4.4 SR 02-03-2025
Request for Action
To Item Number
City Council 4.4
Meeting Date Prepared By
February 3, 2025 Joe Stremcha, Business Services Director/Assistant
City Administrator
Item Description Reviewed by
Request for Proposals: Elk River Retail Store(s) Cal Portner
Construction Tina Allard
Action Requested
Approve, by motion the Elk River retail store(s) construction request for proposals and solicit qualified
vendors.
Background/Discussion
Northbound Liquor Store is located at 19348 Evans St NW. The city has determined the facility is beyond
economical repair and does not meet operational needs due to its existing layout. The city has chosen to
proceed with the construction of a new store at an alternative location and is in the process of acquiring land
for the project to proceed. The expected project includes the construction of an approximate 15,000-square-
foot store to facilitate the needs of the liquor operation.
The city has developed a business plan with the intent of acquiring a municipal cannabis license to begin retail
operations in 2026. A site location has not been identified for the Cannabound Store and the city is
considering new standalone or conjoined construction and leasing opportunities at this time. The expected
project includes the construction of an approximate 5,000 square feet store to be a new construction project
or a remodel of an existing leased space.
This proposal and qualifications shall include:
1. Estimate of site confirmation/construction costs.
2. Development of construction documents after the City Council approves preliminary design and cost
estimates.
3. Construction services. The city will hire an independent Construction Manager, who will monitor the
preliminary plan and construction document development, manage bid process, and manage overall
construction responsibilities. The chosen architectural design team will assist in the interview process.
Financial Impact
The funding source for this is the Liquor Fund with a cash balance in excess of $3,000,000.
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Mission/Policy/Goal
Meet changing needs - agile.
Attachments
1. 2025 Elk River Retail Stores Construction RFP (February 3, 2025)
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Professional Architectural Design Services and
Construction Support for Retail Stores
Northbound (Liquor)
and
Cannabound (Cannabis)
Proposals Due: Friday, February 28, 2025
City of Elk River
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
Statement of Purpose
The City of Elk River, Minnesota is soliciting proposals from a qualified and experienced Architectural
Services Consultant to provide comprehensive architectural and engineering design services for retail
stores. The new facilities will be constructed at conjoined or separate locations or consist of new
constructions and/or lease space remodeling.
General Information on the City of Elk River
Located approximately 34 miles northwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Elk River is located at the
confluence of the Mississippi and Elk Rivers. It is one of the largest land-mass cities in Minnesota
spanning almost 44 square miles. The city has a population of nearly 28,000 with a diverse economy as a
regional center for shopping and destination recreation.
Elk River is known for its natural beauty, with numerous parks and trails providing opportunities for
hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Conveniently served by several major highways, including U.S.
Highways 169 and 10, we have easy access to the Twin Cities and nearby communities. The city is also
served by the NorthStar Commuter Rail, with service between Elk River and downtown Minneapolis.
Elk River is a Statutory Plan A city with a weak Mayor-Council form of government, with administrative
and legislative authority the ultimate responsibility of the City Council.
The city administrator has the responsibilities for the ongoing operations of the city, City Council
relations, strategic planning, policy research and implementation, oversight of boards and commissions,
performance management, and general city administration.
Project Overview
Northbound Liquor Store is located at 19348 Evans St NW. The city has determined the facility is
beyond economic repair and does not meet operational needs due to its existing layout. The city has
determined to proceed with the construction of a new store at an alternative location and is in the
process of acquiring land for the project to proceed. The expected project includes the construction of
an approximate 15,000 square feet store to facilitate the needs of the liquor operation.
The city has developed a business plan with the intent of acquiring a municipal cannabis license to begin
retail operations in 2026. A site location has not been identified for the Cannabound Store and the city is
considering new standalone or conjoined construction and leasing opportunities at this time. The
expected project includes the construction of an approximate 5,000 square feet store to be a new
construction project or a remodel of an existing leased space.
This proposal and qualifications shall include:
1.Estimate of site confirmation/construction costs.
2.Development of construction documents after the City Council approves preliminary design and
cost estimates.
3.Construction services. The city will hire an independent Construction Manager, who will monitor
preliminary plan and construction document development, manage bid process, and manage
overall construction responsibilities). The chosen architectural design team will assist in the
interview process.
