Description
The City of Saco is offering its vacant historic United Methodist Church at 12 School Street for sale to a qualified developer who will purchase and adaptively reuse the 0.15‑acre site. The RFP does not prescribe a specific program; developers must submit a comprehensive development proposal that includes a “highest and best use” statement, a negotiated purchase offer, detailed design and phasing plans, job‑creation estimates, financing proof, and evidence of experience with similar historic or mixed‑use projects. The property is located in a downtown historic district with broad zoning allowances (residential, commercial, institutional) but is conveyed “as‑is, where‑is” with no warranties, requiring the winning bidder to assume all code‑upgrade, parking, and environmental remediation costs.
• Required deliverables: purchase price offer, development plan (use, schedule, phasing, tenants, job creation), financial capability documentation, and a formal letter of interest.
• Evaluation criteria focus on economic‑development potential, developer qualifications, and the negotiated sale price.
• Key dates: RFP issued Nov 8 2023, questions due Jan 19 2024, proposals due Feb 5 2024, award expected March 2024, purchase‑sale negotiations through April 2024.
• Risks: “as‑is” conveyance, historic‑district restrictions, lack of off‑street parking, and need for ADA/fire‑life‑safety upgrades.