Mandan Seeking Interest in Purchase and Redevelopment of Former Jr. High Property

Summary of qualifications and preliminary concepts due June 4.

The Mandan School Board and Mandan City Commission on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 in separate meetings voted to approve issuing a joint request for qualifications for entities interested in the former junior high school property. The School District and City are looking for parties willing to invest in reuse of the building or in redevelopment of the property.

Located a few blocks from the community’s central business district, the original building was constructed in 1917 with sections added in 1924, 1954, 1966, 1977 and 1990. It is mostly two stories, three stories in once section and approximately 110,000 square feet. It occupies an entire city block, sitting on approximately 2 acres.

The School District and City are issuing this request for qualifications as the first step in the developer selection process. Interested parties have until June 4 to submit a summary of qualifications including previous experience, financial capability and a preliminary development concept and estimate of investment including purchase price and redevelopment costs. A committee of School Board, City Commission and community representatives will review responses and recommend to the two boards no more than three finalists who will be asked to submit a detailed proposal and to participate in a selection presentation and interview.

This redevelopment opportunity comes during a period of steady growth for Mandan. Its population has climbed by 1,373 people from 16,718 people in the year 2000 to 18,091 as of the July 1, 2008, the most recent Census estimate available. The City’s building statistics suggest an even stronger uptrend with permits issued for more than 1,700 new residential units during this same timeframe.

A complete copy of the RFQ, including detailed submittal requirements and the timeline for the selection process, is available at the School District’s Central Administration Building at 309 Collins Avenue or at Mandan City Hall. It will also be posted on the internet at the Mandan Public Schools website at www.mandan.k12.nd.us and the City of Mandan website at www.cityofmandan.com.
For more information, call School District Business Manager Joe Lukach at 701-663-9531
or City of Mandan Business Development Director Ellen Huber at 701-667-3485.