As part of the city’s ongoing focus on downtown renewal, a Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued for the development of the empty land across from the Pal Joey’s on the east side of downtown Batavia. The requested development is “mixed use”, both residential and commercial.
Overview of the Request for Proposals (RFP)
The City of Batavia has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the acquisition and redevelopment of a city-owned property. The proposal is for a 0.68+/- acre parcel of land commonly known as Larson Becker East, located within the city’s Downtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District No. 6. The city is seeking a qualified development partner to engage in a public-private partnership for the project.
Subject Property Details
- Size and Ownership: The site is approximately 0.68 acres, and the entirety of the property is owned by the City of Batavia.
- Location: The property is located on the east side of North River Street, between Spring Street to the north and State Street to the south. It is situated in downtown Batavia near the Fox River and is immediately adjacent to the North River Street Entertainment District.
- Parcel Identification Numbers (PINs): The property consists of two parcels: 12-22-233-017 and 12-22-233-021.
Project Objectives and Vision
The city’s primary objective is to select the most qualified partner to create an “appropriate and sustainable private, mixed-use redevelopment”. The development should align with the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Historic Preservation Design Guidelines.
- Preferred Use: The city is seeking proposals for a mixed-use building of up to four stories, with commercial uses on the first floor.
- Parking: The proposal may include consideration for a public parking component.
- Development Goals: The project aims to activate an underperforming property, support the city’s commercial and residential resources, and capitalize on Batavia’s reputation as a “walkable, bikeable, and thriving community”.
- Financial Incentives: Due to its location in TIF District #6, economic development incentives from the city may be available for the project..
Submission Requirements
Respondents must submit a comprehensive proposal that includes a project narrative along with conceptual site and elevation plans. Submissions must be provided in both electronic and hard copy formats.
1. Proof of Proven Experience:
Respondents must provide a minimum of three examples of past projects where they acted as the lead developer16. Added weight will be given to projects located within the Chicago Metropolitan Area. For each project example, the following must be included:
- Project name, location, and dates of application and completion.
- A detailed project description, including total area, number of units (if residential), parking counts, and any sustainability features.
- Total project costs, including acquisition, construction, and details of any public subsidies used (e.g., TIF, Enterprise Zone).
- Approved site plans and architectural renderings.
- Contact information for the municipality where the project is located.
2. Key Personnel:
The proposal must identify the key personnel who will be assigned to the project and provide their professional resumes. This includes the principal contacts for project management, property acquisition, land use planning, architecture, engineering, and construction.
Deadline and Contact Information
- Submission Deadline: All proposals, both electronic and the eight required hard copies, must be received by noon on December 22, 2025.
- Contact Person: All questions and submissions should be directed to Anthony Isom Jr., the Economic Development Manager.
- Address: 100 N. Island Avenue, Batavia, Illinois 60510..
- Email: aisom@bataviail.gov.
- Phone: (630) 454-2720.
Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria
The city will use a “qualification-based selection procedure”. The process will involve a review of the RFP responses, ranking of submittals, and negotiation of an acquisition price with the most qualified firm(s). Final approval will be granted by the Batavia City Council.
Proposals will be evaluated based on four main criteria:
- Respondent Qualifications: The respondent’s experience with similar projects, financial capacity, and the quality of their staff
- Project Staffing: The qualifications and experience of the proposed project manager and support staff
- Project Experience: The relevance of past projects submitted as examples and confirmation from references
- Proposal Content: The clarity, organization, completeness, and professionalism of the submitted response
Author: Jim Fahrenbach
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