HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 23-020RESOLUTION NO. 23-020
E E IT F2ESOLN/E[Z> BY THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT:
WHEREAS, bids were received for the sale or lease of City -owned property
described as 125 Magnolia Street, Beaumont, Texas with a current Appraisal value of
$244,928.00; and,
WHEREAS, Econautics Sustainability Institute LLC proposes an initial two-year
lease during the feasibility period for a nominal amount or acquisition of the property for
$47,000.00; and,
WHEREAS, Tideland Specialty, Ltd and Giglio distributing have put in an offer of
$300,000.00 for the sale of the property and would cover closing costs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT OREDOANIElD BY THE
CITY OF BEAUMONT:
THAT the statements and findings set out in the preamble to this resolution are
hereby, in all things, approved and adopted; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVES that the City Manager be and he is hereby
authorized to enter into negotiations for the sale or lease of the property listed above as
125 Magnolia Beaumont, Texas.
The meeting at which this ordinance was approved was in all things conducted in
strict compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter
551,
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL of the
January, 2023.
City of Beaumont this the 10th day of
-Mayor Robin Mouton-
E4
CONAUTICS
Sust.1inability instiltile
Presents a Bid Prepared for
BEAuMONT
-'-'-TEXAS'---
In response to RFP TF1123-08
For the Purchase or Long -Term Lease and Development
of the Building and Property Located at
125 Magnolia in Downtown Beaumont, Texas 77701
December 15, 2022
Exhibit "A"
Econ.autics Sustainabili,ty Institute
Bid Response Information for Eualitation Criteria for RFP TF1123-08
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVESUMMARY................................................................................................................ 2
THENEED....................................................................................................................................3
OURSOLUTION............................................................................................................................4
CASE STUDY AND DESIGN EXPERIENCE.................................................................................12
BUDGET.....................................................................................................................................14
TIMELINE...................................................................................................................................16
BACKGROUND............................................................................................................................1
1
Econautics Sustainability Institute
Bid Response Information, for Eualua.tion Criteria for RFP TFI123-08
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Econautics is pleased to offer a unique addition to the heart of downtown Beaumont that
would serve the present and. future generations of Beaumont residents, restauranteurs, and
especially youth. Our proposal recognizes the value of the site as the historic Sears Roebuck
warehouse and would preserve the fagade as a tribute to the economic past of Beaumont as
one of the few remaining undeveloped sites in the area. We are eager to present viable
designs and development concepts that are compatible with and contribute to the ongoing
renaissance of the downtown, with initial illustrations provided below in Figures 1-3. These
plans were originally presented to the Beaumont City Council on June 28, 2022
(Econautics' presentation begins at minute 46 of the video embedded here:
https://beaumonttx.new.swavit.com/videos/176393 .
In brief, our proposal is to convert the city -owned property into an urban agricultural
demonstration site that features cutting edge hydroponic and aquaponic food production, a
demonstration kitchen for local restauranteurs, a sanitation station to provide
infrastructure support to locally operated food trucks, an educational corridor for the
Beaumont Independent School District students to learn about STEM subjects, a dedicated
covered and air-conditioned farmer's market to serve the economic needs of regional food
producers, and a cafe setting for community meals.
Econautics Sustainability Institute (Econautics), a 501c3 nonprofit organization, seeks to
purchase or enter a long-term lease for the property at 125 Magnolia to establish an
innovative community resilience center.
This project will help the Lake District grow into a hub of community activity through a
combination of:
• Feeding children and educating on STEM subjects in partnership with local schools
and the Southeast Texas Food Bank
• Farming fresh foods onsite using industrial scale hydroponic, aquaponic, and
vertical farming techniques
• Filling a gap in local environmental sustainability and public health by providing a
site for local food trucks to dispose of grease which can then be upcycled for other
uses, as well as restroom facilities and a sanitation station. Food trucks help serve
our mission by decentralizing meal production and access.
• Forging fellowship and community pride with onsite programming, events and a
farm -to -table cafe highlighting uses for the produce grown onsite or locally sourced.
• Forming new coalitions to address hunger, environmental sustainability and other
social issues impacting our neighbors here in Beaumont
Econautics presents an opportunity to blend social good with commercial expansion. Our
proposal will create financial, cultural and economic benefits to the City of Beaumont by
stimulating local restauranteurs, supplementing the cafeterias of local schools with
increased quality, locally produced wholesome and organic fruit and vegetables, attracting
Econautics Sustainabdity Institute
Bid Response Inform.ati.on for Evaluation Criteria for RFP TF1123-08
tourism, providing extended outdoor learning environments for educators, providing an
economic hub for regional food producers, and providing increased access to quality food for
income -eligible families in Beaumont.
