Project Information

Bid Title

303 E. Main Avenue Redevelopment RFP

Issuing Agency

City of Zeeland

Location

Michigan

Published Date

May 5, 2026

Closing Date

Jun 30, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Inquiries

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Status: Open

Please find the RFP document below:

303 East Main RFP. FINAL

City of Zeeland Issues Request for Proposals for 303 E. Main Avenue Redevelopment

The City of Zeeland has initiated a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for the redevelopment of the City-owned property located at 303 E. Main Avenue in downtown Zeeland. The site, formerly occupied by Main Street Auto (which has relocated), sits at the prominent corner of Main Avenue and Centennial Street and represents a key opportunity for continued investment in downtown Zeeland.

The City’s intent is for the existing structure to be demolished and replaced with a high-quality, multi-story, mixed-use building that enhances downtown vitality and contributes to Zeeland’s ongoing growth. The project could include active ground-floor commercial space—such as retail, restaurant, or service uses—with upper floors dedicated to residential and/or office space.

The RFP outlines a vision for development that aligns with the City’s Downtown Vision Plan and the “FEEL THE ZEEL” initiative—encouraging projects that reflect Zeeland’s character, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong sense of community. Proposed developments should emphasize pedestrian-friendly design, strong street presence along Main Avenue, and high-quality architectural materials that complement the existing downtown fabric.

As a gateway site within the downtown district, the 303 E. Main property offers a unique opportunity for developers to create a project that strengthens walkability, expands commercial opportunities, and supports housing demand in Zeeland’s growing community.

The City of Zeeland has experienced significant public and private investment in recent years, including over $9 million in public infrastructure improvements and more than $25 million in private development activity. These investments, combined with a growing workforce and strong demand for downtown housing and commercial space, make this an ideal time for redevelopment at this location.

The City is committed to partnering with a qualified development team and may offer a variety of local and state incentive programs to support the project. City staff will work closely with selected developers throughout the process to ensure the project meets the community’s vision and quality expectations.

The Request for Proposals booklet and supporting materials are available on the City’s website at www.cityofzeeland.com/current-bids/ . Proposals are due by June 30, 2026.

The City of Zeeland looks forward to partnering with a developer who shares the vision for downtown and can help bring a dynamic, high-quality project to this important corner.

Publication Date/Time:
05/05/2026 12:00 AM

Closing Date/Time:
06/30/2026 11:59 PM

Attachment Preview

Developer Request for Proposals

(RFP)

Zeeland Michigan:

Multi-Story Downtown Infill Building at

303 East Main Avenue

INTRODUCTION

The City of Zeeland is seeking a qualified development partner to redevelop the City-owned property at 303

E. Main Avenue in downtown Zeeland, Michigan. The site occupies a prominent corner at Main Avenue and

Centennial Street and represents a key opportunity for new investment in Zeeland’s historic downtown.

The City intends for the existing structure to be demolished and replaced with a high-quality, multi-story,

mixed-use building. The project is expected to contribute to downtown vitality, expand commercial

opportunities, and provide new residential or office space in the central business district.

The City encourages proposals that thoughtfully integrate with the surrounding neighborhood and contribute

to the continued growth of downtown Zeeland.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

01 Development Opportunity

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02 Site Context: Zeeland, Michigan

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03 Site Vision

9

04 Development Process

10

05 Environmental Conditions

11

06 Market Conditions

12

07 Available Incentives

13

08 Selection Process and Criteria

14

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01 DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

The City of Zeeland is seeking qualifications and development proposals from experienced development

teams interested in purchasing and redeveloping the City-owned property located at 303 E. Main Avenue in

downtown Zeeland. The site occupies a prominent corner at the intersection of Main Avenue and Centennial

Street within the City’s Central Business District.

The City is seeking proposals for a new development that may include retail, restaurant, service, office, and/or

residential uses.

