The university issued an official statement on Tuesday afternoon:
The University of South Carolina is advancing a plan to spur development of nearly 900 acres of land near the Congaree River and Williams-Brice Stadium by issuing a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) Tuesday.
The RFP seeks to identify private development partners who wish to pursue a comprehensive land use agreement with the university. The eventual agreement could bring new recreational, dining, lodging and retail options to the area, which includes 885 acres of undeveloped USC-owned property adjacent to the Congaree River, west of the existing Long Family Football Operations Facility, and 12 additional acres near Williams-Brice Stadium.
Under the plan announced last year, revenue generated from leasing agreements can be used to fund major improvements to the stadium and surrounding area, providing a world-class gameday experience for fans. Future private commercial development on leased land would create new employment opportunities and make the Midlands a more vibrant place to live, work and recreate.
“Issuing this Request for Proposals is the next critical step in a lengthy process,” said USC Athletics Director Ray Tanner. “We are thankful to state leaders for supporting our vision to transform this underutilized region of the Midlands to benefit our fans and residents alike.”
Once a qualified development partner or partners is selected through a fair and competitive evaluation process, the ultimate scope of the project will be defined by the set of individual development agreements. All agreements must be submitted to the State Fiscal Accountability Authority for approval prior to execution. The project will not include moving Williams-Brice Stadium from its current location or acquiring and developing the State Fairgrounds.
Way back when they issued a formal Request for Information (RFI), which is the first step in determining the potential scope of the project as well as identifying possible development partners who have an interest in pursuing a comprehensive land use agreement with the university. We heard all kinds of reports but nothing was ever confirmed.
Before soliciting proposals, the University may issue a Request for Qualification (RFQ) from prospective offerors and the University will conduct an evaluation of all submitted qualifications. The required information will focus on qualifications, experience and the ability to perform the requirements. Subsequently, these Offerers will be invited to respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP). The RFP will ask for detailed written proposals, including proposal development documents and to make a formal presentation to the University.
So now we know whoever may have been asked for Qualification may submit Proposals.
Maybe after waiting thru 16 months of silence, we will only wait longer to hear the actual Proposals.
I really hope for some huge improvements. What happened when they built Founders Park was really nice. It would be great if they could have something awesome built by the river that would result in huge improvements at Williams Brice but I really do not see anything happening quick after it took this long just to get a little Information. in the RFI stage.
The University of South Carolina is advancing a plan to spur development of nearly 900 acres of land near the Congaree River and Williams-Brice Stadium by issuing a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) Tuesday.
The RFP seeks to identify private development partners who wish to pursue a comprehensive land use agreement with the university. The eventual agreement could bring new recreational, dining, lodging and retail options to the area, which includes 885 acres of undeveloped USC-owned property adjacent to the Congaree River, west of the existing Long Family Football Operations Facility, and 12 additional acres near Williams-Brice Stadium.
Under the plan announced last year, revenue generated from leasing agreements can be used to fund major improvements to the stadium and surrounding area, providing a world-class gameday experience for fans. Future private commercial development on leased land would create new employment opportunities and make the Midlands a more vibrant place to live, work and recreate.
“Issuing this Request for Proposals is the next critical step in a lengthy process,” said USC Athletics Director Ray Tanner. “We are thankful to state leaders for supporting our vision to transform this underutilized region of the Midlands to benefit our fans and residents alike.”
Once a qualified development partner or partners is selected through a fair and competitive evaluation process, the ultimate scope of the project will be defined by the set of individual development agreements. All agreements must be submitted to the State Fiscal Accountability Authority for approval prior to execution. The project will not include moving Williams-Brice Stadium from its current location or acquiring and developing the State Fairgrounds.
Way back when they issued a formal Request for Information (RFI), which is the first step in determining the potential scope of the project as well as identifying possible development partners who have an interest in pursuing a comprehensive land use agreement with the university. We heard all kinds of reports but nothing was ever confirmed.
Before soliciting proposals, the University may issue a Request for Qualification (RFQ) from prospective offerors and the University will conduct an evaluation of all submitted qualifications. The required information will focus on qualifications, experience and the ability to perform the requirements. Subsequently, these Offerers will be invited to respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP). The RFP will ask for detailed written proposals, including proposal development documents and to make a formal presentation to the University.
So now we know whoever may have been asked for Qualification may submit Proposals.
Maybe after waiting thru 16 months of silence, we will only wait longer to hear the actual Proposals.
I really hope for some huge improvements. What happened when they built Founders Park was really nice. It would be great if they could have something awesome built by the river that would result in huge improvements at Williams Brice but I really do not see anything happening quick after it took this long just to get a little Information. in the RFI stage.