700 Block of S. Public Road

Development of the 700 block of S. Public Road
November 2020 Update

Background on the 700 block of Public Road Request for Proposals (RFP)
In March 2019, LURA entered into an Option for Purchase of Property Agreement with the property owner of 705, 707, 709, and 711 S. Public Road in hopes to form a collaborative partnership and facilitate the re-development of this commercial block in Old Town. Subsequently in November 2019, with input from Lafayette residents, business owners, and other stakeholders, LURA published an RFP that resulted in the submission of two proposals from potential developers. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing restriction of public gatherings, the community open house and plan review scheduled for March 2020 has been delayed. 

LURA action on November 10, 2020
At the Nov. 10 LURA board meeting, members of the Authority voted unanimously to terminate the Option for Purchase of Property Agreement with the property owner, citing the inability to finalize the entitlement and selection process before the Mar. 16 agreement expiration.

What this means
Because LURA no longer has a financial commitment to the 700 block of S. Public Road, the property owner may proceed independently with redevelopment plans. These plans will be subject to zoning regulations and rules pertinent to the Old Town corridor as well as LURA’s review. 

“I want to thank the property owner and RFP respondents for their time, effort, and partnership during this process, “ said LURA Chair Kevin Muller. “LURA, as the public entity to affect revitalization and redevelopment in the downtown area, looks forward to any future efforts to improve or redevelop the properties.” 

To learn more about LURA, how they operate, and their mission, watch the short video Get to Know the Lafayette Urban Renewal Authority. 

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(POSTPONED) Proposal Presentation, Open House,  and Public Comment on March 16, 2020


** ATTENTION -- Due to COVID-19 conditions this meeting has been postponed. **

The Lafayette Urban Renewal Authority (LURA) will host a meeting on March 16 to view presentations from developers and hear public input on three (3) proposals received for a proposed redevelopment of the 700 block of S. Public Road.

(POSTPONED) Monday, March 16, 2020
5:30pm
Lafayette City Council Chambers | 1290 S. Public Road

The open house style meeting will include;

  • A presentation of each of the three (3) proposals from the responding developers 
  • Availability for the public to view each proposal and interact with the developers to ask questions in an open-house style format 
  • Formal public comment period to allow stakeholders to share comments with LURA 

These activities will help guide LURA in their process to select a redevelopment plan for the 700 block of S. Public Road.  It should be noted that once a proposal is selected, the developer will be required to go through all normal planning approvals, which will include additional opportunities for the public to comment.

Coupled with public input, LURA’s goal is to select  the proposal they feel meets some, most, or all of the following criteria and desired themes.  

1) The responder that best possesses the ability, desire, and financial resources to develop the site;
2) The proposal that best mixes market reality, community desire, and economic feasibility;
3) The proposal that best improves the community along the street;
4) The proposal that most capitalizes on the strength of Lafayette’s cultural arts;
5) The proposal that has the best chance for “diverse, kid-friendly, value-oriented shops and restaurants”;
6) The proposal that ‘plays to the street’ the most;
7) The proposal that best conforms to the Authority’s Objectives and Vision Plan
8) The responder that best responds to the Urban Renewal Plan and redevelopment objectives
9) The proposal that conforms with applicable building and zoning ordinances (as may be amended) and other applicable ordinances of the City;
Themes: Funky, Mixed-Use, Historical Context, Business Incubator, Flex-Space, Right-Sized, Fits Character of Public Rd., Unique Good Signage, Public Spaces, Live/Work, Attainable, Bold, Incorporating Tenants, Artistic

Comments or concerns may be submitted to LURA by emailing rogerc@cityoflafayette.com . If you wish to give comments to the Authority in advance, or cannot attend the meeting, comments should be received no later than March 16, 2020, at 5:00pm.

Background:
After extensive public discussion, in August 2019, LURA determined the best path forward to redevelop the 700 block of S. Public Road would be to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to determine what the market would support.  Public input was solicited, and staff received over 300 comments to help in the creation of the RFP. The RFP was published in November and three proposals were submitted. View the RFP and submittals at www.cityoflafayette.com/700PublicRoad 

The following Request for Proposals (RFP) were received from developers by the February 10, 2020, deadline;

1. Miners Square (full submittal) withdrew RFP on March 3, 2020
2. Market Green (full submittal)
3. Allery West (full submittal)

Download a copy of the Request for Proposal (RFP) published to solicit proposals: