Workhouse Memorial RFP

Sponsor: Community Development Administration

Procurement Type: Request for Information

Starting Date: 03-17-2025

Closing Date: 05-13-2025

Closing Time: 12:54 PM

Summary

Opportunity (Purpose & Intent of RFP)

The City of St. Louis, Missouri, seeks proposals from qualified artists, designers, or interdisciplinary teams to design and install a permanent, site-specific memorial marker at the former location of the Medium Security Institution (MSI), commonly known as the Workhouse. This project aims to serve residents of the surrounding neighborhood, honor the significance of the site, acknowledge its complex history, and reflect the community’s vision for its future.

Located at 7600 Hall Street, the Workhouse served as a municipal jail for decades until it was emptied and closed under the administration of Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. Demolition of the facility is scheduled for this year. A community-led engagement process involving nearly 2,500 residents highlighted the need for a memorial to acknowledge the experiences of those impacted by the facility, to promote healing and reflection, and improve this public space. This project represents an important step in repurposing the site to foster community pride, encourage investment, and promote the equitable development of public spaces.

The selected artist or team will create a design that captures the historical significance of the site, aligns with the community’s vision, and provides a meaningful experience for visitors. The project must include the design, fabrication, and installation of the memorial within the designated budget and timeline. This opportunity is open to nonprofits or private corporations (ie LLC), including individuals or teams, with demonstrated capacity to execute public art or design projects of this scale, including but not limited to architects, landscape architects, artists, and engineers.

Issued by: City of St. Louis, Community Development Administration (CDA)
Estimated Timeline
Issuance Date: March 14th, 2025
Questions Due: April 7, 2025
Q & A Posting: April 28, 2025
Proposal Due: May 12th, 2025