Developer Request for Proposals
(RFP)
Zeeland Michigan:
Multi-Story Downtown Infill Building at
303 East Main Avenue
INTRODUCTION
The City of Zeeland is seeking a qualified development partner to redevelop the City-owned property at 303
E. Main Avenue in downtown Zeeland, Michigan. The site occupies a prominent corner at Main Avenue and
Centennial Street and represents a key opportunity for new investment in Zeeland’s historic downtown.
The City intends for the existing structure to be demolished and replaced with a high-quality, multi-story,
mixed-use building. The project is expected to contribute to downtown vitality, expand commercial
opportunities, and provide new residential or office space in the central business district.
The City encourages proposals that thoughtfully integrate with the surrounding neighborhood and contribute
to the continued growth of downtown Zeeland.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
01 Development Opportunity
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02 Site Context: Zeeland, Michigan
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03 Site Vision
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04 Development Process
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05 Environmental Conditions
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06 Market Conditions
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07 Available Incentives
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08 Selection Process and Criteria
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01 DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
The City of Zeeland is seeking qualifications and development proposals from experienced development
teams interested in purchasing and redeveloping the City-owned property located at 303 E. Main Avenue in
downtown Zeeland. The site occupies a prominent corner at the intersection of Main Avenue and Centennial
Street within the City’s Central Business District.
The City is seeking proposals for a new development that may include retail, restaurant, service, office, and/or
residential uses.
Site Summary
Address:
Parcel Size:
Current Use:
Zoning:
Ownership:
303 E. Main Avenue
Approximately 0.17 acres (approx. 75’ x 100’)
Former auto repair facility
C-2 Central Business District
City of Zeeland (through its Brownfield Redevelopment Authority)
Preferred Development Concept and Site Goals
The redevelopment of 303 E. Main Avenue represents a significant opportunity to enhance a highly visible and
strategically important corner. The site serves as a key gateway within the City’s central business district and
offers the opportunity to reinforce the vitality, walkability, and character of downtown.
The City encourages development proposals that reflect the goals and vision established in the City of
Zeeland Downtown Vision Plan (2018), which serves as the guiding framework for continued investment and
revitalization in the downtown district. Interested development teams are strongly encouraged to become
familiar with this plan and its recommendations for future development within downtown Zeeland.
Consistent with the Downtown Vision Plan, the City seeks development projects that represent True Zeel:
• Build on the City’s FEEL THE ZEEL campaign and “fit” Downtown Zeeland with unique and dynamic
solutions for particular building and marketing opportunities.
• Celebrate and build upon the community’s authentic innovative and entrepreneurial roots.
• Have synergistic qualities that strengthen and complement the Downtown as a whole.
• Build upon and encourage an overall healthy mix of businesses and activities.
• Reflect the rich heritage and current personality of Downtown Zeeland.
To support these goals, the City encourages proposals that incorporate the following development
characteristics:
• A multi-story building (2–3 stories preferred; up to 45 feet in height)
• Active ground-floor commercial space oriented toward Main Avenue
• Upper floors containing residential or office uses
• High-quality architectural design and durable materials, such as brick, stone, and glass
• Strong pedestrian orientation with active storefronts and street-facing entrances
• Integration with surrounding downtown buildings and streetscape
• To accommodate the expansion of the downtown snowmelt system, a development at 303 E. Main
must include a 600 sq ft room to house the City’s boiler system.
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Developers are also encouraged to explore opportunities to incorporate adjacent parcels into a larger
redevelopment, where feasible. The City recognizes that expanded redevelopment concepts that incorporate
adjacent parcels may allow for a more impactful development. Development teams are encouraged to explore
voluntary assemblage opportunities where property owners express interest.
RFP Response Deadline
Interested development teams are invited to submit their proposals by June 30, 2026; please refer to page 16
for submittal details.
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02 SITE CONTEXT: ZEELAND, MICHIGAN
The City of Zeeland was founded in 1847 by Jannes Vande Luyster and named after the Province of Zeeland in
the Netherlands. Today we still benefit from the rich heritage created by our early settlers.
Currently, the City of Zeeland has a resident population that hovers around 5,500. Zeeland citizens cherish
their strong, safe neighborhoods, access to top rated public and private schools, unmatched City services, and
every day good living. Zeeland continues to be recognized as a premier community in which to live, work and
raise a family.
This small community swells each day as more than 12,000 employees commute to Zeeland to enter our
local workforce. Zeeland has built an industrial reputation for innovation, quality manufacturing, and world-
renowned products.
Zeeland’s downtown district, the heart of the community, has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years.
Significant public infrastructure improvements, alcohol ordinance changes and a surge in private investment
has transformed a central business district that is current, competitive and eager to grow!
Zeeland’s industrial and employment base continues to expand, with both long-standing employers and new
advanced manufacturing firms making significant investments in facilities within the City. These projects are
expected to bring additional high-quality jobs and workforce growth to the community, further supporting
demand for housing, retail, dining, and services in downtown Zeeland.
FEEL THE ZEEL
The City defines ZEEL as:
1. Abundant enthusiasm that is unique to those in the City of Zeeland.
2. A passionate and spirited pursuit to be part of a big small town of everyday good living and
unmatched enterprise.
If you want to FEEL THE ZEEL, then take a stroll down Main Street and visit any shop or diner where stories
are made and shared. Visit any neighborhood where front porches are memory catchers and sidewalks are
popular. Take a look at flourishing innovation, from home-grown flower shops to cutting edge industry. Find
your favorite curb and settle in for any one of our annual parades. And join the stands full of fans, friends
and family that support our local schools like each student is one of their own. The ZEEL is contagious and
celebrated. And it’s one-of-a-kind here in Zeeland. FEEL THE ZEEL!
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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.
