By Joe Bachman

A request for proposal has been cemented by the city in hopes to bring businesses to the triangle redevelopment project.

“What the selection ultimately comes down to is that we would be choosing a developer that we would begin negotiations with.” said Director of Economic Development Adam Tegan.

This move is the next stage in the long process of revamping the downtown area, specifically the historic triangle area between 1st St. North, Market St., and E. Jackson.

Outlined in the proposal will be guidelines to the project that interested developers are encouraged to add to their plans for the area. This includes the development of multi-use/multi-story buildings, mixing office space with retail space, growing the tax-base for the area, and to provide pedestrian-friendly features, among others.

The city is moving on this as quickly as possible to potentially receive additional grant money to put towards the area.

“We need to get moving,” said Mayor Zach Vruwink. “We need to be able to get a developer in here to have some discussion to see where their interests are; we’re at that next level.”

The final decision on moving forward with an official request for proposal to attract local businesses and developers to the area will be made at next week’s common council.