Columbus seeks RFQs for downtown hotel/conference center

The Columbus Redevelopment Commission is issuing a Request for Qualifications, or RFQs, from developers and/or development teams regarding the development of a conference center hotel on one of two sites downtown. In addition, officials say there is an opportunity for an urban grocery, as well a residential apartment component on the site.

In 2018, the Columbus Redevelopment Commission engaged the Hunden Strategic Partners Team, including design professionals from American Structurepoint, to conduct a market and financial feasibility analysis for the proposal. City officials say the Hunden market analysis revealed that Columbus could support a conference center hotel located with walkable access to the downtown amenities.

The primary elements of the project include a branded conference center hotel with the following elements:

? 140 +/- Guest Rooms
? 9,000 +/- Square Foot Divisible Ballroom
? 4,000-5,000 Square Foot of Divisible Breakout Meeting Rooms (at least 5 divisions)
? 3-Meal Restaurant
? Parking for Conference Hotel Center Estimated to be 380 +/- Spaces
? Additional Potential Element (preferred, but not required): Urban Grocery
? Additional Future Potential Phase (not required): Urban Apartments

Firms are invited to submit their qualifications no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, June 7th.

Officials say the current RFQ process will result in a short list of developers by this summer. They will be invited to the submit proposals. After reviewing proposals by the short-listed firms and conducting interviews, the developer is expected to be chosen by this fall.