Request for Qualifications (RFQ):

Downtown Memphis Design Guidelines Update

Introduction:

Last revised over 8 years ago, the Downtown Memphis (TN) Design Guidelines & Principles are in need of an update to improve their usability and continue to raise the bar on design excellence for public projects and private development that receives a public incentive.

Why update the Design Guidelines?

Improved design guidelines will:

• Provide clear direction to property owners and developers about the type and quality of development that our community expects.
• Raise the level of discourse and debate at Design Review Board (DRB) meetings by providing a better framework for evaluating projects with more objectivity.
• Set high standards to improve the quality of commercial development and architectural design for DMC-affiliated projects.
• Offer guidance for all projects that fall under the purview of the DRB, including projects located inside and outside the Central Business Improvement District (CBID).
• Provide direction on the appropriate use of quality exterior materials.

Goals for the revised Design Guidelines:

• Clear, concise, and easy to understand document with an emphasis on pictures and illustrations over long paragraphs of plain text.
• Goal: Maximum document length of 20 pages.
• Use locally-relevant examples and illustrations when possible.
• Align with the BuildDowntown Plan priorities to help build compact critical mass and create a great pedestrian experience.
• Special emphasis on walkability, public realm and streetscape design, ground-floor transparency, and quality exterior materials.
• DRB and DMC adopt the revised design guidelines in Q2 2022.
• Maximum total budget of $50,000.

Scope of Services:

The exact scope of work will be determined in collaboration with the selected consultant. In general, the project is anticipated to include:

• Review and evaluate the existing CBID Design Guidelines.
• Identify best practices and examples of innovative and effective Design Guidelines applicable to Downtown Memphis.
• Work with DMC staff to solicit meaningful public input from key Downtown stakeholders and the general public throughout the process.
• Work closely in collaboration with DMC staff and a committee of volunteer Design Review Board (DRB) members to prepare a preliminary draft and a final draft document.
• Consultant should be available to attend one or more meetings of the DMC Board of Directors and the DRB, if needed.

Project Timeline: 

The exact project timeline will be developed in consultation with the selected consultant. The dates below represent DMC goals for key milestones.

• August 2, 2021: RFQ published.
• September 13, 2021: RFQ responses due by 4:00 PM CST.
• October 2021: Interview a shortlist of finalists.
• Nov. 2021: Target date for DMC Board of Directors to select consultant; it is anticipated that the contract starting date will follow immediately thereafter.
• April, 2022: Complete first draft of the CBID Design Guidelines.
• June/July 2022: Request adoption of CBID Design Guidelines by DMC and DRB.

Submittal Process & Deadline:

Should you be interested in submitting a proposal for this project, please email the response as a single PDF document to roler@downtownmemphis.com on or before 4:00 p.m. CST on September 13, 2021.

Questions? Email Brett Roler — roler@downtownmemphis.com

Visit the link to learn more about this RFQ:

https://downtownmemphis.com/about/business-improvement-district/development-rfps-rfqs/