Request for proposals
12/20/22
We interviewed finalists for the 2116 Nicollet Ave project. The proposals were robust and were responsive to the community feedback we received throughout last Summer. The proposals included models sustainability features with options for unique urban design. Proposals also included commercial space on the ground floor, with options to provide greater affordability on the remaining levels. We will be choosing a development partner by mid January and want to thank the community and our candidates for your beautiful submissions. We would also like to thank the Steering Committee for their commitment to community and to bring this unique opportunity to Whittier.
We will also be implementing an Advisory Committee that will interact with the developer. This committee will provide recommendations and feedback to the developer throughout the project.
You can follow along for updates if you sign up below.
We interviewed finalists for the 2116 Nicollet Ave project. The proposals were robust and were responsive to the community feedback we received throughout last Summer. The proposals included models sustainability features with options for unique urban design. Proposals also included commercial space on the ground floor, with options to provide greater affordability on the remaining levels. We will be choosing a development partner by mid January and want to thank the community and our candidates for your beautiful submissions. We would also like to thank the Steering Committee for their commitment to community and to bring this unique opportunity to Whittier.
We will also be implementing an Advisory Committee that will interact with the developer. This committee will provide recommendations and feedback to the developer throughout the project.
You can follow along for updates if you sign up below.
2116 Nicollet Avenue Request for Proposals (RFP)
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9/8/2022
The Whittier Alliance is seeking a real estate development partner for a new construction project at 2116 Nicollet Avenue. After robust community engagement, we are pleased to release this request for proposals, which outlines community vision for a sustainable, mixed use project on this site. We look forward to hearing from creative real estate professionals who are inspired to implement community-driven development with us. Proposals will be accepted through November 14, 2022. Questions can be directed to info@whittieralliance.org with the subject line: 2116 Nicollet Proposal. The full RFP is linked below. |
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Couldn't make it to the Q&A session? Check out the Q&A document or watch the recording below!
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Community Vision
Neighbors weighed in, and here are their priorities!
Neighbors weighed in, and here are their priorities!
We surveyed over 170 community members, and nearly half of them live or work within 4 blocks of the site. Respondents were asked to rank a number of priorities to shape the RFP and future development, and these are the values and design elements that rose to the top:
- Environmental sustainability - Building elements that promote environmental health, including: solar panels, bicycle parking, gas-free appliances, on-site composting, or indigenous plants/rain gardens.
- Affordability (residential) - Housing options that are below market rate, or less expensive than typical new construction.
- Creative Place-keeping - Building elements that embody the personality of Whittier and create an iconic building in the community, including: murals or public art, neighborhood signage, or unique architectural design.
- Community ownership & wealth building - Opportunities for neighbors to invest in the building, or own some part of the eventual development, including: crowd-funding investment options or cooperatively owned or condo-ized units
- Urban design - Building elements that follow urban planning best practices to promote community health & safety, including: active storefronts/street facing windows, outdoor lighting, or public outdoor community gathering space.
Didn’t get a chance to respond? Don’t worry, you can still nominate a name for the future building, and share your comments here!
Project Background
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In March 2021, the Whittier Alliance finalized the purchase of 2116 Nicollet Avenue, the last remaining vacant lot on Whittier’s stretch of this important commercial corridor. The purchase of 2116 Nicollet Avenue is an opportunity for an inclusive, community-led, innovative real estate development which could have a resounding impact on the neighborhood for years to come. We hope to meet real community needs in creative ways, leading as an example of what is possible in the built environment. In September 2021, the WA Board of Directors convened a project steering committee to guide the process, and eventually develop an RFP and identify a development partner. Click here to read the full statement from the Whittier Alliance Board of Directors.
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2116 Nicollet Avenue Steering Committee
The 2116 Nicollet Avenue Steering Committee is a task force of The Whittier Alliance Board of Directors. The key function of the committee is to guide the development process of the lot owned by The Whittier Alliance located at 2116 Nicollet Avenue.
Between November 2021 and December 2022, this committee's primary responsibilities are to:
Between November 2021 and December 2022, this committee's primary responsibilities are to:
- Define the vision/values/goals for the site
- Develop and recommend a process for community engagement in partnership with WA staff
- Develop and recommend a 2022 project budget to WA Board of Directors
- Oversee the proposal process to identify a Real Estate Development Partner.
- Document process and communicate updates to the board on a monthly basis, in alignment with scheduled board meetings.
- Identify potential funding opportunities and support WA staff in grant application processes.
You can view the committee's meeting agendas and notes here.
Steering Committee Members
Stephanie Brown - Executive Director, Urban Land Institute Minnesota; Whittier Alliance Board of Directors
Mary Browning
Alex Burns - Chair, Land Use & Transportation Committee of Sierra Club North Star Chapter
Laura Crooks - Digital Marketing Manager, Amplifon
Ukasha Dakane - Founder and Executive Director, FRAYEO
Alex Harris
Brigid Higgins - City of Minneapolis, Dept. of Community Planning & Economic Development
Mohamud Isse - Hirey Insurance Co.
George Rishmawi - Architect at DLR Group; Chair, Whitter Alliance Housing and Land Use Committee; Whittier Alliance Board of Directors
Taylor Smirkarova - Redesign Inc.
Y Sussman
Mary Browning
Alex Burns - Chair, Land Use & Transportation Committee of Sierra Club North Star Chapter
Laura Crooks - Digital Marketing Manager, Amplifon
Ukasha Dakane - Founder and Executive Director, FRAYEO
Alex Harris
Brigid Higgins - City of Minneapolis, Dept. of Community Planning & Economic Development
Mohamud Isse - Hirey Insurance Co.
George Rishmawi - Architect at DLR Group; Chair, Whitter Alliance Housing and Land Use Committee; Whittier Alliance Board of Directors
Taylor Smirkarova - Redesign Inc.
Y Sussman
To contact the steering committee, complete the form below or email 2116nicollet@whittieralliance.org.