Mayor Thomas M. Menino today announced that the Boston Redevelopment Authority is releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the first two parcels within the City’s emerging Innovation District. The City of Boston seeks to embrace new technologies and innovative businesses within the Boston Marine Industrial Park (BMIP) while retaining and celebrating the existing industrial and seafood related businesses that currently make the BMIP a coveted business location. The two prominent parcels, known as Parcels M & N, offer one of the most unique locations on the eastern seaboard with more than 6-acres of land and direct access to the highway, airport and maritime transportation.

“We need to propel the Marine Industrial Park into the future – we must continue to reinvent this great city asset. I want bold, creative, sustainable companies and new jobs to move to the Innovation District,” Mayor Menino said. “I challenge those who respond to our RFPs to push the envelope and think big. I encourage you to partner with us in this ground-breaking effort.”

The creativity is already building within the Innovation District and the BMIP with a number of cutting-edge companies, including Artaic, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Next Step Living, and Ginkgo BioWorks. Additionally, MassChallenge is running a start-up competition from Fan Pier’s One Marina Park Drive office building.

The ideal developments on Parcels M & N could include high-tech manufacturing; life sciences; research & development; seafood processing, distribution, cold storage; general manufacturing and aquaculture related industries. Sustainable development and green building strategies should be guiding principles for new construction or redevelopment of the existing buildings and be incorporated into the project from the earliest stages.

“We’re committed to ensuring that the BMIP maximizes its potential both to promote maritime economic development within the Port of Boston and to generate industrial, life science and emerging technology job opportunities for residents of the City of Boston,” said John F. Palmieri, BRA Director.

The RFPs are being issued separately for each parcel, which allows prospective developers to consider utilizing the parcels individually or as a package. Both parcels are offered for lease in “as-is” condition. Parcel M, located at 3 Dolphin Way, consists of a 3.4-acre parcel with a currently vacant building that was last occupied by Cavalier Coach Corporation. The company utilized the building for vehicle maintenance, storage and ancillary office uses. Parcel N, located at 25 Fid Kennedy Avenue, consists of a 3.25 acre parcel with a currently vacant building that was last occupied by Boston Sand and Gravel Company. The company utilized the building as a concrete batch plant.

All proponents planning to respond to the RFP(s) must register their intent by email. Registration emails are to be submitted to Dennis Davis by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 2, 2010. There is no fee to pick up the RFP(s) however a refundable initial deposit of $10,000 is required from each proponent due upon the submission of the proponent’s response to the RFP(s). Submissions are due by 12 noon on Monday, October 18, 2010.

Media Contacts: Susan Elsbree, 617.918.4426 or Jessica Shumaker, 617.918.4446.

Release Date: July 19, 2010