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Franklin board lays out goals for City Hall Block tenant mix as RFQ process gets under way
Summary
Staff proposed issuing an RFQ for a commercial broker/property manager to select tenants for roughly 4,500 sq ft of ground-floor space at the City Hall Block; aldermen emphasized local, daytime uses that complement the adjacent one‑acre park and advised surveying residents, merchants and city staff.
City staff asked the Board to provide guidance before advertising a request for qualifications (RFQ) for a licensed commercial broker and property manager to market up to three commercial tenant spaces on 3rd Avenue South as part of the City Hall Block redevelopment. The ground-floor space totals about 4,500 gross square feet and can be configured into three bays; end units could accommodate full kitchens. Staff said a broker would vet prospective tenants, collect letters of interest and return a recommended tenant mix for board approval.
Board members recommended outreach to residents, merchants and the Convention & Visitors Bureau and emphasized prioritizing local, non‑chain businesses that serve daytime park visitors and city staff — suggestions included fast-casual dining, sandwich shops or specialty food offerings while avoiding direct competition with existing downtown businesses. Several aldermen urged hiring a market‑knowledgeable broker to translate board goals into leasable packages.
Staff said it would advertise the RFQ late November through year‑end and return in spring with a recommended brokerage/properties manager to lead tenant selection and leasing.
