City sizing up office-space proposals
Civic panel evaluates 13 projects for ‘transformational impact’
City staff started evaluating 13 proposals for new office space this week, a project that could see a “transformational” new tower built in the core.
The city has said it’s open to considering a new tower or existing office space to consolidate its downtown staff, but part of the evaluation will be based on what the project would accomplish in downtown or The Quarters.
One proposal made public earlier would add outdoor arts space on Jasper Avenue. A second would create a landmark triangular building in The Quarters, using green atria to naturally heat and cool the building.
More details are available on the Journal urban affairs blog at edmontonjournal.com/ urban. City regulations prevent proponents from publicly discussing their projects during the evaluation stage.
According to the city’s request for proposals, 25 per cent of each proposal’s score will be based on its “transformational impact,” including its effect on local property taxes, its architecture and how much it furthers the redevelopment plans.
The rest of the evaluation is based on finances (35 per cent), building attributes (15 per cent), interior attributes (15 per cent) and the proponent’s ability to accept the terms the city proposed for the lease (10 per cent). The city is looking for a 20-year lease starting January 2016, with two options for a five-year extension.
Local developers had until April 9 to submit their bids.
Kim Mellors, procurement manager for the city, said a team of five civic officials including the city architect started evaluating the projects Monday. They’ll pick one to present to council as early as June. An outside “fairness adviser” has been hired to observe the process.
The city estimates it could save $6 million a year starting in 2017 if it consolidated staff in new quarters. The city currently rents 370,000 square feet in the HSBC building, Scotia Place, CN Tower, City Centre West and Churchill Manor.