REQUESTFORPROPOSALSGARMENTDISTRICTPLACEMAKINGSERVICES

Issuedby:DowntownSTL,Inc.

InPartnershipwith:SaintLouisFashionFund

CityofSt.Louis,Planning&UrbanDesignAgencySt.LouisDevelopmentCorporation

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

SUBJECT: GARMENT DISTRICT PLACEMAKING SERVICES INQUIRIES: All inquiries related to this Request for Proposals (RFP) must be directed to Mobin Khan, COO & VP, Economic Development and Research, and must be submitted via email no later than July 31st 2017. If a determination is made that a clarification or change to the RFP document is required, a written addendum will be posted on the appropriate sections of the website of Downtown STL, Inc.. Respondents are responsible for obtaining all RFP updates. Proposals must be delivered at the following address no later than 3:00 PM CT on August 31st, 2017. Mobin Khan COO & VP, Economic Development Downtown STL, Inc. 720 Olive Street, Suite 450 St. Louis, MO 63101 314-474-0084 mkhan@downtownstl.org Submit one (1) hard copy and one (1) electronic copy of your response including any product literature or data. Submittals shall be labeled: “RFP for GARMENT DISTRICT PLACEMAKING SERVICES.” NOTICE: Issuance of this RFP does not commit Downtown STL, Inc. (DSI), or any of its partners on this RFP, to award any contract, to pay any costs incurred in preparation and/or submission of a proposal, or to procure or contract for services or supplies. All proposals submitted shall become the property of DSI. DSI reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this RFP, to modify the scope of work, to re-advertise for new RFP responses, or to award contract to any party it deems best. The project related timeline mentioned above is tentative and DSI reserves the right to modify / delay the project timelines, in part or full, as and when it deems necessary.

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Request for Proposals Garment District Placemaking Services

I. SUMMARY Downtown STL, Inc. (DSI), in partnership with the Saint Louis Fashion Fund, City of St. Louis, Planning & Urban Design Agency (City) and St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) -- collectively the “Sponsors” -- are seeking proposals from qualified consultants for placemaking services for the Historic Garment District (District) in downtown St. Louis. The Consultant’s services are intended to help Sponsors in their efforts for expansion and enhancement of the fashion, design and creative services ecosystem in the District. In early 20th century, the Garment District in St. Louis was the anchor of city’s position as one of the country’s leading centers for manufacturing and distribution in apparel and related industries. However, during second half of the 20th century, as seen in many cities across the U.S., garment industry declined in the district and many buildings emptied out. In the past two decades, this decline has reversed and over $6 Billion have been invested in Downtown St. Louis. This investment has included both private and public funds across a range of projects and has catalyzed the revitalization of downtown. This is especially evident on Washington Avenue which has become one of the best dining and entertainment destinations in St. Louis. With significant investment in streetscapes and buildings in the district, this once largely abandoned street has now transformed into a brilliant intersection of historic styles and modern trends. Recognizing this, American Planning Association named Washington Avenue among the ‘Top 10 Great Streets’ in America. With a thriving entertainment district and numerous creative businesses, the area is well-positioned to build upon the historical significance of the Garment District and expand its economic impact in Downtown. A recent project with immense significance for the Garment District is the Saint Louis Fashion Incubator at 1533 Washington Avenue. It opened its doors earlier this year and is already playing a key role in reviving the creative industries with in the district. The district’s inherent advantages as well as the new investments provide a great base for building towards an expansive design and creative ecosystem in downtown that draws from its history as pre-eminent center of garment manufacturing in the U.S. However, the district has also had significant challenges impeding growth that range from infrastructure issues to public safety concerns. These challenges have been detrimental to realizing the opportunities presented in the Garment District. The Garment District placemaking effort is intended to address concerns and to identify and leverage those opportunities for the growth within the district and beyond.

