City seeking proposals for restoration of the Old Chevy Building in downtown Gaiva.

PUBLIC NOTICE
The City of Gaiva ("City") is seeking proposals from qualified development entities to complete the restoration or rehabilitation of the old Chevy Building in downtown Gaiva. The property is zoned B-1 (Retail & Limited Service). In collabo ration with the selected developer, the city envisions a retail or service space that carefully preserves the buildings' envelope and historic integrity while activating additional development on the east end of Market/Commercial Street.
Located on an approximately 8,942 square foot parcei bounded on the North by Market Street and on the South by Commercial Street, the Old Chevy Building property is situated near a gas station, a seed company, a grocery store, a residential area, and an empty lot to the east that stretches to Chester Street. To the west of the property is the rest of downtown Gaiva, which offers many amenities, including restaurants, bars, offices, and retail establishments.
The city sees redevelopment of this site as a key priority to promote reinvestment in downtown Gaiva and create new opportunities for a healthy community along its easternmost downtown corridor.
Development entities responding to this proposal should have experience with substantial restoration projects that meet the city's standards for the treatment of historic properties. Any proposed restoration must maintain historic Integrity and must be acceptable to the Gaiva City Council, The City's conveyance of the property will be contingent on the selected entity's experience, project readiness, and creativity in reactivating this historic resource, and the City may be willing to enter Into a partnership to provide for off-street parking to serve the redevelopment site on the empty lot immediately adjacent to and east of the property, which lot the City currently owns.
The city encourages respondents to pursue Historic Tax Credits and other available grant opportunities, Proposals that include partnerships with adjacent property owners or other interested entities are encouraged when complementary to the site's restoration.
Financial assistance, such as tax increment financing or other tools, may be available, subject to funding gaps and City Council approval. Selection of proposals will consider the respondent's background, past experience, proposed project plan and timeline, financial capacity, and ability to develop the site in alignment with the City's goals.
Each respondent shall use the form entitled "ATTACHMENT: RESPONSE WORKBOOK Restoration/Rehabilitation Old Chevy Building", which workbook may be acquired by contacting the Gaiva City Clerk at (309) 932 - 2555 during normal business hours. A tour of the site may be scheduled by contacting the City Clerk's office during normal business hours at (309) 932-2555.
Responses are due by 8 July 2026. All submissions will be evaluated by the Gaiva Economic Development Committee, which will submit a recommendation to the Gaiva City Council by 22 July, 2026. The City Council will consider the Economic Development Committee's recommenda tion at its regular meeting on Monday, 3 August 2026, starting at 6:00 pm in the City Hall council chambers at 311 NW 4th Avenue, Gaiva, IL 61434.
The City of Gaiva reserves the right to waive any informalities in proposals and to accept the most advantageous proposal that aligns with the city's best interests after reviewing all submissions. Additionally, the City Council may send any or all proposals back to the Gaiva Economic Development Committee for further review.
Questions about this RFP should be directed to the City of Gaiva: cityadministrator@galvail.gov. Published 4/17,4/24,5/1/26