Public-Private Leasing Opportunities for Johnson Center

City of West Haven
Request for Proposals (RFP)
RFP# 2027-05
Public-Private Leasing Opportunities for
Johnson Center
PROJECT SUMMARY
The Johnson Center Opportunity.
The City of West Haven ("City") is soliciting proposals from qualified businesses,
organizations, nonprofit agencies, educational institutions, healthcare and human-service
providers, community organizations, and other appropriate entities interested in leasing
approximately 20,000 square feet of available space at the Johnson Center, 201 Noble
Street, West Haven, Connecticut.
The Johnson Center is an approximately 40,000-square-foot municipal facility, with approximately
20,000 square feet currently occupied and approximately 20,000 square feet available for lease across two
floors. An exterior courtyard may also be available for tenant use, subject to City approval.
The City seeks a financially responsible tenant whose proposed use is appropriate for the property and
compatible with the overall operation of the Johnson Center.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Pre-Bid Meeting Required No
Pre-Bid Meeting Location
Pre-Bid Meeting Date & Time
Site Walkthrough of Site Yes
Site Location 201 Noble Street
Date & Time 9/1/2026 - 2:00PM
Information Period Closing Date and Time 09/03/2026 Time: 12:00PM
Solicitation Closing Date 09/10/2026 Time: 12:00PM

Respondents are required to submit One (1) original and three (3) copies in a sealed envelope.
must be clearly marked "RFP#2027-05 The Johnson Center". Proposals will be opened in the
Procurement office upon bid closing. Address: 3rd flr, 355 Main St West Haven, CT. They will
be open at 12:00pm on 09/17/2026. Proposals received after this time and date specified above
will be rejected. No oral, telephonic, emailed, or faxed corrections, deletions, or additions to any
response shall be accepted. The City reserves the right to reject any or all responses, and to waive
any or all formalities in connection with this request. Proposals which do not incorporate our
requested format, including quoting items as described, will not be considered. Unless otherwise
stated in the solicitation. No alternate responses will be considered unless alternate responses are
specifically requested by the City. The City reserves the right to award multiple vendors under
this solicitation.
A response to this solicitation does not permit the City to award a contract, to pay any costs
incurred in the preparation of a response to this request, or to procure the city contract for
services, supplies or equipment. The City will not award the lease to any respondent who is not
qualified under applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations.
Questions regarding this solicitation should be emailed to Kathy Chambers. Telephone or oral
questions will not be accepted. (kchambers@westhaven-ct.gov).
BACKGROUND
The Robert A. Jonson Community Center is located at 201 Noble Street, West Haven, CT is
a long-standing municipal facility that has served the West Haven community for nearly five
decades. The facility was renovated in the late 1970's for use as a multipurpose community
center and has since accommodated a variety of educational, social, senior and community-
based programs. The West Haven Child Development Center relocated to the facility in
1979, and over the years the property has continued to support programs and services
benefiting children, families, older adults, and other members of the West Haven
community. The facility subsequently became known as Robert A. Johnson Community
Center and has remained an important location for municipal and community services.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The City of West Haven is making this space available for lease and invites respondents to
evaluate the property in connection with their proposed use. Respondents shall be
responsible for determining whether the available space is suitable for their intended operations
and for identifying and obtaining all approvals, permits, licenses and certification necessary for
the proposed use. Any proposed occupancy or use of the premises is subject to review and
approval by the City of West Haven and must comply with all applicable with all federal, state,

