Zeeland is asking for proposals for a new inner city development, a crossing
A corridor between businesses in downtown Zeeland and the parking lot north of Main Avenue has long been on the city’s wish list, and the purchase of two properties along the city’s central business district will bring the city of its goal, according to officials.
“It’s another piece of the puzzle,” says City Manager Tim Klunder. “It always feels good when you take another step forward.”
The City of Zeeland has launched a request for proposals process for an infill development for the properties it has purchased at 135 and 137 E. Main Ave. The existing buildings would be demolished and replaced with a new multi-storey mixed-use building. The project would include a new public pedestrian walkway to connect Main Avenue to the public parking lot to the north.
An infill neighborhood allows a city to set specific requirements for development and helps develop underutilized areas.
“We are delighted to be taking a step towards achieving another goal of the city’s downtown vision plan – improving connectivity with a downtown pedestrian walkway that connects the north public car park to street businesses. Main and create more density in the city center through infill development,” says Zeeland’s Director of Marketing Abby deRoo.
Vision
The city’s Downtown Vision Plan has identified a mid-block crossing as a goal since 2008. However, the city’s recent purchase of properties at 135 and 137 E. Main Ave. created the necessary momentum.
The City of Zeeland RFP includes the road, restaurant or retail on the first floor and apartments or offices on the second and possibly third floor. The RFP suggests that the new space would be a dynamic location for a full-service restaurant with a liquor license, proposing that the restaurant patio and public walkway could be a shared space.
City staff will work closely with the proposal finalists to ensure that the future building and passage meet the functionality, aesthetics and quality standards of downtown Zeeland.
The city created a Web page containing the RFP booklet and supporting documents. Proposals must be submitted by March 31.