Introduction/Background
Colorado Mesa University (CMU) requests qualified parties to respond to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and serve as a Development Consultant for a progressive mixed-use development on the southwest quadrant of the University’s main campus in Grand Junction, Colorado known as the CMU Formation District. Anchored by the Asteria Theatre, Hotel Maverick, Devil’s Kitchen, the Ember Eatery Food Hall and the Centennial Village Apartments complex, this mixed-use sector of the University Campus provides a primary gateway for the community while meeting critical campus needs.
The process to be used in the selection of the Consultant is comprised of two steps. In STEP I submittals will be screened and scored as described in detail in Section X. STEP II is the Oral Interview as described in detail in Section XI. A Jury Panel of individuals who will be involved in the project and/or understand the required services associated with the project will evaluate responses to this. Upon completion of the evaluation of the Submittals, a limited number of firms will be invited to the oral interviews.
Project Overview
In order to continue developing this section of campus, the University is seeking a qualified consultant to transform the CMU Formation District Master Plan (Exhibit A) into actionable development opportunities that leverage unique revenue models/streams and continue attracting new commercial, retail, academic and housing projects to the Colorado Mesa University main campus.
Development Objectives
- Identify mixed-use development opportunities congruent with the CMU Formation District Master Plan
- Provide expertise and suggestions on unique revenue opportunities including Metropolitan Districts, Tax Increment Financing structures, Urban Renewal Districts, etc.
- Provide examples of ability to leverage private sector expertise, creativity and success on similar projects and examples of how said experience can be applied to unique opportunities at CMU.
Consultant Responsibilities
- Feasibility and Entitlements: Conduct thorough due diligence to identify required entitlements and permits.
- Infrastructure Delivery: Coordinate recommendations on horizontal infrastructure, including but not limited to roads, utilities, parking, and non-occupied spaces.
- Vertical Construction Sites: Add specificity to the CMU Formation District Master Plan for sites suitable for vertical development, ensuring uniformity and campus congruency.
- Financial Structuring Recommendations: Devise a robust financial strategy that integrates equity, debt, and public incentives to optimize capital.
- Strategic Phasing Recommendations: Align project development and phasing with market demand and University priorities to maximize value.
- Stakeholder Relations: Manage campus stakeholder engagement.
