Weatherford council authorizes RFPs for two vacant downtown properties

The Weatherford City Council voted June 9 to authorize the city manager to issue requests for proposals to sell and redevelop two city-owned downtown properties: 119 Palo Pinto Street (formerly Old City Hall) and 221 North Main.

Council discussed that both buildings are vacant after staff relocation and that the city is seeking redevelopment proposals that would return the properties to productive use while preserving their historic exteriors. The council emphasized broad public notice: staff said the state requires a minimum of website advertising, and the city will also distribute information to local realtor groups and other interested parties.

"We want the key to that is we wanna make it available to everybody. This is not just available to a select few," a staff member told the council, describing outreach and evaluation of developer proposals.

Mayor Pro Tem Zach Smith moved to authorize the city manager to proceed with an RFP process; Council member Matt Tiscus provided the second. The motion passed. Council directed staff to evaluate responses and return with recommendations consistent with historic-protection priorities.

Staff said the sale and redevelopment process will advertise the properties, accept competing proposals, and evaluate packages based on development ideas and how they would add to downtown activity.