Assemble Lincoln, the group created to bring a convention center to Lincoln, will release a document Friday formally seeking proposals from developers for a convention center site downtown.
The request for proposals — or RFP — is a major step forward, a process through which the group hopes to select a site for the convention center.
Assemble Lincoln, a nine-member group of local, state and federal policymakers, business leaders and community members, already picked Legends Project Development as consultants for the project and decided Lancaster County should own and oversee the convention center.
Late last year the group issued a more informal request for letters of interest, to which four developers responded. Four potential sites emerged: at Canopy and Q streets; 14th and M streets near the Cornhusker Marriott; 20th and Q streets; and near 10th and N streets, where the addition to the Gold’s Building was recently demolished.
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Consultants said at the time that seeking letters of interest was a first step to get the word out and they expected more developers to respond to the formal request for proposals.
The RFP sets out the parameters the group wants in a site, including that it be able to accommodate a 130,000 square-foot building with 55,000-59,000 square feet of programmable space.
The proposal must also include plans for a 25,000-30,000 square foot exhibit hall and entryway, a 10,000-12,000-square foot ballroom and the same amount of breakout space as well as outdoor event space and space for back-of-house loading.
The site must also be able to provide for 750 parking spaces within 1,000 feet of the center.
Lancaster County must own both the land and the center, the document says.
The deadline for proposals is Feb. 29, and Assemble Lincoln plans to issue an RFP for an architect by the end of the month with the hope that the short-listed architects and developers can work together.
Sean Flowerday, a Lancaster County Commissioner who is a part of Assemble Lincoln, said the group may independently explore acquiring public land.
The U.S. Post Office next to Pinnacle Bank Arena has been discussed often as a possible location, though the U.S. Postal Service has so far not seemed inclined to sell it. Flowerday also mentioned the location of the old Lincoln Police Station at 233 S. 10th St. as a possibility.
The proposals must include a cover letter expressing the company’s interest in the project, and showcase their experience in developing convention centers.
“Demonstrated expertise in convention center development, urban revitalization and a commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions will be key factors in the selection process,†the RFP says.
The proposals are to include architectural drawings and floor plans, among other details, and should emphasize the proximity to and integration with hotels, restaurants, retail establishments and other amenities. The proposals must address traffic flow, a timeline and pedestrian connectivity.
Once Assemble Lincoln picks a proposal, the County Board must approve it.
Work on a convention center began well before Assemble Lincoln was formed in September. CSL (Convention, Sports and Leisure International), the research arm of Legends, has done two feasibility studies and recommended five potential sites.
During the last Legislative session, lawmakers passed a “turnback†amendment to LB727 that will allow 70% of the state sales tax collected on meals, drinks and other retail purchases near the proposed convention center to help pay for the $111 million-$120 million project.
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Top Journal Star photos for January 2024
Lennie Kuszak of Ord carries a flag that reads "God is pro-life" during the annual Walk for Life rally outside of the Capitol on Saturday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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Gov. Jim Pillen speaks during the annual State of the State address at the Capitol on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024.
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JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
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A pig is seen on the desk of Gov. Jim Pillen, Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, in Lincoln.
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Contact the writer at mreist@journalstar.com or 402-473-7226. On Twitter at @LJSReist.
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