Site Summary

Address:

Parcel Size:

Current Use:

Zoning:

Ownership:

303 E. Main Avenue

Approximately 0.17 acres (approx. 75’ x 100’)

Former auto repair facility

C-2 Central Business District

City of Zeeland (through its Brownfield Redevelopment Authority)

Preferred Development Concept and Site Goals

The redevelopment of 303 E. Main Avenue represents a significant opportunity to enhance a highly visible and

strategically important corner. The site serves as a key gateway within the City’s central business district and

offers the opportunity to reinforce the vitality, walkability, and character of downtown.

The City encourages development proposals that reflect the goals and vision established in the City of

Zeeland Downtown Vision Plan (2018), which serves as the guiding framework for continued investment and

revitalization in the downtown district. Interested development teams are strongly encouraged to become

familiar with this plan and its recommendations for future development within downtown Zeeland.

Consistent with the Downtown Vision Plan, the City seeks development projects that represent True Zeel:

• Build on the City’s FEEL THE ZEEL campaign and “fit” Downtown Zeeland with unique and dynamic

solutions for particular building and marketing opportunities.

• Celebrate and build upon the community’s authentic innovative and entrepreneurial roots.

• Have synergistic qualities that strengthen and complement the Downtown as a whole.

• Build upon and encourage an overall healthy mix of businesses and activities.

• Reflect the rich heritage and current personality of Downtown Zeeland.

To support these goals, the City encourages proposals that incorporate the following development

characteristics:

• A multi-story building (2–3 stories preferred; up to 45 feet in height)

• Active ground-floor commercial space oriented toward Main Avenue

• Upper floors containing residential or office uses

• High-quality architectural design and durable materials, such as brick, stone, and glass

• Strong pedestrian orientation with active storefronts and street-facing entrances

• Integration with surrounding downtown buildings and streetscape

• To accommodate the expansion of the downtown snowmelt system, a development at 303 E. Main

must include a 600 sq ft room to house the City’s boiler system.

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Developers are also encouraged to explore opportunities to incorporate adjacent parcels into a larger

redevelopment, where feasible. The City recognizes that expanded redevelopment concepts that incorporate

adjacent parcels may allow for a more impactful development. Development teams are encouraged to explore

voluntary assemblage opportunities where property owners express interest.

RFP Response Deadline

Interested development teams are invited to submit their proposals by June 30, 2026; please refer to page 16

for submittal details.

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02 SITE CONTEXT: ZEELAND, MICHIGAN

The City of Zeeland was founded in 1847 by Jannes Vande Luyster and named after the Province of Zeeland in

the Netherlands. Today we still benefit from the rich heritage created by our early settlers.

Currently, the City of Zeeland has a resident population that hovers around 5,500. Zeeland citizens cherish

their strong, safe neighborhoods, access to top rated public and private schools, unmatched City services, and

every day good living. Zeeland continues to be recognized as a premier community in which to live, work and

raise a family.

This small community swells each day as more than 12,000 employees commute to Zeeland to enter our

local workforce. Zeeland has built an industrial reputation for innovation, quality manufacturing, and world-

renowned products.

Zeeland’s downtown district, the heart of the community, has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years.

Significant public infrastructure improvements, alcohol ordinance changes and a surge in private investment

has transformed a central business district that is current, competitive and eager to grow!

Zeeland’s industrial and employment base continues to expand, with both long-standing employers and new

advanced manufacturing firms making significant investments in facilities within the City. These projects are

expected to bring additional high-quality jobs and workforce growth to the community, further supporting

demand for housing, retail, dining, and services in downtown Zeeland.

FEEL THE ZEEL

The City defines ZEEL as:

1. Abundant enthusiasm that is unique to those in the City of Zeeland.

2. A passionate and spirited pursuit to be part of a big small town of everyday good living and

unmatched enterprise.

If you want to FEEL THE ZEEL, then take a stroll down Main Street and visit any shop or diner where stories

are made and shared. Visit any neighborhood where front porches are memory catchers and sidewalks are

popular. Take a look at flourishing innovation, from home-grown flower shops to cutting edge industry. Find

your favorite curb and settle in for any one of our annual parades. And join the stands full of fans, friends

and family that support our local schools like each student is one of their own. The ZEEL is contagious and

celebrated. And it’s one-of-a-kind here in Zeeland. FEEL THE ZEEL!

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