Initial plans for the project site include rehabilitating the facilities, purchase and
installation of the necessary equipment and hiring program staff. Econautics is committed
to raising $2 million through a comprehensive capital campaign to begin immediately
following bid acceptance and a two-year construction timeline following final plan approval.
We look forward to providing additional details throughout the following pages of this
proposal.
Our design aesthetic with progressive architectural features will complement the city's
recent investments in infrastructure, parks, private and public buildings while providing a
walkable related amenity to the Event Centre, Lake Side Center, Lake District, the Skate
Plaza and Rotary Playground. Our plans for the building would provide a communal dining
room table for those who live, work and play downtown. The fagade of the building can also
be used as an outdoor movie theatre screen, and the interior space can be partitioned to
serve as a winter ice skating rink, a summer roller skating rink, and a musical and
theatrical performance venue. With Econautics as an owner or tenant, the possibilities for
positive community uses of the site are far greater than if the property is sold or leased to a
for -profit developer. Beyond mere tax revenue, the benefits of community engagement
around food security and serving the needs of the most vulnerable in our community may
be incalculable and yet are surely worthy of consideration.
As Downtown Beaumont's Lake District continues to develop, an exciting opportunity
exists to both attract new commerce to the area and provide a critically -needed service for
children, families and seniors living in the community.
THE NEED
According to the US Census Bureau's 2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Data Profiles, tonight, on average, nearly 1 in 3 children living in Jefferson County will go
to bed without the promise of enough nutritious food to eat tomorrow. This shocking
statistic holds true in Beaumont, where 32.5 percent of the population younger than 18 are
living in poverty. Without consistent access to nutritious food, kids are more likely to fall
behind in school, to experience the worst outcomes of any health or developmental issues
and to remain trapped in the poverty cycle. According to the Southeast Texas Food Bank,
there are 16,530 "food insecure" children in Jefferson County. Whereas 1 in 6 people in
Jefferson County face hunger (consistent with the US national average), children in
Jefferson County are even worse off than the average person, as 1 in 4 children face hunger
every day here. Despite existing efforts this area still sees a food budget shortfall of
$20,000,000 annually. See
https:HmaD.feedingamerica org/county/201J/child/texas/county/Jefferson and
https://setxfoodbank.org/ for more detail. Thus, childhood hunger remains a serious
problem even though BISD has generously offered to provide subsidized lunch to all of its
students.
Econautics Sustainability Institute
Bid Response Information for Evaluation Criteria for RFP TF1123-08
The good news is that Beaumont's revitalization efforts in the Lake District present a
unique opportunity to help these children today, and to put new systems in place for
healthier tomorrows.
Econautics' proposal addresses a real need within the community and complements existing
efforts by the Southeast Texas Food Bank and the Beaumont Independent School District
to address food insecurity, especially for the benefit of children. Despite existing efforts to
promote food security through the food banking system and subsidized cafeteria lunches,
gaps remain in the facilities and infrastructure needed to convert raw fruit, vegetables and
proteins into actual meals for children, and to serve children meals on all the days that fall
outside of the school calendar.
Children lacking resources or whose parents are unavailable to prepare meals remain
under -served and lack access to quality food on a regular basis. Our mission would help
exercise children's rights to wholesome meals while stimulating the economy of downtown
Beaumont in a variety of ways. By creating a community resilience center focused on food
security, we hope to meaningfully increasing quality food access for income -eligible families
and especially public and charter school students, and a byproduct of this mission is a site
that stimulates the overall economic needs of downtown Beaumont by supplying
restaurants with locally sourced ingredients and a demonstration kitchen, providing food
truck operators a sanitation station, providing local farmers a more robust platform for
farm -to -market business, and providing residents a hub for seasonal social gatherings.
The site would be a programmatic hub that integrates educational curriculum, food
security, and wrap -around social programs that complements the lifestyle of all downtown
residents while making a meaningful contribution to the morale, nutrition, and educational
attainment of the 17,000 children that depend upon the BISD for daily meals and
education.
OUR SOLUTION
Econautics seeks to purchase or enter a long-term lease for the property located at 125
Magnolia for the purpose of creating a community resilience center. The term "community
resilience center" reflects that the proposed use of the site will establish and strengthen
multiple systems addressing child hunger and local food security while also benefitting the
local economy by stimulating economic activity and strengthening ties amongst local
stakeholders connected by our shared food supply chains.