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II. ABOUT GARMENT DISTRICT Known for its rich history as one of the largest Garment Districts in the country, Washington Avenue is no stranger to success. During the early 20th century, the dry goods, shoe, and related industries established strong and dense manufacturing and wholesale operations in the district. At one point, it was home to the world’s largest millinery establishment, Rosenthal- Sloan. Furthermore, in 1901, Marx and Haas Jean Company produced more than a million of its Rabbit Brand jeans and corduroys for a market that reached across the country. Although the overall garment industry had a strong presence in the district, it was especially known as a leading industry destination for shoes. It was considered one of the top five largest shoe manufacturing centers in the nation, and was unrivalled as a distribution center. The district also showcases an impressive collection of historically significant architecture in the St. Louis region. The majority of the buildings served as corporate headquarters as well as warehouse and manufacturing facilities for the city's leading wholesale merchants. Therefore, artistic considerations figured more prominently into the exterior design than was characteristic of the more strictly utilitarian class of buildings in St. Louis. An estimated 75% of all the buildings were designed by prominent architects and represent their finest works. The district is recognized for its historical significance by the National Park Service and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as ‘Washington Avenue Historic District’ in 1987. Located in Downtown West neighborhood of St. Louis City, the district is roughly bounded by Delmar Blvd., Tucker Blvd., St. Charles St., N. Fifteenth St., Olive St., N. Eighteenth St., Washington Ave., and Lucas St. The document available at https://dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/86003733.pdf provides detailed information including the boundary of the district. Consistent with this history, the Washington Avenue $17 million streetscape improvement project in 2000s included installation of street median designed in a zipper-and-stitch like paving pattern and strips of white "button" lights down the center, commemorating the thousands of St. Louisans who labored in the mills and warehouses of the Garment District. Also included in this project were expanded public spaces, linkages to other destinations, café seating and public art. Along with the exceptional history and future promise of the district, there have also been challenges that have significantly restricted growth of the district. These range from the aspects of public safety to the lack of a broadly identifiable positive identity. The development pattern in the district also does not leverage the opportunities described earlier. The genesis of this RFP is the intent to identify and fully capitalize on those discernible as well as latent economic and community development opportunities in the garment district. III. ANTICIPATED SCOPE OF WORK The Consultant will prepare the Garment District Placemaking Plan (Plan) that will

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include a holistic development framework along with detailed sub-components of A) Marketing/Signage/Identity, B) Built Environment / Urban Design / Streetscapes, C) Stakeholder Engagement, and D) Implementation Strategy. Over the years, various studies and plans, city-wide as well as downtown specific, have examined the economic and cultural potential of downtown’s garment district. Notable examples of such efforts include Downtown Now Plan and Downtown Next Plan. In recent years, the establishment of the Fashion Incubator has created a strong anchor for future growth of this district. The selected consultant will be expected to draw, wherever possible, on the work that has already been done towards the broader goal of the Garment District development. The preparation of the Plan for the Garment District will aim to complete, at a minimum, the following tasks.

A) District Identity/Branding

• The consultant shall conduct a detailed SWOT analysis and establish a baseline for future economic development of the Garment District. This shall aim to provide DSI a measure of how the District functions today as a center of creative sectors of the economy, broadly defined to include fashion, design, art, and architecture among others.

• The consultant will prepare an overall branding strategy and marketing framework for identity and promotion of the district.

• As part of establishment and launch of the Fashion Incubator, a set of assets

related to marketing and identity have already been developed that can potentially be leveraged and expanded for the broader Garment District.

B) Development Plan

Downtown is one of the most architecturally rich and historically significant neighborhoods in the region. And as a result of previous development plans and programs by Federal, State, and Local stakeholders, downtown has seen a remarkable renaissance over the past two decades. Many of the abandoned old historic structures have been brought back to life. Along with an overall revitalization of the area, downtown has also developed into a mosaic of individually distinct but synergistic districts. As the region’s leading entertainment destination with many restaurants and a vibrant street life, Washington Avenue is among the best examples of this revival.

The Development Plan component of Garment District Placemaking is intended to build on the unique aspect of Washington Avenue as both a historic center of garment manufacturing and retail, as well as an emerging destination for creative businesses. The

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plan will provide a framework for developing the built environment within this district that is appealing and visually consistent with the vision of the Garment District. The components for this framework could include but not be limited to:

• Changes or improvements to the public realm that enhance identity like the Washington Avenue "zipper" described earlier.

o Such improvements need to be durable, sustainable, and resistant to graffiti and vandalism.

• Enhancements to the quality and experience as a destination for people. • Use and development scenario for underutilized areas of the district. • Address potential conflicts between users/time of day

Furthermore, the Plan will include recommendations on streetscape design, building usage and facade. Sponsors have previously worked on related studies and plans and will share the results of those studies with the consultant selected for this project. The consultant may decide to use the results of those studies, as deemed appropriate. However, if the consultant considers it necessary, they will be free to design and conduct a new study, after a discussion and approval from Sponsors.