Pre-Qualification-Scope of Work
The city seeks to employ a firm with experience with similar facilities, by a core team (project leadership,
architect, and designer). Interested teams must have demonstrated experience in designing retail facilities
within the last five years and the personnel assigned to the project shall have direct experience with retail
facility design.
The city is looking for an “all encompassing” approach, where the selected firm exhibits the following
characteristics:
1.Scope of services (baseline) shall include Architectural Design, Civil Design & Engineering,
Structural Engineering, Mechanical (MPF) Design & Engineering, Electrical Design &
Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, B3 Design & Engineering, Audio/Video
& Data/Telecommunications Design & Engineering and Security Systems Design &
Engineering. The scope of work services not listed above will be in addition to the baseline
services.
2.A conceptual plan for the construction of new retail stores that incorporate the latest design
elements concerning modern retail buildings in terms of layout, safety, and security.
3.An ability to demonstrate functionality, value, and quality design within project budget
limitations.
4.Preparation of illustrative materials, e.g., renderings of both interior and exterior.
5.Preparation of certain illustrative materials for public engagement as approximate building costs
are known and public finance is evaluated (e.g., renderings, both interior and exterior), including
assistance, when necessary, with presentation before Council.
6.Experience in site selection and preparation.
Deliverables
The successful firm is to provide disciplines of architecture, civil and structural engineering, landscape
architecture, interior design, HVAC, plumbing, fire protection and electrical design. The responsibilities
of the firm include, but are not limited to:
1.Verification of the facility's space needs, including a site confirmation for the proposed
location of both Northbound and Cannabound Stores.
2.Develop plans and specifications to meet all applicable building codes.
3.Review plans and specifications in detail with the Building Committee and oversight
authorities.
4.Analyze opportunities for energy efficiency in the design process.
5.List the specification, coordination, and pricing of soft costs (furniture, fixtures, and
equipment).
6.Propose timeline of planned schedule for design and construction.
The successful firm will provide services in each of the following phases: Schematic Design, Design
Development, Construction Documents, Bidding, and Construction Administration.
General Instructions
Carefully read the information contained in this RFP and submit by certified mail a complete response
following all requirements, specifications, and directions to:
City of Elk River
Attn: Joe Stremcha
13065 Orono Parkway NW
Elk River, MN 55330
The submittals must be received at the offices of the City of Elk River no later than February 28, 2025.
Do not submit proposals to any other person or location by any other method.Note - proposal must
include:
1.Cover letter.
2.Signed Respondent Proposal (Attachment A)
3.Reference list
4.Firm background and qualifications (Attachment B)
5.Examples of constructed retail facilities that were designed by respondent. Therefore, any
examples of this type of project should also be included.
6.Stated understanding of the project scope and your approach to integrating input. Describe in
detail your approach to the design process and working with the city for a product to present to
the City Council for approval of a final design and to authorize advertisement for bids.
Late submission: Late submissions will not be considered.
Unsigned submission: The Respondent’s Proposal (Attachment A) must be signed by an authorized
representative of your company. Unsigned submissions will not be considered.
Evaluation Criteria
The Respondent selected for an award will not necessarily be the lowest bidder. Rather, the selection will
be based upon the proposal that is responsive, responsible, and the most advantageous to the city, as
determined by the city in its sole discretion. The city intends to award a contract, subject to the terms of
this RFP, to the best overall valued firm. Firms will be prioritized based on experience and performance,
current performance capability, fees, and other criteria as outlined in this document. The city anticipates
that all firms will have a fair and reasonable opportunity to provide service.
The city reserves the right to add/delete/modify criteria or times, via an addendum, if it is in the city’s
best interest, as determined by the city in its sole discretion.
Award Criteria
Issuance of this RFP does not compel the city to award a contract. The city reserves the right to reject
any or all proposals wholly or in part and to waive any technicalities, informalities, or irregularities in any
proposal at its sole option and discretion. The city reserves the right to request clarification or additional
information. The city reserves the right to award a contract, to resolicit proposals, or to abandon the
procurement temporarily or permanently.
Ownership of Proposal
All materials submitted in response to this RFP become public record and subject to inspection.