The Buildiii '
Econautics became aware of 125 Magnolia after extensive conversations with city council
members and city staff, seeking an appropriate location to site a facility that could increase
quality food access for income -eligible families and serve as a STEM outdoor classroom.
The existing building is a single -story warehouse (height approximately 23'-3") designed by
George Dahl and built in 1949, which occupies a 49,005 square -foot site. Originally a
warehouse and distribution center for Sears Roebuck & Co. it is now owned by the City of
Beaumont and is used for storage. The structure consists of poured -in -place concrete, which
4
Econautics Sustainability Institute
Bid Response Information for Evaluation Criteria for RFP TF1123-08
was used for the foundation slab, interior columns, and exterior walls. The building
contains 35,230 square -feet of interior space. and includes a loading dock along the east
facade. The building is zoned as Central Business District. Currently, there is no water or
power service in the building, and it does not meet code. As such, renovations are needed in
order to occupy the space.
After reviewing plans for the Lake District revitalization efforts, researching socio-
economic data on the local population, and touring the property, Econautics realized the
existing structure at 125 Magnolia would be an ideal space for urban farming techniques
like aquaponics, hydroponics and vertical gardening, and to serve the needs of Beaumont
Independent School District ("BISD") students. Instead of demolishing the building,
Econautics had a vision for revitalizing the building and infusing the space with a positive
social purpose. Econautics further saw the potential to promote environmental
sustainability throughout project design by using architecture concepts such as rainwater
catchment and filtration, vegetated roofing, solar panels, and other progressive
technologies to lower the overall environmental footprint of the site and to demonstrate
best practices in technology.
With feedback and guidance of city officials, Econautics prepared architectural drawings for
the site by leveraging our partnership with the University of Houston's Gerald D. Hines
College of Architecture. Based on site inspections, review of blueprints and extensive
research, these renderings will be translated into professional architectural renderings and
a master site plan by the global design firm Perkins+Will.
Project Design and Nlanatgement
Econautics is pleased to bring world class engineering and architectural design talent to
the City of Beaumont to support our proposal.
Econautics was selected for pro bono design services through the Perkins+Will Social
Purpose program. Our project was selected because the community need in Beaumont is
significant and Perkins+Will is uniquely qualified to assist in realizing the concept of a
community resilience center in Beaumont.
The initial project design was conceived by Econautics and brought to fruition by the
University of Houston Masters in Architecture Design+Build program. Those initial
renderings (sampled in Figures 1-3, enclosed) served as the launching off point for the
design team at Perkins+Will. Perkins+Will will lead the architectural design services for
this proposal. This includes Programming, Feasibility Study, and Concept Design for the
repurposing of the existing building into a community resilience center focused on food
security at 125 Magnolia. The initial phase of analysis will define the project and will be
used for budgeting and fundraising for the construction phase.
Once approved, Econautics will commission multiple rounds of engineering studies for
feasibility, schematic design, and conformity with zoning, permitting, and other building
requirements including all applicable International Building Codes.
Perkins+Will has already supplied an architectural services proposal to Econautics which is
informing for our proposed project budget and timeline. The firm is prepared to begin work
Econ-autics Sustai.nability Institute
Bid Response Information for Evaluation Criteria for RFP TF1123-08
outlined in the proposal as soon as confirmation is received that the building sale or lease
has been awarded to Econautics.
Perkins&Will, in partnership with MEP, Civil, and Structural engineering consultants as
the design team, will provide Programming, a Feasibility Study, and Concept Design
Services to Econautics. The design team's work will be coordinated by Perkins+Will, and
will be included in the final deliverable to Econautics.
The Feasibility Study and Structural Engineering Services will be provided by Ensight
Haynes Whaley (EHW). This project will consist of a feasibility study to determine the
structural implications of proposed modifications to an existing warehouse building at the
above referenced location. The structural scope of work provided by Ensight Haynes
Whaley (EHW) will include design effort to approximately 50% Schematic Design level.
The EHW basic structural engineering services Irendered to Econautics will carry this
project through the schematic design phase. This includes attending virtual meetings and
meeting at the project location, establishing structural design criteria, preparing studies of
alternative structural systems, assisting in selection of structural systems, providing
structural criteria for Geotechnical Consultant, assisting in determining need for special
studies, performing preliminary engineering to estimate the load and framing impacts of
modifications to existing structure, and preparing preliminary framing layout drawings.
