The City of Lee’s Summit has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to solicit interested master development and professional management firms to partner with the City and the Downtown Community Improvement District for the mixed-use Downtown Market Plaza redevelopment project.

The redevelopment project would be located near SE Green Street and SE Third Street in Lee’s Summit’s historic downtown district.

In July, Lee’s Summit Mayor Bill Baird presented a conceptual plan for the Downtown Market Plaza to City Council which included a permanent farmer’s market, conservatory, boutique hotel, mixed-use commercial building, outdoor performance area, apartment complex and courtyard.

The City is seeking a master developer with a proven record of successful development projects that include a mix of public and private structures and spaces, and the construction of public infrastructure and utility improvements, ideally in downtown areas. The developer must be prepared to provide private financing for the construction of the private components of the project.

The City is also seeking professional management services to manage the public facilities of the Downtown Market Plaza in close coordination with the City, Downtown Community Improvement District and Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street. Respondents may indicate whether they intend to handle both aspects of the project or excel in one specific element - developer or manager.

Funding for the project will come from the remaining bond balance (passed by voters in April 2013), proceeds set aside from the sale of surplus properties, a partnership with the Downtown Community Improvement District and potential private investments.

The RFQ is an invitation for interested firms to submit qualifications for the City to review (it is not a request for a competitive bid). The deadline for firms to submit their proposals is 5 p.m. on Oct. 30, 2020.

A full list of criteria and details about the project, including additional conceptual design renderings, can be found at https://cityofLS.net/downtown-farmers-market-and-conservatory.

For questions regarding the Downtown Market Plaza, contact Mark Dunning at 816-969-1026 or email Mark.Dunning@cityofLS.net.