Background/Discussion
In 2009, the City began acquisition and demolition of structures on the three acres of land located at 21st Avenue and South 6th Street utilizing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Neighborhood Stabilization (NSP) funds. The properties were considered blighted and/or in foreclosure at the time.
In January 2022, the City issued an updated RFP for the redevelopment of the three acres. Arch Icon submitted a two phase proposal called Spin Lofts with a total of 80 multi-family rental units to be built over a period of up to four years. Phase 1 includes a 4-story building with 50 units with a unit mix of one-, two- and four- bedrooms for low to moderate income families in the area.
On March 10, 2022, the City was awarded a grant from U.S. Representative Axne in the amount of $904,336. The City applied for the funding to construct improvements at 21st Avenue and South 6th Street, making it ready for development. The project will reconstruct 21st Avenue, east of South 6th Street and prepare the site for building construction, including a significant volume of fill to raise the site approximately three feet.
The project was included in the FY23 CIP with a budget of $900,000 in Federal funds.
TD2 was selected based on their previous and directly related experience in the area. They are providing engineering services for Arch Icon’s housing project and have already developed conceptual plans as part of the planning process. They are a pre-qualified firm and it is appropriate for TD2 to continue their role as project engineer for the improvements to 21st Avenue and the site preparation.