Request of Qualifications for Developers Announced

The University of the South is seeking statements of qualifications from experienced developers (individuals, firms, or teams) interested in presenting a viable design and concept for development of one or more parcels of real estate located in the village of Sewanee, and controlled by the University of the South.
In August 2015, Town Planning and Urban Design Collaborative (TPUDC) and the University of the South conducted a public planning workshop to finalize a master plan for downtown Sewanee. The recently completed Village Implementation Plan focuses on creating a lively and economically thriving downtown area, with new businesses and civic spaces linked to the University and surrounding neighborhoods with a network of pedestrian paths, trails, and bicycle facilities.
Sewanee’s village core will be a mixed-use environment, integrating new retail, office and residential uses into the existing fabric of downtown without compromising the character that makes Sewanee special. The plan also incorporates new housing options for a range of income levels, including cottage courts, apartments in mixed-use buildings, and affordable single-family houses.
The University and its town planner, TPUDC, have begun the process of qualifying builders, architects and developers to work in the Sewanee village. Qualified firms or individuals will be those committed to uphold the standards of the University and the Village Implementation Plan, and experienced with the type of project they seek to complete. The University seeks responses from any individual, firm or team who may be interested in becoming a Qualified Developer for development of one or more parcels of real estate in the village.
Potential projects include a cottage court of up to 12 single-family detached homes surrounding a communal outdoor space; a mixed-use market building; multi-family/apartment housing; microhousing; and other commercial/mixed use buildings, civic spaces and streetscape improvements. Responses to the request for qualifications (RFQ) will be accepted on a rolling basis until a notice that the RFQ is closed is posted at http://sewanee.edu/village; however, responses received before Oct. 1, 2016, will be given priority consideration.
An important goal of the Village Implementation Plan is to identify, protect, and enhance the unique aesthetic character of the village and the neighborhoods that surround it. In order to meet these goals, the University has asked TPUDC to oversee village development and to provide design and architectural review services for leaseholds within the village. The town planner is currently in the process of developing a pattern book of architectural patterns, styles, and details to guide future development.
This RFQ process is intended to give the University the opportunity to qualify several development teams. More detailed proposals will be required once qualified development teams have been shortlisted and specific projects have been identified.
To obtain a copy of the RFQ and any updates/amendments to it, please visit <http://sewanee.edu/village> or contact Frank Gladu, vice president for administrative services at the University of the South, at fxgladu@sewanee.edu.