Next in the project pipeline is the schematic design narrative. This phase deliverable will
be provided by engineering firm Cleary Zimmermann Engineers, LLC. Clearly
Zimmermann Engineers, LLC are a Texas -registered professional engineering firm with
licensed professional engineers wlio are proficient in their practices. Cleary Zimmermann
will serve as Econautics' creative engineering partner for this building project. Specifically
Cleary Zimmermann will provide an existing conditions survey and report of an existing
35,230 sf warehouse, and a feasibility assessment for converting this warehouse into a
community learning and agriculture facility. The facility will act as a community
engagement facility, providing STEM learning activities along with a learning kitchen and
food production area that utilizes aquaponics and/or hydroponics.
The scliematIc design narrative includes a feasibility assessment providing a design
narrative, utility coordination site plan, and other preliminary documents in line with a
50% schematic design. The feasibility study will be used to aide in preliminary pricing. Cost
consulting and the aquaponics/hyd.roponics design shall be done by Perkins+Will.
Cleary Zimmermann shall assess existing MEP equipment relative to age, useful service
life, visual condition, reliability, and efficiency. MEP equipment shall include readily
accessible systems such as chillers, boilers, pumps, switchgear, lights, generators, heaters,
pipe/conduit infrastructure and water heaters/conditioners. This assessment shall utilize
all available resources, including drawings and interviews with on -site, personnel. The
assessment shall be based on Engineer's experience, professional judgment, and a standard
of care typical for the profession. As part of the assessment and investigation, the overall
project objectives shall be evaluated. This shall include documenting proposed
modifications to XIF.P systems to accommodate proposed program and identifying possible
constraints. Conceptual drawings may be provided to further illustrate the proposed
- design approach.
Econautics Sustainability Institute
Bid Response Information for Evaluation Criteria for RFP TFI123-08
Because the site is zoned CBD, Central Business District, which is a use district intended to
accommodate the commercial, office, service, residential and public activities commonly
found in a central business district, we do not anticipate any zoning challenges will apply.
Once the foundation of analysis and design are laid and City of Beaumont officials have
made a final determination of approval for the plans, Econautics will then bid out the
construction of the site according to the approved site specifications.
The Fa r a1a
The establishment of an urban farm is a natural extension of work Brooksie was
undertaking to enhance the learning and nutritional outcomes for BISD students by
offering youth -oriented botanic gardens and nutrition education curriculum sited at outdoor
extension classrooms. Once established, the farm would serve the dual roles of
supplementing school meals with fresh, locally -grown produce as well as serving as a
hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education site with classes on
a variety of biology, agriculture and nutrition -related topics. Plans include an onsite
demonstration kitchen which would allow for food safety and preparation classes.
We estimate the site would produce several hundred thousand pounds of food annually.
Herbs, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, beans, beets, cabbage and bell peppers are
just a few potential crops which could be grown throughout the year. It's important to note
that bringing the farm indoors means weather, pollution and other outdoor concerns won't
impact the farm's yield. Controlled Environment Agriculture allows for more consistent
food production to avoid exposure of food to environmental contaminants and hazardous air
and water pollutants that might otherwise adversely impact outdoor food production.
Growing food indoors will improve our reliability as a wholesome food source for children in
income -eligible families in Beaumont.
T11e 1,f11,111e)"s Nlai,ket and Demonstration l�itche.,2 C4af6
To help boost the local food service and farming economy, our plans for the site include the
establishment of a farmer's market and cafe. Our vision is to provide local and regional
farmers a covered, air-conditioned space and commercial platform for them to sell
agricultural products to locals. This would be an improvement over the current farmer's
market resource offered by the City of Beaumont.
In addition to its traditional function as a place to purchase freshly -prepared meals, the
cafe will be a demonstration kitchen for local restaurant owners to show off featured menu
items, teach cooking classes, and provide a safe community gathering space serving people
of all ages, races, ethnicities, income levels meals, especially around holidays and other
seasons of giving.
Seniors visiting Lakeside Center Best Years, children playing at the local Rotary
Playground or Skate Plaza and adults attending events on the Great Lawn or at the Event
Centre will all be within a short walk from our site, providing them with a reason to spend
even more time in the Lake District. We expect increased foot traffic to the area, attracting
7
Econau.b.cs Sustainobility Institute
Bid Response Information for Evaluation Criteria for RFP TF1123-08
more businesses and housing development and improving economic prosperity for under
resourced neighborhoods in Beaumont.
t'ature Projects
The multifunctional use of 125 Magnolia would also allow us to bring together other groups
with common goals of ending child hunger, improving local health through nutritious foods
and connecting income -qualified individuals with social services and other resources.
