UBalt Issues Request for Proposal for Oliver Street Site
August 4, 2022
Contact: Office of Advancement and External Relations
Phone: 410.837.5739
The University of Baltimore has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a parcel of land it owns at 50-60 W. Oliver St. The competitive, sealed bid proposals will be evaluated based on a number of factors, with the award subject to approval by the University, the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, and the Maryland Board of Public Works. UBalt's Office of Procurement issued the RFP on Friday, July 29.
The University is applying USM and state procurement rules in reviewing and administering proposals submitted by developers. UBalt plans to enter into a ground-lease arrangement if a successful development proposal is received, from which it would earn annual revenue for many years. A pre-proposal conference and site visit will be open to interested developers on Aug. 12, followed by a written question-and-answer period between developers and the institution, ending on Sept. 2. The development proposal due date is Sept. 16. Developer selection is tentatively expected on Oct. 10, with non-binding ground-lease terms to be agreed upon on or about Nov. 2. From there, the selected proposal and ground lease terms will be considered by the Board of Regents and the Board of Public Works.
"We are excited to undertake this project as a way of enhancing our campus as well as midtown overall," said University of Baltimore President Kurt L. Schmoke. "This is truly a historic time for the University, especially with the ongoing redevelopment and renewal of Penn Station at our front door. All of Baltimore benefits from a thriving city center, one that is alive with activities both day and night. That’s what we’re anticipating, and we expect the development community will feel the same."
The Oliver Street site, which is bordered by Maryland Avenue and the Jones Fall Expressway, was owned by the U.S. Postal Service for decades. Its facilities previously were used by the USPS for the maintenance of fleet vehicles.
According to the RFP, once a developer is selected, that firm or firms will have 18 months to complete designs and receive approval to begin construction. Another 18 months will be allotted for substantial completion of the development.
Interested persons are encouraged to check the Office of Procurement's solicitations page for any changes or additions to the Oliver Street RFP.