55 acres and is seen as a key opportunity for growth in the downtown area. The city is looking for a development partner to create a hotel that will support the needs of the conference center and the surrounding community. The proposed scope of work includes: * Developing a signature hotel that will support the needs of downtown Gastonia and the conference center * Maximizing the potential of the property to increase the tax base * Creating a project that is focused on market and city needs * Optimizing the site and connection to the conference center Developers are required to submit a proposal that includes: * A letter of introduction and summary of qualifications * Information on the development team, including partners, architects, and contractors * A development proposal that addresses the scope of work and includes a potential development concept * Experience and references, including information on previous projects and financial strength * Disclosures, including any potential conflicts of interest or previous issues with contracts or litigation The city will evaluate proposals based on the following criteria: * Development proposal (30%) * Qualifications and experience of the development team (20%) * Level of integration of guiding public interests (20%) * Quality and success of prior development projects and public-private partnerships (10%) * Demonstrated ability to execute projects of similar scale and complexity (10%) * List of active development projects and demonstration of confidence in the project (10%) The deadline for submissions is June 10, 2026, and the city reserves the right to cancel the RFP or waive any irregularities at their discretion. A pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for May 13, and developers are encouraged to attend. The city is looking for a development partner that can create a high-quality hotel that will support the growth and development of downtown Gastonia. The selected developer will be expected to work closely with city staff to develop a project that meets the needs of the community and maximizes the potential of the property.