26-06 RFI Polaris Site Development

The City of Fairbanks is seeking input from qualified development teams to shape the future redevelopment of the downtown “Polaris” (Starter Block) site. This Request for Information is purely an information‑gathering exercise; no contract is awarded at this stage, but responses will influence a later competitive procurement (lease or RFP). The RFI asks respondents to address team qualifications, conceptual programming, high‑level budgeting, incentive/partnership models, risk mitigation, and community‑benefit alignment, with special emphasis on mixed‑use, affordable housing, Alaska Native partnership, and winter‑city resilience. • Provide an overview of your organization, key personnel, and experience with mixed‑use, cold‑climate, and community‑oriented projects. • Submit conceptual redevelopment ideas for the Polaris site, covering housing, retail, public‑realm design, cultural anchors, and climate‑responsive features. • Offer high‑level cost estimates, financing stacks, and strategies to sustain long‑term affordability and local economic benefits. • Outline partnership approaches (e.g., Indigenous collaboration, community land trusts) and risk mitigation plans for permafrost, energy use, and market conditions.