Providing the Request for Information (RFI) for the 84 & 96 Bishop Allen Drive to the City

The City is preparing to issue a Request for Information (RFI) for potential development on the City-owned properties at 84 & 96 Bishop Allen Drive. This is one of the early action items from the Central Square City Lots Study completed in February 2024.

The study identified a strong preference for these parcels, that are currently municipal surface parking lots, to be transformed in the future and accommodate a combination of affordable housing and a welcoming gathering space that invites in the diverse Central Square community and can host cultural events.

Recent discussions at the City Council’s Finance Committee have focused on the large range of capital projects that the City is looking to prioritize with an eye to responsible fiscal management over the coming five to ten years. The redevelopment of 84 & 96 Bishop Allen Drive is not currently included in the City’s public investment plan or bond schedule.

It is, therefore, prudent to explore the role that a public-private partnership could play to advance the community’s desires for redevelopment of the lots in a timely manner. We have been working with the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) in developing the RFI and if the City decides to pursue a public-private partnership, we anticipate that the CRA would be an integral partner in the process.

The purpose of the RFI is to gauge developer interest in a public-private partnership with the City to redevelop the two lots in Central Square as a mixed-used development that includes a significant amount of affordable housing, affordable commercial space, open space, public parking, and a permanent space for arts and culture activities similar to Starlight Square.

A RFI is a process for gathering information from potential partners, and is typically used when more information is needed to inform the development of a possible future solicitation. This RFI does not commit the City to issue a solicitation; it is mainly for information and planning purposes.

The draft RFI for 84 and 96 Bishop Allen Drive describes the City’s development

objectives and asks specific questions of potential partners on how they would meet said objectives. It also includes questions on potential development program and approach, design of public private partnerships, and financing models among others. 2 The City is seeking City Council and public feedback on the draft RFI to ensure the RFI covers questions of interest to the community. The comment period will be open until July 10th and comments will inform any changes to the RFI before it is advertised.

Once we receive responses to the RFI from developers, staff will present findings from the RFI to the City Council to discuss next steps in the process. Attached is the draft RFI for City Council’s review. Please send any comments to mpeters@cambridgema.gov.