Request for Proposals: FUSE Restaurant Pad RFP Extended Deadline

The City of Gastonia, North Carolina is soliciting development proposals for a property located at 105 N. Trenton Street, near the Caromont Health Park and the FUSE District. The city-owned property features 8,500 square feet of open green space and 4,249 square feet of existing roof space, and the city is seeking a development partner to create a signature restaurant that will serve as a destination in the FUSE District. The proposed scope of work includes: * Developing a signature restaurant that takes advantage of the view of the baseball stadium * Creating a project that meets market and city needs * Maximizing the potential of the property to increase the tax base * Offering a unique experience that complements the FUSE District The city is looking for a development partner with experience in destination restaurant development and public-private partnerships. The proposal should include: * A letter of introduction and summary of the respondent's qualifications and experience * A development proposal that includes a potential development concept and a description of the specific restaurant tenant * Information on the development team, including partner firms and their roles * Experience and references, including photos and descriptions of completed projects * Disclosures, including any potential conflicts of interest and financial information The evaluation criteria for the proposals include: * Development proposal (30%) * Qualifications and experience of the development team (20%) * Level of integration of guiding public interests (20%) * Quality and success of prior development projects and public-private partnerships (10%) * Demonstrated ability to execute projects of similar scale and complexity (10%) * List of active development projects and demonstration of confidence in the project (10%) The deadline for submitting proposals is July 15, 2026, and the city reserves the right to cancel the RFP or waive any irregularities. The city will lead the evaluation process and may request clarifications or additional information from respondents. The goal of the project is to create a vibrant and attractive destination in the FUSE District that will benefit the city and its residents. The city is looking for a development partner that can bring a unique and creative approach to the project and can deliver a high-quality development that meets the city's needs and expectations.