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%Z/1Z/o6 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS NORTHWEST QUADRANT MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT CITY OF NEW BRIGHTON, MN SUMMARY The City of New Brighton is in the process of redeveloping 100 acres at the northwest corner of I-694 and 1-35W. The framework plan approved by the City Council calls for a mixed-use "urban village." Three blocks totaling nearly 14 acres are being offered for development of a mixture of housing and commercial uses. The City is soliciting proposals for these sites, either separately or in combination. BACKGROUND The redevelopment of the Northwest Quadrant (NWQ) has been a priority of the City for over 20 years. Starting in 1999, the Council authorized the acquisition of properties throughout the area. The City has acquired over 70 acres, has an agreement to purchase an additional 26 acres, and is working on the remaining four acres. Two of the parcels will impact on sites offered herein. Demolition has been completed on all of the City - owned sites. Starting with recommendations from a community task force in 1997, the City has embraced the concept of a mixed-use "urban village" for the area. The adjacent 225 -acre Long Lake Regional Park is a "hidden gem" that will be an attractive amenity for residential development. The I -694/1-35W interchange — the second busiest in the state — provides excellent opportunities for conveniently located, highly visible office development. A four -lane highway, Old Highway 8, bisects the area and provides easy linkages to the rest of the community and beyond. The City's community center is located directly across 1-694 to the south. All of these elements have been considered in planning for the area. The City Council approved a "framework plan" in June 2005. Its organizing feature is a central "greenway" that crosses Old Highway 8, linking the regional park on the west with a planned six -acre city park on the east side. The city park will include a substantial drainage pond that will serve as an attractive amenity. The greenway will take on a more urban character on the east side of the highway, providing opportunities for storefront retail and residential on upper floors. Pedestrian and bicycle trails will run throughout the area and connect with the regional park and other nearby features. The framework plan was supplemented by design guidelines approved in November 2005. These guidelines are designed to promote consistent appearances and high-quality construction. They are meant to be qualitative, not quantitative or proscriptive. Developers should be assured that their investment can be less risky because the quality of development of adjacent properties is guided.