Purchase and Adaptive Reuse of Historic Downtown Property 203 Milledge Ave.

ABSTRACT
Walton County is officially seeking
comprehensive, innovative proposals from
qualified developers, investors, and preservation
specialists for the acquisition and adaptive reuse
of 203 Milledge Ave., Monroe, GA 30655. It was
originally built as the Walton County Jail in 1885.
Located in the award-winning Downtown
historic district, this iconic structure represents a
REQUEST FOR
rare opportunity to blend Monroe's rich
architectural heritage with forward-thinking
economic development. The ideal partner will
possess the vision, financial capacity, and
PROPOSALS
historical sensitivity required to restore this local
landmark and transform it into a dynamic
destination that catalyzes further growth while
honoring our community's character.
(RFP) - HISTORIC
BUILDING
PURCHASE AND
RENOVATION
203 Milledge Ave., Monroe, GA 30655
Historic Walton County Jail

R EQ UEST FO R PRO PO SA LS ( R FP)
Purchase and Adaptive Reuse of Historic
Downtown Property
203 Milledge Ave., Monroe, GA 30655
A Strategic Economic Development & Preservation Initiative
Issuing Agency: Development Authority of Walton County
Release Date: June 12, 2026
Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026 by 4:00 PM EST
Submission: Hard Copies to c/o: Shane Short, Development Authority of Walton County, 132 E. Spring St.,
Monroe, GA 30655. Electronic Copies to: shane@choosewalton.com (RFP may be via hard copy and/or
electronic).
Primary Contact: Shane Short, President & CEO/Review Committee
1. Project Overview & Objective
The Development Authority of Walton County, in conjunction with the Walton County Government and the
City of Monroe, is seeking comprehensive, competitive proposals from qualified developers, investors, or
collaborative teams for the purchase and adaptive reuse of 203 Milledge Ave., Monroe, GA 30655, a historic
property located within our downtown core. Referred to as the Historic Jail. The primary objective of this
Request for Proposals (RFP) is to transition an underutilized public or historic asset back into private hands,
ensuring its long-term structural preservation while maximizing its economic and community contribution to
the town.
The ideal proposal will strike a balance between historic preservation, architectural integrity, and viable
commercial activity-such as boutique hospitality, mixed-use commercial/residential space, destination retail,
or cultural infrastructure-that drives local foot traffic and enhances regional economic vitality.
2. Property Description & Context
The subject property is a vital architectural anchor of our downtown district. Proposals must respect and
celebrate the building's existing character while integrating modern utility upgrades.
* Location / Asset: 203 Milledge Ave., Monroe, GA 30655, built in 1885 (30,492 sf).
* Architectural Significance: Built in 1885, featuring original brick masonry, timber framing, and distinctive
storefront fenestration. It is a contributing structure to the Historic Downtown District.
* Current Status: Structurally sound but requiring full mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and
environmental remediation/upgrades. Offered "as-is, where-is."
RFP: 203 Milledge Ave. Historic Building Revitalization 1

* Zoning & Land Use: Current zoning is B2, General Commercial District through the City of Monroe. This
zoning is intended to accommodate a broad range of retail goods and commercial services that serve both
neighborhood needs and the broader regional market.
3. Scope of Development & Rehabilitation Requirements
The selected respondent will be expected to handle all aspects of acquisition, design, permitting, financing,
and construction. Key requirements include:
Historic Preservation Standards
All rehabilitation and exterior modifications must substantially adhere to the Downtown Monroe Historic
Preservation Commission standards. Special consideration will be given to proposals that maintain historic
storefront configurations, restore original masonry, and preserve character-defining interior features.
Adaptive Reuse & Economic Impact
Proposals must create a clear, market-backed business model. The intended final use should serve as an
economic catalyst, creating sustainable jobs, generating local sales or property taxes, and/or complementing
neighboring businesses.
Infrastructure & Sustainability
The developer must modernize all utility connections, seamlessly address ADA accessibility requirements within
the historic framework, and integrate energy-efficient systems without compromising historic building
envelopes.
4. Proposal Submission Requirements
To be considered, respondents must submit a comprehensive proposal organized into the following clear
sections:
1. Cover Letter & Executive Summary: A statement of intent, summary of the proposed vision, and
identification of the principal development entities.
2. Concept Plan & Architectural Vision: Schematic sketches, narrative layout of uses (e.g., square footage
allocations per use), and a preliminary approach to preserving historic elements.
3. Qualifications & Experience: Demonstration of successful past performance on historic rehabilitation
projects of similar scale, including portfolios of completed adaptive reuse projects and references.
4. Financial Capability & Pro Forma: Documentation of financial capacity to complete the acquisition and
construction (bank letters, equity verification) alongside a detailed sources-and-uses budget and a 5-year
operating pro forma.
RFP: 203 Milledge Ave. Historic Building Revitalization 2

5. Purchase Offer & Deal Structure: The proposed purchase price for the property and any specific
contingencies or requests for local development incentives.
5. Procurement Schedule
The planned schedule for this competitive selection process is outlined below. The Agency reserves the right
to modify these dates as necessary.
Milestone Event Target Date
Official Issuance of RFP June 12, 2026
Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference & Property Walkthrough June 25, 2026, 1:00 PM EST
Deadline for Written Clarification & Questions July 2, 2026
Issuance of Addendum (Responses to Questions) July 10, 2026
Proposal Submission Deadline July 31, 2026, 4:00 PM EST
Shortlist Interviews / Developer Presentations (If needed) Early August 2026
Award Selection & Commencement of Contract Negotiations August 14 2026
6. Evaluation & Selection Criteria
An evaluation committee will review all compliant submissions based on a 100-point rubric. Awards will not be
based solely on the highest purchase price offer; rather, the alignment of the development concept with
community goals and the team's capacity to execute will carry significant weight.
RFP: 203 Milledge Ave. Historic Building Revitalization 3

Evaluation Criteria Description Weight
Project Vision & Quality of the adaptive reuse concept, commitment to historic 30 Points
Alignment preservation standards, and design integration with downtown.
Developer Qualifications Proven track record with historic structures, technical expertise of 20 Points
the team, and demonstration of past project completions.
Financial Feasibility Strength of funding commitments, realistic construction budgets, 20 Points
and long-term operating sustainability.
Financial Offer The proposed cash purchase price and the terms/ contingencies of 20 Points
the acquisition transaction.
Economic & Community Anticipated job creation, tax generation, and capacity to stimulate 10 Points
Impact downtown foot traffic and business.
7. Terms & Conditions
The Development Authority of Walton County/Walton County/Review Committee reserves the right to reject
any or all proposals, waive technicalities, or negotiate modifications to any proposal that serves the best
interests of the municipality. All costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal shall be borne
entirely by the respondent. Submitted materials become public records under applicable state open records
legislation following the conclusion of the evaluation process.
RFP: 203 Milledge Ave. Historic Building Revitalization 4

Selection Committee
Shane Short
President & CEO
Development Authority of Walton County
shane@choosewalton.com
John Ward
County Manager
Walton County Government
john.ward@co.walton.ga.us
Logan Propes
City Manager
City of Monroe
LPropes@MonroeGA.gov
Ben McDaniel
Vice President of Economic Development
Development Authority of Walton County
ben@choosewalton.com
Lisa Anderson
Chairperson
Downtown Development Authority of Monroe
lisaranderson@aol.com
RFP: 203 Milledge Ave. Historic Building Revitalization 5