(GRANTS PASS, OR.) — The City of Grants Pass is seeking proposals from individuals, organizations, or businesses interested in repurposing one of its most recognizable but underutilized historic structures: the Reed Building, also known as the Caretaker’s Cottage, located in Riverside Park.
In a formal Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) released earlier this week, the city is inviting sealed written proposals to identify feasible and innovative uses for the site. The goal is to solicit creative ideas that would breathe new life into the structure while preserving its historical integrity and enhancing public benefit within the park’s environment.
The RFEI is the latest move in a broader city initiative aimed at revitalizing public spaces and maximizing the utility of city-owned properties. Officials say this process will help assess the level of interest and investment potential from community members, nonprofits, and private developers for one of the park’s long-standing buildings.
The Reed Building has served various functions over the years but is currently vacant and underused. With its prominent location in the city’s largest and most visited park, the site has been the subject of ongoing community discussion regarding its future.
Proposals should present a clear and sustainable vision for the site, outlining both the conceptual use and the practical means to achieve it. Respondents are encouraged to submit ideas that promote public access, cultural enrichment, tourism, educational opportunities, or community services. The city has not committed to a specific use and intends to keep the process open to a broad range of suggestions.
While not a formal Request for Proposals (RFP), the Expressions of Interest will help city leaders determine the direction for future planning and possible development opportunities. It may also lead to a more detailed RFP process if promising ideas and partnerships emerge from the current solicitation.
City officials emphasize that all submissions must be received in writing and sealed, in accordance with standard procurement practices. Interested parties can access the full RFEI packet, including submission guidelines and background information, on the City of Grants Pass website. The document can be found by visiting the following link:
https://www.grantspassoregon.gov/DocumentCenter/View/38321/Reed-Building-RFEI
The city has not announced a fixed timeline for final decisions but expects to begin reviewing proposals shortly after the deadline for submissions closes.
For more information, potential applicants are encouraged to contact the City of Grants Pass directly or visit the official city website under the “Bids and RFPs” section.
As Riverside Park remains a central hub for both residents and visitors, the future of the Reed Building represents a unique opportunity to shape a piece of Grants Pass history for generations to come.