Unrestricted disclosure of proprietary information places it in the public domain. Only submittal
information clearly identified with the words “Confidential Disclosure” and placed in a separate envelope
marked as such shall be considered to qualify as Trade Secret Data under the Minnesota Government
Data Practices Act (MGDPA). Any material to be treated as Trade Secret Data must include a
justification for the request. The request will be reviewed and either approved or denied by the city. If
denied, the company shall have the opportunity to withdraw the entire proposal or to remove the
confidential or proprietary restrictions. Neither cost nor pricing information nor the total proposal shall
be considered confidential or proprietary. Any costs to preserve the Trade Secret data designation under
the MGDPA shall be the responsibility of the company.
Release of Claims, Liability, and Preparation Expenses
Under no circumstances shall the city be responsible for any proposal preparation expenses, submission
costs, or any other expenses, costs, or damages of whatever nature incurred as the result of a
respondent’s participation in this process. The respondent understands and agrees that it submits its
proposal at its own risk and expense and releases the city from any claim for damages or other liability
arising out of the RFP and award process.
Errors in Proposals
The city shall not be liable for any errors in the respondent’s proposal. No modifications to the proposal
shall be accepted from the respondent after the submittal date and time. The respondent is responsible
for careful review of its entire proposal to ensure that all information is correct and complete.
Respondents are responsible for all errors or omissions contained in their proposals.
Withdrawing Proposals
Respondents may withdraw their proposal any time before the submittal deadline by submitting a
written request to the contacts for RFP inquiries indicated on the submittal guidelines page. The written
request must be signed by an authorized representative of the respondent. The respondent may submit
another proposal any time before the deadline. No proposal may be withdrawn after the submittal date
and time without approval by the city. Such approval shall be based on the respondent’s submittal, in
writing, of a reason acceptable to the city in its sole discretion.
Addendums
The city reserves the right to issue an addendum to the RFP at any time, for any reason. If any addenda
are issued such addenda shall be issued by the city prior to the time that proposals are received and shall
be considered part of the RFP.
Responsible Prospers (Respondents)
The city reserves the right to award project contracts only to responsible respondents. Responsible
respondents are defined as firms that meet the requirements of this RFP and demonstrate the financial
ability, resources, skills, capability, willingness, and business integrity necessary to perform the contract.
The city’s determination of whether a respondent is a responsible respondent is at the city’s sole
discretion.
Notification of Award
If the city makes an award because of this RFP process, the city will deliver to the selected respondent a
notice of selection. The resulting contract shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:
1.The terms, conditions, specifications, and requirements of this RFP and its attachments
2.The addenda issued by the city pursuant to this RFP.
3.All representations (including, but not limited to, representations as to performance and financial
terms) made by the respondent in its proposal and during any meeting(s) with the city.
4.Any mutually agreed upon written modifications to the terms, conditions, specifications, and
requirements to this RFP or to the proposal.
Attachment A
RESPONDENT PROPOSAL
The firm hereby proposes to provide Design Services and other Services as specified within the
scope of service at the rates shown below.
Based on the scope of work for this project, what is your fixed fee? What are your estimated total
reimbursable expenses?
Fixed fee:
Reimbursable expenses:
Firm:
Contact:
Telephone:
E-mail:
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Authorized Signature
X Date
Name and Title:
Attachment B
FIRM BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS
The City of Elk River will review and evaluate each proposal and selection will be made based on
the criteria listed below. The offices submitting proposals shall include with that proposal
statements on the following:
A.Proven management skills and technical competence, including specialized experience in
the architectural design of retail facility projects.
Management Skills and Technical Expertise, as a minimum, include:
List of at least four retail facilities design projects that have been constructed,
including description, scope, project cost, and owner’s contact information.
Awards and letters of commendation received.
B.Credentials of project team, including lead designer’s and major sub-consultant’s portfolio
of related projects; history of the proposed team working together on past projects,
particularly as related to retail facilities with complex site plan features.
Include as a minimum:
1.Identification of project lead architect and project team.
2.Staffing plan.
3.Lead architect resume and portfolio of related projects.
4.Lead designer’s resume and portfolio of related projects.
5.Identification of sub-consultants.
6.Sub-consultant’s portfolio of related projects.
7.Resumes of sub-consultant’s staff.