Former West End Fire Station: Request for Proposals

The City of St. John’s issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the sale and development of the former West End Fire Hall on LeMarchant Road.

“City Council wishes that the existing building can be preserved, while encouraging a new development and use for the vacant property,” said Councillor Maggie Burton, lead for Planning and Development. “By using an RFP process to divest of the property, we will hopefully attract a variety of proposals, giving the City detailed information to thoroughly evaluate and ultimately convey the property to a proponent whose plans for the site are the best fit for both the neighbourhood and the City.”

The Bannerman Café and Brewery, operating in the former East End Fire Hall on Duckworth Street, is a great example of a recent successful RFP process for the sale of City property. The owners have preserved the heritage value of the property, while also bringing something new for the neighbourhood to enjoy.

The RFP for the West End Fire Hall is available at bids.stjohns.ca, and outlines the pre-set criteria on which the proposals will be evaluated by staff, with recommendations then made to Council. Council will have the ultimate discretion as to which proposal is selected. Staff will evaluate proposals on the following criteria:

• Quality and completeness of the submission
• Development plan
  • availability of financing
  • site plan
  • conditions/restrictions on purchase
• Purchase price offered 

Under the site plan evaluation, points will be allocated for any projected intending on applying for Heritage Designation of the building.

The deadline for proposals is Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020.