RFP/RFQ Opportunities

Located between Merritt Avenue and Washington Avenue in the heart of Downtown Oshkosh, this highly visible 0.142-acre redevelopment site presents a unique opportunity to shape one of the community's prominent properties. Currently home to a parking lot between two businesses, the city-owned parcel occupies a strategic location with frontage on Main Street, offering excellent visibility, accessibility, and convenient access to existing utilities and adjacent public parking.

The property is ideally positioned along Main Street with proximity to:

• Opera House Square Park
• Fox River waterfront
• Farmers' Market
• City Center
• Established residential neighborhoods

As a city-owned redevelopment site, the property represents a rare opportunity for investment in a walkable, central environment. Community planning efforts have identified this location as a priority for redevelopment and for opportunities to create outdoor activity in the Downtown District, reinforcing Downtown Oshkosh as a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.

The redevelopment of the lot along North Main Street represents the City of Oshkosh’s broader vision for a walkable, active, and vibrant Downtown District. The City recommended in the Oshkosh Downtown Redevelopment Plan 2024 the development of a North Main Street public gathering space, using 446 N Main Street as the catalyst site.

Priorities for the redevelopment of the space include:

• Expanding the hardscape area to support an outdoor recreational area or gathering space
• Dedicating sidewalk access to parking in the rear of the buildings
• Maintaining the existing floral mural
• Utilizing vegetation in the space

Numerous reports support the idea that public gathering spaces increase the perception of community, social cohesion, and sense of belonging. Beyond community, open spaces in downtown corridors help to generate foot traffic, increase curb appeal for businesses, and improve perceptions of a downtown.

Outdoor Gathering Space

Convert the parking lot into an outdoor gathering space that has options for outdoor activities or general public use.

Active Downtown

Encourage features that support a vibrant and active downtown, and complement existing nearby businesses

Arts, Culture & Market

Incorporate art, cultural connections, and links to the Farmers' Market

Oshkosh Character

Deliver high-quality architecture and site design that enhances Oshkosh's character.

Sustainable Investment

Create a development that is financially sustainable and compatible with the surrounding corridor.

The City of Oshkosh recognizes that transformative redevelopment is most successful when it is built on a collaborative partnership between public and private sectors. The City is committed to working with the selected development partner throughout the planning and implementation process to help facilitate a successful project, and willing to support unique ideas with financial assistance.

Applicants are encouraged to identify municipal actions, approvals, or partnerships that may assist with project implementation.

Any City participation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the project's public benefits, financial feasibility, developer qualifications, and consistency with the City's long-term vision for Downtown Oshkosh. The City reserves the right to negotiate with one or more respondents and is not obligated to provide any specific form of financial assistance or partnership.

To facilitate a consistent evaluation process, proposals should include the following information:

1. Development Team

• Company name and primary contact information
• Development team overview and key partners
• Relevant experience and examples of similar completed projects

2. Development Concept

• Proposed land uses and project vision
• Approximate residential unit count, if applicable
• Commercial components, if applicable
• Intended market or target users
• How the project supports the City's redevelopment objectives

3. Conceptual Materials (Optional)

• Conceptual site plans, renderings, sketches, or comparable-project examples
• Materials should communicate design intent only; engineering and construction-ready documents are not required

4. Implementation and Financing

• Preliminary schedule; planning, financing, construction, and occupancy milestones
• General financing approach
• Proposed acquisition terms, if applicable
• Anticipated request for City participation or assistance, if applicable

Proposals must be received by October 2, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. (CST).

Interested developers shall submit:

• Ten (10) printed copies of the proposal.
• One (1) electronic copy (PDF format) via email to: kgriese@oshkoshwi.gov

Hard copy proposals should be delivered to:

City of Oshkosh
Attn: Economic Development Division/Redevelopment Proposal
215 Church Avenue
Oshkosh, WI 54901

Questions regarding this RFP should be directed to:

Kathy Griese Economic Development Services Manager, City of Oshkosh Email: kgriese@oshkoshwi.gov

Questions regarding this Request for Proposal should be submitted by September 18, 2026 to kgriese@oshkoshwi.gov