Graphic provided Designated areas show downtown Columbus properties that could be the focus of the new downtown plan.
A request for proposals (RFP) for the Columbus Downtown 2030 plan was released Friday as city officials look for an urban planning firm to commission a study and new master plan detailing ways to revitalize and activate the downtown, while also accounting for a changed climate in the area post-COVID.
The plan is set to have a more narrow focus than 2018’s Envision Columbus downtown plan, city officials said. Although the plan will have a smaller footprint, it will include more available buildings and spaces for consideration comparatively.
“Post-pandemic, the city of Columbus has placed emphasis on redefining goals for activation, acquisition, and placemaking downtown,” the RFP project summary reads. “More recently, focus has been directed to revitalizing our downtown community, especially following employment shifts, property vacancies, and recently launched initiatives to activate downtown spaces.”
The primary objective is to identify the best use for 22 downtown parcels identified as critical, made up of 12 owned by the Columbus Redevelopment Commission such as the recently purchased former Sears Building and adjoining parking lot, six current project areas like the riverfront and downtown entrance plaza, three parcels identified as future project opportunities including the Irwin Block Building and one parcel listed for sale in the Former Irwin Bank and Conference Center.
The plan is to outline a vision that can be achieved within five to 10 years and be actionable, but also be informed by community feedback.
Firms will have eight weeks up to Sept. 16 to indicate interest and submit their proposals.
“During that eight week time period we have built in time where (potential urban planning firms) can have a 90 minute meeting with me and with the guiding team and the redevelopment staff if they have specific questions,” Bonnie Boatwright, who is working as project manger for Columbus Downtown 2030, told the redevelopment commission on July 15.
There will also be an opportunity for firms to send in questions which city officials will respond to in the form of an FAQ.
Boatwright added that she and her team plan to reach out directly to 13 urban planning firms which were either recommended or applied for other RFPs in Columbus.
There had been three group sessions seeking input in the lead up to the release of the RFP, along with multiple one-on-one sessions, according to Boatwright.
The firm will be selected based on an point-based evaluation criteria assessing things like a firms understanding of the project and community, clarity and thoroughness in addressing required tasks and a firm’s plan for engaging the public.
Once an urban planning firm is in place, further community engagement would begin, which Mayor Mary Ferdon said would be similar to public sessions held for NexusPark.
The RFP lays out the following timeline:
- Aug. 21: Optional virtual meeting for interested firms
- Aug. 26: Last day for written questions
- Aug. 30: Responses to written questions delivered
- Sept. 16: Proposals due
- Oct. 2-4: Presentations/interviews with shortlisted firms
- Oct. 14: Selection of urban planning firm
- June 2025: Final report delivered to the city
