BDC Issues Two RFP’S for New Arena

Baltimore, MD (August 26, 2008) – The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), on behalf of the City of Baltimore, today announced that it has issued two (2) Requests for Proposals (RFP), one for a development team and another for a feasibility consultant, in connection with the development of a new arena in Baltimore City.  In July, BDC announced the decision to move forward with development of an 18,500-seat arena at the site of the current arena, bounded by Lombard Street, Howard Street, Baltimore Street, and Hopkins Place.

Proposals are being requested from qualified and experienced teams for the design, development, construction and operation of the new arena in accordance with the following City objectives:  1) The expedient delivery of a high quality mixed-use development with iconic design, to include an 18,500-seat arena and other uses (as recommended by the respondent).  The architectural design of a new Baltimore arena should be of the highest standards, reflecting the caliber of Oriole Park at Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium, and embodying qualities of vitality, dignity and permanence; 2) To select a respondent able to achieve such a development funded with maximum private financial support; 3) To select an experienced and creative operator to attract and promote events on a regular basis; and 4) To achieve positive impacts, including: opportunities for minority business enterprises (MBE) and women business enterprises (WBE); jobs at a prevailing living wage for City residents; and contribution to the City’s long-term economic growth objectives. 

BDC is seeking a consultant ("Feasibility Consultant") to assist in the analysis of proposals for a new arena.  The selected consultant will assist with contract negotiations, including with the selected developer and operator, financing, and determining a location and development scenario for a temporary facility for activities while the new arena is being developed.

To learn more about these offerings, contact BDC Director of Business Development Christopher Moyer at 410-779-3844 or cmoyer@baltimoredevelopment.com.  The RFP’s can be downloaded from BDC’s website at www.baltimoredevelopment.com.

All development proposals, accompanied by a $500.00 non-refundable check, are due by 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2008.  All consultant proposals, accompanied by a $300.00 non-refundable check, are due by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2008.