The City of Woodstock, Illinois, population 25,528 and located 47 miles northwest of Chicago, is pleased to issue this Request for Qualifications ("RFQ") seeking interested businesses and individuals to reuse/lease all or a portion of the Old Sheriff's House and Jail, located at 115 N. Johnson Street and adjacent to the Old McHenry Courthouse. This RFQ is a unique opportunity to bring a new use to a landmark building and to further the vitality of the Woodstock Square, considered the heart of the community and boasting an eclectic mix of restaurants, arts and entertainment venues and specialty retail shops. The City is seeking an innovative partner with the vision and expertise to bring a creative and successful use to the building while preserving it's unique, historic charm and character. The link to the RFQ is: http://www.woodstockil.gov/bz/page/rfq-old-sheriffs-house-and-jail-downtown

The Old Sheriff's House and Jail are part of the Old McHenry County Courthouse property, currently owned by the City of Woodstock. Built in 1857 and located in the exact center of McHenry County, the Old Courthouse was joined by the accompanying Sheriff's House & Jail in 1887, and issued landmark status by the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The total available space in the Sheriff's House and Jail is approximately 7,200 square feet (three levels, including raised basement) plus a 25' x 35' outdoor patio area. The main level has 2,500 square feet, the upper level has 2,400 square feet, and the lower raised basement level has 2,300 square feet (all approximate). The interior includes original Victorian style woodwork including staircase and railings. Many of the jail cells are still intact.

The City intends to evaluate all submittals received based on the evaluation criteria contained in this RFQ and select the most qualified respondent(s) to respond to a final Request for Proposals (RFP). Based on the final submittals to the subsequent RFP, the City may enter into negotiations with the most qualified proposer for the lease of the Building. The City reserves the right to re-open this RFQ process if necessary.