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Document · seen July 16, 2026

Main Document: 402-406 West Market Street - Garfield Diner & Apartment Building

Request for Proposals from the Pottsville Redevelopment Authority seeking qualified developers to acquire and redevelop vacant commercial and residential properties at 402-406 West Market Street in Garfield Square. The RFP outlines project requirements, submission guidelines, evaluation criteria, and the development process.

Introduction and Background

The City of Pottsville Redevelopment Authority seeks bids for the acquisition and redevelopment of vacant commercial and residential property located at 402-406 West Market Street, Pottsville PA. The Request for Proposal provides potential developers with sufficient information to prepare and submit bid proposals that will rehabilitate the target properties and advance the goals of the City of Pottsville and the Redevelopment Authority.

This project is located in Garfield Square, a historic section in the central business district. The centerpiece is the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, dedicated in 1891 to honor the 8,000 Pottsville residents who served in the Civil War. Most buildings in the square maintain good condition with restored historic architecture. The Garfield Diner, built in the 1950s, is noted as the location of visits from Presidents John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. The Redevelopment Authority has initiated this process to combat blight, preserve history and the tax base, while protecting the aesthetic features of Garfield Square.

The selected developer will be required to enter into a legal contract with the Redevelopment Authority, subject to court approval. The developer must take possession timely, maintain ownership and insurance for a specified period, implement the selected Development Plan, and pay all court costs, sale expenses, and costs incurred by the Redevelopment Authority. The Authority makes no warranties regarding title or condition of the property. The property will be sold free of all mortgages, judgments, or other monetary liens.

Property Background Information

The properties are located at 402 West Market Street and 404-406 West Market Street (parcel number 68-27-0204.001) within the Redevelopment Area in a C1 Neighborhood Commercial District. The project includes two separate buildings.

  • 402 West Market Street, "The Garfield Diner" Property is approximately 1700 square feet. It was constructed for use as a diner and continued in that use until 2019.
  • 404-406 West Market Street is a three-story building in front with a two-story addition on the rear. The original building is approximately 2400 sf and the addition is approximately 1650 sf. The structure includes a full basement running the entire length of the building. It was originally built as residential and most recently has been maintained as a multi-family rental structure.

A Building Inspection Report was completed by City Code Officials and a Building Condition Summary was assembled by City staff, both available for review.

Administrative and Contractual Information

  1. Any individual interested in submitting a proposal must register with the City Administrator's Office.
  2. Questions and inquiries may be accepted from potential respondents until July 10th. A summary of all substantive questions and answers will be distributed to all potential respondents and posted on the City website.
  3. Registration, questions, and inquiries should be directed to the Office of the City Administrator at City of Pottsville, PO Box 50, 401 North Centre Street, Pottsville, PA 17901 or cityadministrator@pottsvillepa.gov.
  4. Access to the building can be coordinated by Code Officer Justin Trefsger by calling or email. Visitors must first complete an Acknowledgement and Release from Liability form.

Submission of Bid Proposals

Bid proposal submissions are due by 12:00 PM (Noon) on July 17th, 2023.

  1. All proposals shall be bound.
  2. Submit seven (7) copies of the proposal plus one copy in PDF format on a flash drive to Tom Palamar, Executive Director, Pottsville Redevelopment Authority, PO Box 50, 401 North Centre Street, Pottsville, PA 17901. Mark submissions clearly as "Garfield Square Redevelopment."
  3. Proposals are valid and irrevocable for one hundred twenty (120) days following the submission deadline. Extensions may be granted by written mutual agreement.
  4. The Authority is not responsible for costs incurred by the developer in preparing the proposal.
  5. Proposals must include a concept plan of facade and streetscape improvements that are inviting to pedestrians and blend with surrounding architecture.
  6. Proposals must address requirements and objectives of this RFP.
  7. Proposals should be practical, concise, and prepared professionally.
  8. Proposals may include background information as necessary.
  9. The Authority will not be limited to information provided by the respondent and may obtain additional information about developers and the proposed project.
  10. Developers must submit comprehensive information in sufficient detail to enable proper consideration.
  11. All documents submitted shall be incorporated into the negotiated Redevelopment Contract and deemed binding representations, warranties, and covenants.
  12. A bidder qualification list must be completed and included.
  13. At a minimum, proposals must include: table of contents; project narrative describing the desired development and intended use, including conceptual plans, floor plans, elevations, rehabilitation details, parking plan, extent of repairs, proposed usage, and project task assignment; timeline addressing planning, design, engineering, demolition, and construction; identification of ownership structure and project team references; and budget with construction costs, soft costs, financing sources, and feasibility statement.

Scope of Work and General Considerations

  1. Through proposal submission, the developer agrees to comply with all federal, state, and city laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances.
  2. The selected developer is responsible for obtaining all permits, zoning appeals, subdivision approvals, engineering and environmental studies required.
  3. The structures' current use may be continued or converted to appropriate usage. Strong preference is given to proposals that save and renovate buildings for viable commercial and market rate residential use.
  4. If converting to commercial use, the developer must comply with zoning requirements.
  5. If demolition is needed, it must comply with all applicable codes and practices to the satisfaction of the Building Inspector.
  6. The buyer may add new development as appropriate and in compliance with applicable regulation.
  7. All new development must meet compliance with applicable codes and construction practices.
  8. The developer shall ensure all building, electrical, plumbing, heating, and demolition contractors meet City and State of Pennsylvania requirements.
  9. All required permits, plans, and inspections must be obtained and submitted to the City Code Office.
  10. For specific permit and inspection requirements, contact Code Officer Justin Trefsger at (570) 622-1234 ext. 1374 or jtrefsger@pottsvillepa.gov.
  11. The City has no specific knowledge of the environmental condition of the property. Any investigation and remediation is solely the developer's responsibility.
  12. Proposals may be rejected for parties who are delinquent in property tax or fees, have outstanding code violations, or have been issued citations leading to verdicts causing neighborhood concern.
  13. The Authority reserves the right to select the developer it deems best qualified and may designate a review panel. Developers may be required to make oral presentations.
  14. The Authority reserves the right to extend the due date and recommend award based on written proposals without discussion or negotiation.
  15. All portions of the RFP will be considered part of the Redevelopment Contract and incorporated by reference.
  16. The Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any proposals, waive minor irregularities, and request additional information.
  17. The submission must include signed acknowledgements to all addenda.
  18. Proposals must include a minimum of three project references with organization name, contact person, and telephone number.
  19. Failure of a reference to provide information makes the proposal non-responsive.
  20. Proposals may include supporting information, but must meet all requirements. The financial ability of the respondent to complete the project is of utmost importance.

Schedule of Events

  1. Date of Issuance: March 22, 2023
  2. Advertise RFP in Herald and website: April 7, 8, 9
  3. Proposals Due Date: July 17th
  4. Review period begins: July 18th
  5. Presentations (if required): July 24th–28th
  6. Estimated proposal selection date: TBD
  7. Court Approval: TBD
  8. Settlement with Buyer: TBD

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed and selected based on the following criteria:

  1. Quality of Proposal—complete with all necessary items
  2. Project narrative that clearly indicates the plan for development
  3. Complete budget including sources and uses of funds with documentation
  4. Qualifications and experience of the Developer
  5. Financial qualifications and ability of developer to complete the project
  6. Community and economic development benefits to the city and compatibility with the Pottsville Redevelopment Plan
  7. Clear and attainable timeline

Original on pottsvillepa.gov →