and local requirements, including but not limited to, zoning, permitting, building, fire, health,
life-safety, and accessibility requirements.
Prospective respondents are strongly encouraged to inspect the property prior to submitting a
proposal and to independently evaluate the existing conditions, configuration, utilities,
accessibility, and overall suitability of the space for their proposed use. Submission of the
proposal shall constitute acknowledgement that the respondent has had the opportunity to inspect
the premises and has considered the existing conditions and applicable requirements in
developing its proposal. No proposed use, alteration, improvement, or occupancy of the
premises shall commence without all required approval from the City of West Haven and other
appropriate governmental authorities.
TENANT QUALIFICATIONS
Respondents are to provide sufficient information to demonstrate their qualifications and ability
to successfully perform the obligations associated with the proposed lease. Proposals shall
include the legal name of the respondent and the type of business or organizational entity, a
description of its current operations, and a summary of relevant experience related to the
proposed use of the property. Respondents shall also identify key management personnel who
will be responsible for overseeing the proposed operations and provide evidence demonstrating
the financial capacity and stability necessary to meet the rental, operational, and other
obligations of the proposed lease.
PROPOSED USE
Respondents are required to provide a brief but comprehensive description of the proposed
use of the property. The description should identify the nature of the business or
organization and the services to be provided, the intended clientele or population to be
serviced, and the proposed days and hours of operation. Respondents should also indicated
the anticipated number of employees associated with the proposed use, the estimated
number of clients, customers, or visitors expected as well as the parking requirements
necessary to support the proposed operations.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
Respondents shall identify and describe any renovations, alterations, construction, or other
improvements they propose or request to make to the space. No renovations, alterations,
construction, or improvements may be undertaken without the City's prior written approval and
the issuance of all required permits. Respondents should also identify the proposed funding
source for any such improvements, including whether the costs will be fully funded by the
Respondent.
RENT AND LEASE TERMS
Respondents are to provide a detailed description of the rental and lease terms they are prepared
to offer for the property. The proposal is to include the proposed monthly and annual rental
amount, the proposed initial lease term, any renewal or extension options, and any proposed

annual rent increases or escalation provisions. While the proposed rental rate will be an
important consideration in the City's evaluation of proposals, the City reserves the right to
consider all relevant factors and is not obliged to select the proposal offering the highest rental
rate.
UTILITIES AND MAINTENANCE
Routine building and property maintenance will remain the responsibility of the City. Any
responsibilities related to utilities, specialized maintenance and repairs which result from the
tenant's operations, or alterations to the premises shall be addressed and clearly defined in
the final lease agreement between the City and the selected respondent. Please note: The
tenant will be responsible for maintaining its leased space in a clean and orderly fashion.
EVALUATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA
The City will select the proposal which provides the best overall value and benefit to the
City and is most compatible with the use and operation of the John Center. The City is not
required to select the proposal offering the highest rental rate.
Proposal may be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Proposed Rent and Lease Terms - The proposed rental amount, lease term, renewal
options, annual increases, and any other proposed financial terms or conditions.
2. Suitability of Proposed Use - The appropriateness of the proposed use for the Johnson
Center, including consistency with the character, purpose, physical layout, and overall
operation of the facility.
3. Compatibility with Existing Operations - The extent to which the proposed use is
compatible with existing occupants and activities at the Johnson Center. Particular
consideration will be given to compatibility with the early childhood development center
currently operating within the facility, including hours of operation, anticipated visitor
traffic, noise, parking, security, and other operational impacts.
4. Financial Capacity and Stability - The respondent's demonstrated financial ability to
meet its proposed rental obligations, fund its operations, complete any proposed
improvements, and fulfill the requirements of the lease.
5. Qualifications and Experience - The respondent's organizational experience,
management capabilities, history of operations, references, and demonstrated ability to
successfully operate the proposed use.
6. Proposed Improvements - The nature of any proposed renovations, alterations,
installations, or other improvements to the premises; the anticipated cost of such
improvements; the source of funding; and any financial contribution, reimbursement, rent
credit, or other consideration requested from the City.
7. Operational Requirements and Impact - The anticipated number of employees,
clients, visitors, parking requirements, utility demands, building access requirements, and
any other operational considerations that may affect the Johnson Center or its existing
occupants.

8. Community and Municipal Benefit - The extent to which the proposed use provides a
beneficial service, resource, economic benefit, or other positive impact to the City of
West Haven and its residents.
The City may consider any other factors it determines to be relevant to the successful leasing and
operation of the premises.
The City may request clarification or additional information from any respondent, verify
information within the proposal, contact references, conduct interviews, request presentations,
inspect a respondent's existing operations, and/or negotiate with one or more respondents prior to
making a final selection.
Selection of a respondent shall not constitute acceptance of all terms contained in the
respondent's proposal. Final lease terms shall be subject to negotiation, review, approval, and
execution by the City.
The City is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied
the benefit of or subjected to discrimination under any program or activity based on race,
color, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.
The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive any irregularities or
informalities in the proposal process, and to accept any proposal that it deems to be in the
best interest of the City. This RFP does not obligate the City to accept any proposal, award a
contract, or pay any costs that Respondents incur in the preparation or submission of
proposals.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS SOLICITATION
1. City Disclosure form, Vendor Form