Request for Proposals (RFP): Kalama Community Building

Request for Proposals - Kalama Community Building
216 Elm Street & surrounding property
The City of Kalama is seeking proposals from qualified individuals, organizations,
businesses, developers, and/or partnerships interested in the potential reuse,
redevelopment, lease, renovation, or reimagining of the Kalama Community Building
property and surrounding site area.
The City is intentionally issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) in broad terms to
encourage creative and diverse concepts that provide community benefit, economic
opportunity, long-term sustainability, and/or enhanced public use.
Site Overview:
The Kalama Community Building is located at 216 Elm Street, within Kalama city limits and
is zoned single family residential (R-1) with a Professional Services Overlay (PSO) however,
the draft Comprehensive Plan for 2026 rezones this block as Central Business District
Commercial (C-1). This building occupies a prominent corner property with much
potential. The site may be suitable for a variety of uses, including but not limited to:
* Community-oriented uses
* Commercial or mixed-use development
* Public-private partnerships
* Adaptive reuse of the existing structure
* Event or hospitality space
* Office or business use
* Recreation, arts, or cultural uses
* Housing or mixed-income concepts
* Full or partial redevelopment of the site
* Long-term lease opportunities
* Other innovative proposals
The City welcomes proposals ranging from minimal renovation and reuse of the existing
building to comprehensive redevelopment concepts involving the broader property area.
Building Description:
There is much history related to this city-owned facility and property. The site was used as
the County seat in the late 1870s until 1922. The old courthouse was torn down, and
materials were salvaged to construct the community building. This facility has served the
community in a variety of ways-it's been a temporary city hall, meeting place for civic
organizations, community dinners, and many other functions. Building renters and
community members utilized this space as an all-occasion meeting place. It was a rented

facility for weddings, graduation parties, banquets, celebrations of life, community events,
and parks and recreation classes.
2025 Operating Costs as an Event Space:
Actual utilities = $13,500 (approx.)
Building maintenance = $12,000 (approx.)
The City budgeted $16,000 for its insurance coverage for this facility in 2025.
For details and images of the building interior, visit:
https://www.cityofkalama.com/article/3053783
Approximate occupiable square footage = 7,200 sq ft (see footprint of the structure, pg. 7
of 131 here: https://5il.co/3b4la )
Cowlitz County parcel number: 40074, lot size is approximately 17,425 sq ft on the NE
corner of Elm Street
Ballroom with Stage: Max occupancy = 469 people
The main ballroom of the building has a spacious 3,400 sq ft hardwood floor with a 300 sq
ft elevated stage. It includes a fireplace and north-facing windows.
The kitchen is on the south side of the building and connects from the main ballroom
through a hallway. The kitchen includes cabinets and countertops, an oven hood,
commercial dishwasher, 3-basin sink, plus 2 single-basin sinks. It does not come
equipped with a range, ovens, refrigerator, or kitchen supplies.
Entry Room: Max occupancy = 50 people (approximately 650 sq ft)
A second fireplace is in the "entry room" at the south side of the building. The main door to
this room (and to the facility) includes an ADA accessible ramp. This room has east and
south facing windows.
Restrooms in this facility include a "men's" and "women's" style restroom with stalls in
each. Both restrooms are located off the main ballroom, with one off the hallway toward
the kitchen, and the other off the hallway toward the "west office".
The "west office" area includes a river-facing room with south and west-facing windows.
This space includes a smaller office, and historical vault (or "safe"). This safe is the original
vault from the Cowlitz County Court house when it was in Kalama.
There are multiple storage areas and closets in this building, including the west entry
storage area, 2 storage closets off the ballroom stage area, unfinished basement, and 2
separate upstairs attic-type storage areas.

Purpose of the RFP:
The purpose of this RFP is to identify feasible and beneficial opportunities for the future of
the site. Through this process, the City hopes to better understand market interest, gather
innovative ideas, and evaluate proposals that align with community values and long-term
goals. Issuance of this RFP does not obligate the City to select any proposal, enter into an
agreement, or proceed with any project. The City Council and mayor will review proposals
after the proposal period closes.
Proposal Requirements:
Interested parties should submit a proposal containing the following information:
1. Applicant Information
a. Name of individual, business, or organization (includes non-profits)
b. Primary contact person
c. Mailing address, phone number, and email address
2. Project Concept
a. Description of the proposed use or redevelopment concept
b. Intended public or community benefit
c. Description of how the existing building and/or property would be utilized
3. Project Scope and Vision
a. Estimated scale of the project
b. Conceptual timeline
c. Whether the proposal involves leasing, purchase, partnership,
redevelopment, renovation, or other arrangement
4. Experience and Qualifications
a. Relevant experience with similar projects
b. Team members, consultants, or partners involved
5. Financial Considerations
a. Preliminary funding approach or financial capacity that includes a
sustainable model (required for lease option)
b. Any anticipated public/private partnership considerations
6. Additional Information
a. Concept drawings, renderings, photographs, or supplemental materials
(optional but encouraged)
Non-profit or local groups may consult the supplemental "RFP Resource Guide for
Nonprofit Organizations & Community Groups" found here:
https://www.cityofkalama.com/article/3053783 to prepare a complete RFP for the
Council to review.
Evaluation Criteria
Because the City is soliciting a wide variety of concepts, proposals may be evaluated using
different criteria depending on the type of proposal submitted. The City reserves the right

to categorize proposals and apply evaluation criteria appropriate to the nature of the
proposed project. Proposals may be evaluated based on factors including, but not limited
to:
* Community benefit, public value, impact on community
* Compatibility with City goals and community character
* Creativity and feasibility of concept
* Financial viability
* Long-term sustainability
* Experience and qualifications
* Potential economic impact
* Preservation or enhancement of community character and/or history
* Overall proposal quality and completeness
The City reserves the right to request additional information, conduct interviews, negotiate
with proposers, reject any or all proposals, or modify the process as deemed necessary.
Timeline
* RFP Issued: August 6, 2026
* Proposal Deadline: October 5, 2026 by 5pm
* Review Period: To be determined
* Interviews/Presentations (if applicable): To be determined
* Selection/Next Steps: To be determined
Submission Information
Proposals must be submitted no later than October 5, 2026 by 5pm PST.
Submissions may be delivered by mail, email, or in person to:
City of Kalama
Attention City Council
PO BOX 1007
195 N 1st Street
Kalama, WA 98625
asmee@cityofkalama.com
360-673-3265
Questions regarding this RFP may be directed to the City Administrator listed above.
Reservation of Rights
The City of Kalama reserves the right to:
* Reject any or all proposals
* Waive informalities or irregularities

* Request clarification or additional information
* Negotiate with one or more proposers
* Cancel or reissue this RFP at any time
* Select no proposal if determined to be in the City's best interest
The City encourages creative and visionary proposals that contribute positively to the
future of the Kalama community.