Breathing new life into old firehouse

Wanted - new owners with a vision for how to repurpose a vintage firehouse.
On Thursday, October 23, The New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced that in collaboration with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), it would be looking for potential business owners to submit a request for proposal to revamp the former Rockaway Firehouse in Community Board District 14.
The EDC envisions the two-story building, located on Rockaway Beach Boulevard and Beach 59th Street in Arverne, Queens, being acquired by a non-profit organization intended on community, educational or cultural and arts usage.
Potential uses may include performance and rehearsal space; office, workshop, classroom and multi-purpose space and community exhibition and meeting space, among others.
The goal of New York City’s Request for Proposal is to redevelop the site into a facility for use by educational and or cultural use for the benefit of the surrounding community. Proposed projects should preserve the character and appearance of the building to highest possible extent, demonstrate financial feasibility and economic viability and adhere with existing zoning requirements and other regulatory controls.
A variety of criteria will be used to evaluate proposals, including consistency with the objectives of the RFP; economic impact on the City, land use and design, and development team qualifications. Companies who have been certified with the New York City Small Business Services as Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) are strongly encouraged to apply. Proposals should also include an M/WBE and Local Hiring Utilization Plan, as well as a Green Building Plan to maximize the sustainable performance of the development.
Detailed submission guidelines and requirements are outlined in the RFP. The RFP is available for in-person pick-up between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, from NYCEDC, 110 William Street, 6th floor, New York, NY (between Fulton & John streets). Respondents may submit questions and/or request clarifications from NYCEDC no later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2008.
The EDC is the New York City’s primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC’s mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the city’s competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City’s many opportunities.
To download a copy of the solicitation documents please visit www.nycedc.com/RFP. Responses are due no later than 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2009. Ten sets of the proposal should be mailed to NYCEDC, 110 William Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10038, Attention: Maryann Catalano, Senior Vice President, Contracts. Questions regarding the subject matter of the RFP should be directed to rockawayfirehouserfp@nycedc.com. To find out more about M/WBE certification, please call 3-1-1 or go to www.nyc.gov/getcertified.