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The City of Newport, Kentucky is seeking proposals from qualified entities to lease, redevelop, operate, and utilize a riverfront site at 301 Riverboat Row. The site is along the Ohio River and was formerly occupied by a water-based restaurant. Proposals should focus on activating the riverfront, increasing tourism, creating economic activity, and generating financial returns for the city. Respondents must submit a detailed proposal including project concept, site plan, financial offer, development schedule, experience, qualifications, and regulatory strategy. The deadline for questions is April 3, 2026, and proposals are due by April 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The city retains control of adjacent parking and development rights for the land-based portions of the site. Selected respondents will be required to provide proof of insurance and indemnification. The evaluation criteria include concept quality, feasibility, financial return, experience, capital investment, implementation schedule, and community benefit.
The bid notice states that proposals must be received no later than Monday, April 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Late submissions will not be accepted.
The bid notice requires respondents to provide a detailed financial offer, including proposed annual lease payment, proposed percentage rent or revenue-sharing model, or a combination of base lease revenue share. Respondents should also state their proposed lease term and renewal options.
The bid notice states that proposals will be evaluated based on the quality, creativity, and compatibility of the proposed concept (20%), feasibility and operational plan (20%), financial return to the city (lease terms) (20%), experience and qualifications of the respondent team (15%), capital investment and proposed improvements (10%), implementation schedule and ability to deliver timely results (10%), and community benefit and riverfront enhancement (5%). Compatibility with retained city parking operations and future development flexibility will also be considered.
Respondents must be qualified individuals, firms, developers, and/or operators with experience in similar riverfront, tourism, hospitality, or marine operations. They must also demonstrate financial capacity to complete the project.
The bid notice does not mention the submission of samples.
The deadline for submitting written questions regarding this RFP is April 3, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
