Request for Qualifications Consultant Services

Master Plan for the College Hill Corridor and Mercer Village
The City of Macon, Georgia
Submittal Deadline: June 26, 2008

Summary
The College Hill Corridor project in Macon represents a timely opportunity to connect people and organizations to each other in a worthwhile place. Inspired by a student project, the former Mayor of Macon and the President of Mercer University established the College Hill Corridor Commission (www.collegehillcorridor.com) to achieve the redevelopment of the corridor between Mercer University and downtown. A generous grant for Master Planning from the James S. and John L. Knight Foundation has made it possible to request qualifications for Master Planning of this Corridor and Village including infill construction, pedestrian and bicycle improvements, improving cultural and social connections, increasing visual appeal and connecting the needs of our "anchor" institutions and destinations. This project will be contracted by Mercer University and managed by the College Hill Corridor Commission with staff support from City of Macon's Economic and Community Development Department.

Scope of Services

• Analyze existing redevelopment plans (available online at www.collegehillcorridor.com/plans)
• Study existing anchor institutions and their organizations (by web)
• Conduct interviews with constituent non-profit organizations, anchor institutions, neighborhood associations and businesses to develop design consensus.
• Conduct and lead public design charrettes and incorporate findings into development of the draft Master Plan
• Develop a draft Master Plan, including a specific Implementation Strategy and Financing Strategy for review and comment by City and University staff and the public
• Design solutions to traffic and parking issues within the College Hill Corridor
• Traffic calming at Mercer Village and along College St.
• Enabling safe, fast and enjoyable cycling
• Evaluating on-street parking on College St.
• Proposing creative and attractive solutions such as roundabouts
• Design new-build infill within the Corridor and at Mercer Village (including student housing and commercial space)
• Design improvements to public parks, especially Tattnall Square Park
• Propose strategies for recruiting and retaining best use retail, commercial and residential tenants including incentive suggestions
• Propose design changes to induce spontaneous and planned neighborhood events, public events and everyday interaction
• Propose strategies for attracting walkers, bikers, students and neighbors to use the Corridor, parks, businesses and residences
• Develop design guidelines as a planning overlay for the Corridor
• Propose a phased implementation strategy and timeline
• Propose funding strategies linked to implementation strategy
• Prepare and present the updated Plan to the College Hill Corridor Commission and the City Council for adoption
• Provide final working document in both electronic and hard copy format (suitable for the web and editable).

Submission Requirements
Applicants should submit a Statement of Qualification by 5pm on June 26, 2008. Applications should include one digital copy by email. One print application or digital copy on electronic media may also be submitted by mail. Applications should be limited to 10 pages (excluding appendices) and include:

• A Cover Sheet including quick facts about the firm (website, contact info)
• A 1-5 Page Statement of Qualification specifically addressing the firm's fitness to carry out the Scope of Work outlined here including:
  • A statement illustrating the firm's proficiency in streetscape design, traffic calming, college town planning, community engagement, economic development, planning and urban design.
  • A record of implementation, successful function and sustainability for urban design proposals and master plans.
  • Evidence of inclusive planning practices and community engagement.
  • Past examples of cost control, adherence to timelines and quality of work.
  • Experience in Macon or the region, if any.
• Resumes for key team members and their proposed roles in delivering this project
• Two examples (either print or digital) of the firm's best previous work illustrating expertise relevant to this project

Full Document
The full RFQ is available for download at http://www.collegehillcorridor.com/plans

Deadline
Submittals must be received by June 26, 2008 at 5pm. Digital submittals are preferred, but may also be made by mail or hand delivered using the information below:

Josh Rogers
Economic and Community Development
The City of Macon
200 Cherry St., Suite 300
Macon, GA 31201
josh@collegehillcorridor.com