For example, under our control, the site would host local nonprofits in need of facilities
improvements or expansions to provide wrap -around social services to the area. We would
enhance the efforts of existing organizations, for example by providing the Southeast Texas
Food Bank a space for nutritional experts to provide cooking classes to clients receiving
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps)
benefits. The site is located less than 4 miles away from Lamar University, snaking us an
ideal research study site for students in degree programs such as
• Master's Program in Environmental Engineering and Environmental Studies
• Bachelor of Social Work
• Master of Public Administration
The possibilities are almost limitless for creating social good in a fun, engaging way that
welcomes in our entire Beaumont community. For example, during certain seasons of the
year when appropriate, as part of its ongoing social programming, Econautics may host ice
skating, roller skating, musical and theatrical productions within the facility as an
additional social amenity to Beaumont residents.
Econautics' unique and comprehensive perspective across multiple industries and sectors
as well as our commitment to the people of Beaumont make us an ideal partner for the
City. For detailed site overview as well as functional programmatic elements of the
proposed building design, see Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3, below.
0
Econautics Sustainabili,ty Institute
Bid Response Information for Eualuation. Criteria for RFP TF1123-08
Figure 1.
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Econautics Sustai.nability Institute
Bid Response Information for Evaluation Criteria for RFP TF1123-08
Figure 2. Proposed Functional Layout
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10
Econau.tics Su -stainability Institute
Bid Response Information for Eualuation Criteria for RFP TF1123-08
Figure 3. Proposed Interior Visualization
11
Tideland Specialties/Giglio
RFP No. TF1123-08
looposal for Development
Tideland Specialty Ltd. and Giglio
Distributing Company understands
the City's reluctance to sell to some-
one who is going to use 125 Magno-
lia as a building, but our facility will
be used as an advertising and point
of sale facility that will be occupied
by a sales staff supporting our sales
efforts from Beaumont to Texarkana.
With 231 miles between these cities,
our need for everything from static
displays, product promotional items,
construction materials and neon
signs require that we have enough
space to build and store displays
8
used all over our territory. The ma-
terials and work space needed for
this effort will cover almost the en-
tire facility with the balance of space
occupied by offices and our adver-
tising logistic needs.
If Tideland Specialty Ltd. is given the
privilege to purchase this building
we have no intention to use the east
side parking lot. In fact, it would be
our pleasure to negotiate a proposal
for the continued use of the parking
lot by the citizens of Beaumont who
visit the Lakeside (Best Years) Center.
RFP No. TF1123-08
The proposed improvements for the build-
ing are as follows:
• Clean and paint building exterior.
Possible addition of a mural on the
south wall in conjunction with the
City's effort to support the history
and richness of the incredible artisan's
community in support of public art.
Install a new roof system to comply with
TDI insurance requirements
Renovate the buildings electrical, mechan-
ical and plumbing systems to meet current
building codes.
Refurbish buildings fire sprinkler system
and add a current fire alarm system.
• Close all openings not required for fire exit
on the buildings east side.
• Improve building's exterior landscaping.
• Install a new dock -high loading dock on
the west side of the building at the existing
overhead doors inside Giglio Distributing's
secured parking area. This will allow con-
tainment of all truck traffic inside the fa-
cility. There will be no need for our delivery
truck to use Magnolia Street near the City's
buildings.
We estimate the total construction cost for our
new advertising and point of sale facility to be
$3.5 million.
Benefits of the new facility:
• Containment of all of our operations inside
the already established secure facility pe-
rimeter.
• Addition of 100+ construction jobs using lo-
cal contractors and subcontractors.
• Addition of 2-4 new fulltime jobs with Giglio
Distributing, Inc.
• A new public/private negotiated partner-
ship for partial use of the property for the
convenience of use by the Lakeside Center.
Tideland Specialty Ltd has retained local ar-
chitect, The LaBiche Architectural Group, Inc, to
provide support for our renovation plans should
the City of Beaumont deem our project appro-
priate for the site. We currently have secured
funding and are prepared to begin construction
immediately. Our plan is to occupy the building
and be under operation by summer of 2023.
We are now a third -generation company and
we have plans to grow our market even bigger.
Giglio Distributing has been in downtown Beau-
mont all of its life and we plan to stay. We are
proud of our Heritage, Company and City.
We at Tideland Speciality and Giglio Distribut-
ing know that the City wants to grow downtown
Beaumont and we want to be a part of that
growth and revitalization as well.
ti