C) Stakeholder Engagement

The Sponsors believe preparation of a good development plan requires the collaboration and agreement of all the relevant stakeholders. Therefore, this planning effort anticipates a substantive level of engagement of the relevant stakeholders. The Consultant will develop and conduct the stakeholder engagement plan with an input from the Sponsors and any other entity that the Sponsors consider necessary.

D) Implementation Strategy A sound and actionable implementation strategy is key to successful outcomes of any planning process. As part of this project, the Consultant will be expected to consider available resources and challenges related to the recommended plan and provide a suggested implementation strategy. The strategy will outline specific implementation goals, guidelines, and cost estimates for the recommended plan. The strategy will also be expected to consider:

• an area wide City redevelopment plan with appropriate level of incentives and requirements along with zoning considerations.

• Coordination with Downtown Now Plan and the efforts of Downtown Community Improvement District, to find an effective balance and utilize pre-existing mechanisms therein.

• Appropriate phasing mechanism since all the components of the plan may not be implemented simultaneously.

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IV. TASKS AND DELIVERABLES

A) Brand Identity Markers

The Consultant will deliver Brand Identity Package for the Garment District which will then become the exclusive property of DSI.

B) Physical Development Plan

The Consultant will also prepare and deliver a Physical Development Plan for the Garment District. The Plan would include improvements to the public realm to enhance identity and experience as a people place as well as providing a development scenario for underutilized areas. This plan will become the exclusive property of DSI and DSI will be free to use it at any time, and for any purpose consistent with the mission of DSI, without any additional compensation beyond the work contract pursuant to this RFP.

C) Stakeholder Engagement

The Consultant will identify and conduct an appropriate stakeholder engagement process to gather the necessary input from all the relevant stakeholders.

D) Implementation Strategy

The Consultant will prepare and deliver a strategy that outlines specific implementation goals and guidelines and cost estimates for the recommended plan as detailed above. V. BUDGET As per DSI policy, a specific budget for this RFP is not included here. However, the budgeted amount for this RFP is modest and consultants should prepare project work and cost estimates for their proposals accordingly. Cost will be a factor in evaluating proposals received under this RFP. VI. QUALIFICATIONS The consultant should have, at a minimum, the following experience.

• Experience in conducting projects similar in scope and objectives to this RFP. AND

• Research and advisory experience in the following subject areas: o Urban development o Economic and Fiscal Impact Analyses o Demand estimation and segmentation o Market analysis o Public Engagement

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o Branding & Marketing of Places

VII. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS Please organize your response to this RFP as described in this section. At a minimum, your response should have the following sections.

A) Cover Letter

B) Firm Information • Company Information • Project Team and Resume • Subcontractor Information (team and resume), if applicable • Relevant Experience • Sample of Work • References

C) Cost

• Detailed cost estimate for the full project • Hourly rates/Billing structure used to prepare proposed cost estimate

D) Additional Information (Optional)

In a separate section of the proposal, please include any additional information that you think is relevant to this RFP and will be helpful to DSI in evaluating your proposal.

VIII. PROJECT TIMELINE (TENTATIVE)

• Proposal Deadline: By August 31st by 3:00 PM DSI should receive full proposal submittals in its office no later than 3:00 PM on Thursday, August 31st. Any late submissions will not be considered for this RFP. DSI does not assume any responsibility for returning the late submitted proposals.

• Proposal Review and Finalist Interviews: Late September, 2017 (Tentative) DSI will review proposals submitted and shortlist candidates for an interview expected to be scheduled in September 2017.

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VIII. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION One paper copy and one electronic copy mailed or delivered to:

Downtown STL, Inc. Attention: Mobin Khan 720 Olive Street, Suite 450 St. Louis, MO 63101

Issuance of this RFP does not commit any of the Sponsors to award any contract, to pay any costs incurred in preparation and/or submission of a proposal, or to procure or contract for services or supplies. All proposals submitted shall become the property of DSI. Sponsors reserves the right to, at any time, cancel this RFP, reject any or all responses to this RFP, to modify scope of work, to re-advertise for new RFP responses, or to award contract to any party it deems best. The project related timeline mentioned above is tentative and DSI reserves the right to modify / delay the project timelines, in part or full, as and when it deems necessary.