Request for Proposal: Armory Site Community Redevelopment Project
| Location: | South Dakota |
|---|---|
| Posted: | Oct 6, 2026 |
| Due: | Oct 20, 2026 |
| Agency: | City of Brookings |
| Type of Government: | State & Local |
| Category: |
|
| Solicitation No: | 2026 - 026 |
| Publication URL: | To access bid details, please log in. |
| Bid Number: |
2026 - 026
|
| Bid Title: |
Request for Proposal: Armory Site Community Redevelopment Project
|
| Category: | City Manager Bids |
| Status: | Open |
|
Attachment Preview
Requests for Proposals
For
Downtown Armory Site Community Space
Redevelopment Project
Professional Design, Engineering, Bidding and Construction-Administration
Services
For
City of Brookings, South Dakota
City of Brookings, South Dakota
520 3rd Street, Suite 230
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 692-6281
www.cityofbrookings.org
Date of Issue: October 6, 2026
Proposals must be received by October 20, 2026,
12:00PM (CST)
1
Request for Proposals – Professional Design, Engineering, Bidding and
Construction-Administration Services
Downtown Armory Site Community Space Redevelopment Project
City of Brookings, SD
Submittal Deadline:
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 12:00PM (CST)
Submittal Contact/
Project Manager:
Samantha Beckman
Assistant City Manager
City of Brookings
City Manager’s Office
520 3rd Street, Suite 230
City of Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 697-8692
sbeckman@cityofbrookings-sd.gov
Purpose and Project Description
The City of Brookings, South Dakota, is requesting proposals from qualified multidisciplinary
professional teams to provide design, engineering, bidding, and construction-related
professional services for the Downtown Armory Site Community Space Redevelopment Project.
The project will transform the existing downtown Armory property and adjacent City-owned
parcels into a welcoming community open space and downtown “third space”—a public
gathering place designed to support everyday use, community interaction, events,
performances, markets, recreation, and other activities.
The City has completed initial conceptual planning for the site and is seeking a qualified
consultant team to advance that vision through design development, construction
documentation, bidding, and implementation. The project will also involve demolition of the
existing Armory building following completion of the required historic review process. The final
design should thoughtfully incorporate historic elements and materials from the Armory into
the new public space.
The City encourages proposals from multidisciplinary teams with demonstrated expertise in
landscape architecture, urban design, civil engineering, architecture, public space design,
historic preservation, public engagement, and related disciplines.
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Background
The City of Brookings, SD is a community of approximately 25,000 residents situated along the
I-29 Corridor 60 miles north of Sioux Falls, SD. The City is also home to South Dakota State
University, which is the largest university in the State of South Dakota.
Historic Downtown Brookings provides an authentic, inviting experience focusing on connecting
community and business. Downtown is home to numerous commercial uses, including many
restaurants, bars, shops, and offices. Downtown Brookings accounts for approximately 9% of all
commercial land in the city.
The 2024 Downtown Brookings Master Plan identified the development of a downtown park
and redevelopment of the Armory site as catalyst projects intended to strengthen Downtown
Brookings as a destination and community gathering place.
The City owns the Armory property (221 Main Avenue) and adjacent parcels contemplated for
inclusion in the project. A map depicting the anticipated project area is included below. The
final project limits may be refined during the design process.
The City previously engaged an engineering consultant to develop an initial concept for
redevelopment of the site. The selected consultant under this RFP will use that concept, the
Downtown Brookings Master Plan, community input, existing site conditions, and additional
direction from the City as the foundation for design development.
The City's intent is to demolish the existing Armory building. Due to the historic nature of the
property and regulatory requirements, the City is working with the State Historic Preservation
Office (SHPO) and the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission (BHPC) through a historic
review process. That process may take up to approximately six to eight months.
The design process must therefore remain flexible enough to respond to findings,
requirements, mitigation measures, or other conditions resulting from the historic and site
review.
Although the building is anticipated to be demolished, the City desires to preserve the history
and character of the Armory by incorporating appropriate architectural elements, materials,
interpretive features, or other components of the building into the redevelopment of the site.
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Project Vision & Goals
The City envisions the project as more than a traditional downtown park. The space should
function as an activated community “third space”—an inviting public environment outside of
home and work where residents and visitors can gather formally and informally in a multi-
functionable space.
The selected consultant will work with the City and community to refine this vision and develop
a design that:
• Creates a distinctive and welcoming public gathering space in Downtown Brookings;
• Provides flexible open and green space suitable for both everyday use and programmed
activities;
• Accommodates community events, performances, markets, and gatherings of varying
sizes;
• Strengthens pedestrian connections within downtown and between surrounding
businesses and destinations;
• Creates comfortable opportunities for sitting, gathering, socializing, and spending time
downtown;
• Incorporates the history of the Armory property into the design in a meaningful and
authentic manner;
• Integrates public art into the overall site design;
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• Provides infrastructure and amenities that allow the space to accommodate a variety of
community uses;
• Considers year-round use and Brookings' climate;
• Incorporates durable, maintainable, and cost-conscious materials and infrastructure;
• Incorporates sustainable infrastructure into project;
• Provides an accessible and inclusive environment for users of varying ages and abilities;
and
• Creates an original and recognizable community destination that complements and
contributes to the character of Downtown Brookings.
Anticipated Program Elements
The final program will be developed through the design and engagement process. At a
minimum, the consultant should anticipate evaluating and incorporating the following
elements:
Core Elements
• Flexible open and green space;
• Event stage and performance area;
• Public restroom facilities;
• Flexible space capable of accommodating a farmers market and similar community
events;
• Permanent and movable seating and gathering areas;
• Shade and landscaping;
• Pedestrian circulation and connections to surrounding downtown properties;
• Site lighting and electrical infrastructure;
• Public art integrated into the design of the space;
• Historic interpretation of Armory materials and architectural elements where possible;
• Utility, drainage, stormwater, grading, and other necessary site improvements;
• ADA accessibility throughout the site;
• Infrastructure necessary to support temporary events, vendors, performances, and
community programming; and
• Appropriate signage and wayfinding.
Elements for Evaluation
The consultant should also evaluate the feasibility and appropriateness of:
• Vehicular circulation and recommendations regarding required improvements to nearby
intersection;
• Emergency ingress/egress for police and fire apparatuses;
• Parking solutions;
• Fire pits or similar outdoor gathering features;
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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.
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