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Fairhope approves lease transfer and $6.06 million redevelopment bid for K‑1 Center after securing $3.5M grant
Summary
The council authorized transfer of city property for a long‑term lease tied to a $3.5 million grant and awarded a $6,055,579 construction bid for the K‑1 Center redevelopment project.
The Fairhope City Council declared a portion of city property at the K‑1 Center surplus to municipal needs and moved forward with a lease and redevelopment package that leverages a $3.5 million grant from the Baldwin County Community Economic Development Foundation.
Mayor Sherry Sullivan and staff told the council the council’s action will permit a 15‑year lease on a portion of the K‑1 Center property at 106 South Church Street and enable $3,500,000 in grant funding to renovate the facility. The council then awarded the construction contract for K‑1 Center redevelopment to Rogers & Willett Inc. with a bid proposal not to exceed $6,055,579.
City staff noted that although the bid exceeded the project’s original budget, the grant funds and other project financing made the award acceptable; staff presented the bid as the lowest compliant bid from a competitive procurement that included multiple offers. The lease term discussed is for 15 years at a nominal minimum yearly rent of $1 as outlined in the lease document discussed on the record.
Councilmembers asked about the long history of the project; one member described the K‑1 Center as a “monumental facility” for the community and welcomed the redevelopment after years of planning. The council also approved a related resolution to expend grant funds for renovations.
The motions to adopt the ordinance declaring portions of the property surplus and to approve the resolution awarding the construction contract carried by recorded voice vote during the meeting; council members asked staff to ensure timely recording of replat documents connected to related zoning approvals. Staff also noted a required replat and asked that the city clerk hold advertisement until final replat numbers were received.
The council’s vote authorizes the mayor to execute the lease and the city to enter the redevelopment contract; staff will record the lease exhibits and proceed with execution of the construction contract after required administrative steps are completed.
The council framed the project as an investment in downtown Fairhope that combines the county foundation grant with the city’s procurement to restore a long‑standing community facility.
