Executive Summary
The Sisters of the Holy Family (the "Sisters") are pleased to present this opportunity for Interested Parties to submit proposals for a portion of their existing property, commonly known as Palmdale. This northernmost portion of Palmdale is hereinafter referred to as the "Subject Property." The Subject Property constitutes approximately 9.16 acres of the 14.82 acre grounds which is located on the west side of Mission Boulevard between Washington Boulevard and Starr Street in Fremont, CA.
The Subject Property (and Palmdale in its entirety) has a General Plan designation of Residential, Medium 6.5 – 10 units per acre, primary historic resource with a Conference Center Overlay. The Zoning is Planned District with a Historic Overlay District. It currently is used by the Sisters of the Holy Family for the purposes of their ministry and includes office and residential functions. Certain facilities on the site are made available privately for outside use, such as weddings and special receptions and meetings. The site is identified as a Historic Resource referred to as Palmdale and contains at least two major historic residences referred to as the Best House and the Starr House in a park-like setting. The Mission Creek flows through the site in an improved concrete channel.
The Sisters commitment to the Earth Charter and social justice makes them resolute in their desire to preserve the land, vegetation, historic buildings and shrines/grottos in as close as possible to their current serene state. This is especially true of the core area of the property which is dominated by landscape and historic resources.
With this said, the Sisters are open to various alternative proposals for meeting this goal including, but not necessarily limited to, the sale or lease of all, or a portion of the Subject Property or the placement of a conservation easement on the Subject Property with appropriate consideration being paid for the loss of the Subject Property's residential development rights. The Sisters may also entertain the concept of a "Right of First Offer" on the approximate 5.7 acre remainder parcel, inclusive of the approximate 75,000 square foot Motherhouse.
The Sisters are seeking an entity with the technical, design and financial capabilities to provide a creative and innovative proposal for improving, conserving and operating the Subject Property. The intent of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is for the Sisters to select this entity. The Sister's selection will be based on the process, submittal requirements and selection criteria set forth in this RFP; and specifically on the proposed improvement, conservation and operation concepts, qualifications, related project experience, financial strength and demonstrated understanding of projects of this nature. A comprehensive Property Condition Assessment was performed to assist Interested Parties in their review of the Subject Property (see below).
The specific business terms and conditions for disposition of the Subject Property will be embodied in a subsequent agreement to be approved by the Sisters of the Holy Family Board of Directors.