City of Columbus Launches Dual Effort to Advance Transformational Downtown Development
The City of Columbus, Indiana, in partnership with the Columbus Capital Foundation (CCF), has issued a coordinated Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and a Request for Information (RFI) to accelerate transformative downtown redevelopment initiatives aligned with the Columbus Downtown 2030 Strategic Plan.
The two initiatives invite experienced development teams to shape the future of downtown Columbus through the flagship project, “Finish Fourth,” and a broader portfolio of strategic opportunity sites.
Request for Qualification Responses
The City of Columbus has received RFQ responses from 1820 Ventures, Flaherty & Collins, and Build BW & Browning Day for the Downtown 2030 Finish Fourth district. All three firms outlined experience in redevelopment, adaptive reuse and public‑private partnerships.
The city is using a lead development partner model for the first time, aiming for a coordinated district rather than isolated projects. Developers framed Finish Fourth as a walkable, mixed-use campus with phased development designed to respond to market demands.
Proposal highlights include Bottleworks District work by 1820 Ventures, Fishers Event Center experience from Build BW & Browning Day, and Flaherty & Collins’ national redevelopment portfolio.
• 1820 Ventures, LLC
• Build BW
• Flaherty & Collins Development
Downloads:
Request for Information: PDF | Word
Request for Qualifications: PDF | Word
Information Session
A pre-response information session will be held in the former Sears building located at 323 Brown Street, Columbus, IN on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. (EST). Questions regarding the RFQ are due by Monday, July 13, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (EST). Submissions and questions shall be made to mary.krupinski@jsheld.com. An addendum will be issued on Monday, July 20, 2026, incorporating answers to questions received.
a. Agenda (2 pages)
b. Sign-in Sheet (3 pages)
c. Slide Presentation (18 Pages)
d. Meeting Notes from Info Session (5 Pages)
e. CCF Approved List of Nationally Renowned Architects (1 Page)
f. Columbus Conference Hotel Study 2022 by Hunden Strategic Partners – (19 Pages)
g. Addendum #1 RFQ for Lead Development Partners and RFI for Development Partners
h. Addendum #2 RFQ for Lead Development Partners and RFI for Development Partners 7/21/2026
“Finish Fourth” RFQ as catalyst for redevelopment
The RFQ focuses on finding a Lead Development Partner to guide redevelopment of the “Finish Fourth”, which includes the former Sears building and its parking lot at 4th and Brown streets. The “Finish Fourth” is a group of high-impact, “catalytic sites” that advance the plan’s vision of a vibrant, connected downtown.
- The project is expected to include a hotel and conference center, mixed-use development, a public event plaza and market hall, and enhanced pedestrian connections.
The selected partner will lead all aspects of redevelopment. This includes financing, partnerships, infrastructure, and implementation.
RFI seeks development concepts for key sites across downtown
The city and CCF are also issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to complement the RFQ. The RFI will seek innovative development concepts for additional properties, pursued independently or with the “Finish Fourth.”
- Key sites for the RFI include:
- Water Street Site (18.8 acres): Potential for destination-oriented activities, riverfront district entertainment, possible new residential neighborhoods with park space, trail connections, and river access.
- 3rd & Lafayette Site (2.25 acres): Targeted for multifamily housing with possible retail components.
- Irwin Block (5th Street): Prominent redevelopment opportunity for boutique hotels, residential uses, and high-design architecture
- Post Office Site: Long-term redevelopment opportunity with potential alignment with Finish Fourth if relocation occurs.
The RFI process seeks to collect innovative and market-oriented concepts for future development requests.
Both efforts advance Columbus’ identity as a dynamic “campus” environment, fostering community, economic vitality, and design excellence.
A cohesive vision for downtown Columbus
Both the RFQ and RFI support Downtown 2030 Plan objectives:
- Expanding housing and mixed-use development
- Strengthening key corridors like 4th, 5th, and Washington Streets
- Enhancing connectivity to Mill Race Park and the riverfront
- Creating new destinations and public gathering spaces
Building on momentum
The RFQ and RFI build on recent investments, including riverfront redevelopment, mixed-use housing, streetscape improvements, and expanded programming like the SEARS Winter Market pilot.
Responses were due July 31, 2026. A Lead Development Partner and potential site concepts will be selected later in 2026.
Columbus is positioning downtown for sustained growth by leveraging design, partnerships, and community vision to create a vibrant destination.
