Welcome to the City of South Haven, Michigan

The City of South Haven is seeking development partners for a site located near downtown South Haven, the Black River, South Haven Harbor and Lake Michigan beaches.

The development area includes roughly 10 acres of property owned by the City of South Haven. The boat launch facility ("Black River Park") is not included in the development area. Sale of existing park land will not be considered. Proposals for projects which include a combination of city-owned property and privately owned property will be accepted and considered, however, the City will not participate in acquisition of privately owned land except for the acquisition of right-of-way for roads and utilities.

City of South Haven priorities for the project area include:

• Impact on the Black River

--Public access to the waterfront and public park space shall be preserved as shown in the Dunkley Street Redevelopment Area Master Plan.

--Given the proximity of this property to the Black River expected that proposals clearly demonstrate how currently accepted best construction practices for storm water management will protect Black River watershed while enhancing surrounding properties and the natural environment.

--Construction practices shall be done in a manner that protects the natural resources and surrounding property owners.

--It is desired, but not required that, to the greatest extent practical, construction practices be done in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards or other similar standards of sustainable development.

• Compliance with Land Use Plans

--The land is zoned B-3 Waterfront Business District. This zoning district encourages creative, mixed land uses. For Zoning Ordinance:

--The Municipal Plan states that “The City should be flexible regarding future zoning of this area, because the future uses permitted in this area should be based on the creativity of private developers. For Municipal Plan:

--In 2006, the City Council adopted a Master Plan for city-owned property within the Dunkley Street Redevelopment Area. This plan calls for mixed uses and pedestrian connections to the downtown, the Harborwalk and the Kal-Haven Trail. For full report:

For map only:

• Level of Economic Impact

--An economic impact analysis shall be provided that indicates the number of jobs that will be created, the price that is offered for the land, the anticipated tax base that will be created, the impact on the development potential for surrounding property owners, the timelines for construction and financial assurances that those timelines will be met.

• Level and Quality of Infrastructure Improvements

--The locations of public streets and utilities may be reconfigured to meet the needs of a design proposal and the city’s overall transportation needs.

--Public infrastructure funding is available through Downtown Development Authority tax capture programs for the reconstruction of Dunkley Street and associated utilities within right of ways.

--The City will consider proposals that include the relocation of the wastewater treatment plant. However, any proposal that calls for the relocation of the WWTP will also include a cost estimate for the relocation and how the costs for relocation will be repaid.

The City is seeking investors/developers to purchase City-owned property for a specified development project. Proposals should be in the form of design concept sketches and narrative description of the proposed project, as well as documentation of qualifications and experience in similar projects. Please provide detailed description of your firm’s experience and capabilities when describing a past project. Please provide documentation of a proven success record on projects of this scope and financial capability to complete the project.

A firm interested in developing the property is expected to present a development proposal to the City stating the general goals of the project and presenting a site layout which describes in general terms the type of development intended for the site. The proposal should include a text description of the design concept, as well as a description of the development team, including a statement of financial viability of investors/developers. Discussion with City officials is encouraged throughout the process.

Potential development firms will provide an electronic copy and 5 copies of a proposal with the following sections:

• Description of development firm, firm’s capabilities and ability to finance project

• Descriptions and references of firm’s completed projects similar in scope

• Proposed site layout concept drawing and development goals narrative

• Construction cost, product value estimates and development timeline

For information on how to submit a proposal, please contact Paul VandenBosch and request a Proposal Form for the Dunkley Avenue Development Area. Proposals will be accepted until 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 23, 2007.

Paul VandenBosch
City Hall, 539 Phoenix,
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-0775
Email: