Project Information

Bid Title

Bridge to Home Program

Issuing Agency

City of Port Huron

Location

Michigan

Published Date

Oct 29, 2025

Closing Date

Nov 21, 2025

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Bridge to Home Program

RFP Documents

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City of Port Huron 100 McMorran Blvd Port Huron, Michigan 48060

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Bridge to Home Program

City of Port Huron

The City of Port Huron is seeking qualified Residential Developers to participate in the “Bridge to Home”

throughout the City. Proposals for the administration of this program should address the requirements below.

Incomplete proposals will not be considered.

Program Summary

This program aims to construct 9 new houses in the City of Port Huron over the next 2 years, utilizing vacant City

residential lots (see map). All homes will be sold to qualified first-time buyers earning between 60-80% of the

Area Median Income (as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD), and must

be owner-occupied. Acknowledging the need to keep these homes affordable, the City of Port Huron will use

HOME funds to provide up to $35,000 down- payment assistance per home. This program requires the

partnership of several uniquely positioned groups, including builders, financial institutions, non-profit partners,

and homebuyers. The chosen builder will work directly with the City of Port Huron to construct affordable, top-

quality homes at a set price. Non-profit partners will provide financial literacy and homebuyer classes to buyers.

Financial institutions will provide mortgage products aimed at helping qualified buyers be successful

homeowners. The City of Port Huron will serve as program facilitator, overseeing all partner activities and

maintaining compliance with all federal rules/regulations. The City will also determine buyer eligibility and create

a pipeline of buyers. Homeownership stabilizes families, builds neighborhoods, strengthens communities, and

provides the opportunity for generational wealth. The City of Port Huron is excited to offer this one-of-a-kind

program as we all work to build a better Port Huron for generations to come.

Location

Between 26th/27th Streets and Cleveland Ave/Nern Street (see map)

Funding

• Developer Responsibilities:

o Cover full costs of construction, including surveys if required.

o Receive reimbursement at the time of sale.

• City of Port Huron Responsibilities (Ancillary Costs):

o Installation of sanitary service to right-of-way.

o Installation of water service to right-of-way (including curb stop).

o Installation of new sidewalk.

• Plan Review:

Developers must submit plan sets to the City of Port Huron Building Department for review and approval,

including site plan layout, setbacks, and proposed home construction.

• Site Design:

o All home designs must comply with Chapter 52 of the Port Huron City Code of Ordinances.

o Designs should complement the surrounding neighborhoods in overall appearance.

o Setbacks must conform to Chapter 52 – Schedule of Regulations: Lot, Width, Yard, Building Height

Requirements.

City of Port Huron 100 McMorran Blvd Port Huron, Michigan 48060

Construction Specifications

General Requirements

• Homes shall be two-story, 1,200–1,400 sq. ft.

• Each home must include a minimum of 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms.

• Builders are encouraged to incorporate architectural variety and decorative features to

avoid uniform design across the program.

• Maximum sales price: $180,000 per home.

• Completion timeline: 6 months per home from project start to completion.

Residential District Standards

• Driveway: 4" concrete or 3.5" asphalt extending to the street.

• Curb Cut: Required and any damage to existing curb and gutter must be rectified. Horizontal

curb cuts will not be permitted.

• Private Sidewalk: 4" concrete extending from driveway to front porch.

• Sidewalk through drive approach.

• Eaves/Rakes: Minimum 8" overhangs.

• Roof & Facades: Pitch, layout, and exterior materials must complement surrounding

neighborhoods.

All work within road right-of-way shall be in accordance with MDOT standard

specifications, 2020 edition.

Basement

• Foundation: 8' poured wall basement with minimum 8"x16" spread footing.

o Minimum 20' rebar in footing for electrical service bonding (extended through top of

foundation wall near electrical service location).

• Walls: 8" poured walls with #4 rebar at 48" o.c., minimum 3- #4 horizontal.

• Egress Window: Composite well, meeting 2015 Michigan Residential Code* size/ladder

requirements; Provide drain tile at base of well to connect to foundation perimeter drain

system.

• Drainage: Form-a-Drain or 4" drain tile around full interior/exterior perimeter, draining to

daylight or sealed sump crock. Provide pea stone cover over all foundation drainage.

• Foundation Drainage: Damp-proof coat all exterior foundation walls to grade.

• Basement Grade: Provide 4’’ pea stone with 6 ml plastic below 4’’ concrete floor.

Porches & Decks

• Front Porch: Minimum 5’x16’, covered.

o Treated wood construction with enclosed skirting.

o Maintenance-free post wraps, guardrails, stairways, and handrails.

• Rear Landing/Deck: Code-compliant landing, stairway, handrails, and guardrails at rear exit

door.

Wall Construction

• 2x4 or 2x6 framing with double top plate, 16" o.c.

• Insulation systems must meet 2015 Michigan Energy Code* (Chapter 11) for foundation

walls, house walls, ceilings, windows, doors, lighting, and HVAC.

City of Port Huron 100 McMorran Blvd Port Huron, Michigan 48060

Roof Construction

• Trussed roof system on primary home.

• Truss or rafter framing on porch, overhangs and decorative elements per Michigan

Residential Code* Chapter 8.

• Gutters and downspouts must complement the home’s architectural design.

• Use 30-year dimensional shingles.

HVAC System

• High-efficiency furnace and water heater.

• All ductwork and ventilation per 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code*.

Electrical System

• 200 amp service, including service mast and conduit entrance feeder to home.

• Interior wiring per 2023 National Electrical Code*.

• Hard-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup, per Michigan

Residential Code* Sections R314/R315.

Plumbing

• Minimum 1 full bathroom on second floor adjacent to bedrooms.

• Minimum 1 half bathroom on main floor.

• Fiberglass tub/shower unit (Aker or equivalent).

• Full plumbing supply, drains, venting, and fixtures for bathrooms, kitchen sink, dishwasher,

ice maker hookup, laundry, and front and rear exterior hose connections.

• Above-range microwave/vent unit vented outdoors.

Additional Site Elements

• Shed: Minimum 8’x8’, compliant with zoning setbacks, design to complement primary home.

• Yard Installation: 3" topsoil, seed, and straw.

Bid Alternates

• Dishwasher plumbing connection and appliance set.

• Partial central air (wiring and coil).

• Full central air installation.

*All work must comply with current State of Michigan building codes. Codes are subject to revision upon

adoption of new standards by the State of Michigan.

Additional Considerations

The City of Port Huron shall determine final site locations. Lots will be sold for $1, payable at final

closing. The City of Port Huron and selected Developer(s) will enter into a development agreement

before the construction commences. The City of Port Huron shall provide an expedited plan review

process.

Developer is responsible for ensuring all necessary permits are approved and secured.

City of Port Huron 100 McMorran Blvd Port Huron, Michigan 48060

Selected developers must be willing to work in conjunction with the City of Port Huron to bring all

new homes to final closing. The City of Port Huron reserves the right to select any number of

qualified developers to participate in the Bridge to Home Program.

Insurance Requirements

The selected developer(s) shall, at their sole expense, procure and maintain the following insurance

coverage for the duration of the project:

• Commercial General Liability Insurance with limits not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence

and $2,000,000 aggregate, naming the City of Port Huron as Additional Insured.

• Workers’ Compensation Insurance in accordance with Michigan law, including Employer’s

Liability with limits of $500,000 each accident, $500,000 disease policy limit, and $500,000

disease each employee.

• Automobile Liability Insurance with a combined single limit of not less than $1,000,000.

• Builder’s Risk Insurance covering the full value of construction, with the City of Port Huron

named as loss payee.

Certificates of Insurance evidencing the required coverage shall be provided to the City prior to the

commencement of construction.

Proposal Requirements

To be considered for selection, each proposal must include the following:

1. Home Designs and Elevations

o Provide sample floor plans and exterior elevations for proposed home models.

o Demonstrate how designs will meet the program’s affordability requirements while

complementing surrounding neighborhoods.

2. Cost Estimate

o Submit a per-unit construction cost breakdown (hard and soft costs).

o Identify any anticipated allowances or optional alternates.

3. Financial Capacity

o Provide evidence of the firm’s ability to finance construction prior to sale, such as:

 Bank reference or letter of credit availability

 Proof of credit line or comparable financing resources

4. Past Project Experience

o Include at least three (3) references for projects of similar scale and type completed

within the last ten years.

o Include past experience working with federal or state funded projects.

o Provide project descriptions, locations, and contact information for verification.

5. Project Team

o Identify key personnel who will be assigned to the project, their qualifications,

experience and their anticipated roles.

6. Schedule

o Provide a proposed timeline for construction, including the ability to complete each

home within six (6) months of site assignment.

7. Additional Information (Optional)

o Any innovative approaches, energy efficiency features, or added value the proposer

can offer to strengthen the program’s success.

City of Port Huron 100 McMorran Blvd Port Huron, Michigan 48060

Proposal Evaluation

Proposals will undergo a preliminary review by City staff before being recommended to the City Council.

One or more applicants may be invited to an interview prior to final selection.

Proposals will be evaluated and ranked based on the following criteria:

1. Understanding of the Project (20 points)

o Demonstrated knowledge of the Bridge to Home Program objectives.

o Clear approach to building quality, affordable homes within the set sales price.

2. Experience and Qualifications of the Firm (20 points)

o Proven track record in residential construction, particularly affordable or infill housing

projects.

o Experience working with municipalities and federal or state funding programs preferred.

3. Qualifications of Key Personnel (15 points)

o Relevant experience and availability of the project manager, construction supervisors,

and support staff.

o Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple builds within the program timeline.

4. Financial Capacity and Feasibility (20 points)

o Evidence of the ability to finance construction upfront with reimbursement at sale.

o Sound cost estimates and budget controls.

5. Project Schedule & Capacity (10 points)

o Feasibility of proposed construction schedule (6 months per home).

o Ability to manage multiple homes simultaneously.

6. Design and Neighborhood Compatibility (15 points)

o Quality and variety of proposed home designs.

o Sensitivity to surrounding neighborhood context and architectural standards.

Total Possible Points: 100

General Information

The City of Port Huron is requesting sealed proposals from qualified developers to participate in the Bridge

to Home Program. The Request for Proposal (RFP) is available through the Michigan Intergovernmental

Trade Network (MITN) via BidNet Connect at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/mitn.

By submitting a response, proposers accept responsibility for downloading, reviewing, and complying with

the terms and conditions set forth in the RFP.

For consideration, submit one (1) digital copy (pdf format please) on a flash drive and one (1) print copy

of the proposal in a sealed envelope marked “REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – Bridge to Home Program” by 2

p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, either by mail or hand delivery to:

City Clerk’s Office

City of Port Huron

100 McMorran Blvd

Port Huron, MI 48060

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 237310Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction

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