Statement of Qualifications due: 5:00 PM, Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Download full RFQ PDF

Introduction

The College Hill Corridor project represents a community-wide, grass-roots effort to preserve, reconnect and revitalize the neighborhoods between Downtown Macon and the Mercer University campus; promote economic development; and attract young professionals and families back to the urban core. Inspired by a student project, the former Mayor of Macon and the President of Mercer University established the Commission to advance these efforts. These volunteers continue to serve an advisory role. A generous grant from the James S. and John L. Knight Foundation made it possible to develop a Master Plan for the corridor which addressed infill opportunities, pedestrian and bicycle improvements, cultural and social connections, visual appeal and the needs of the anchor institutions and destinations. That plan is being implemented by a professional staff at the College Hill Alliance, who will fund and manage this design project. Additional Knight Foundation funding established the Alliance and the Knight Neighborhood Challenge grants, which in conjunction with the Community Foundation of Central Georgia established funding opportunities for a variety of initiatives identified in the Master Plan. The project for which this RFQ is being requested has been funded by one of the grants from Community Foundation of Central Georgia.

Purpose

Created in 1850, Tattnall Square Park is the historic focal point for several of Macon’s oldest and most significant neighborhoods, as well as Mercer University. It was originally meant to serve as a formal park and an oasis from the City. Over the years, many changes, some incremental and others drastic have irrevocably transformed the Square from its original design and instilled a new set of expectations for how it can and should be programmed. Incorporating those expectations into a single cohesive set of bid-ready design documents should enhance the community’s ability to obtain funding for construction.

General recommendations made in the Master Plan for Tattnall Square Park include:

• Enhancing the path system
• Creating a new plaza at College & Oglethorpe Streets
• Redesigning parking
• Extending natural areas & re-planting
• Adding sidewalks and improving curbing
• Encourage outdoor movies and events
• Improve recreation uses
• Physical improvements (fountain, band shell)

For more information refer to the College Hill Corridor Master Plan located at www.collegehillmacon.com.