Last edited 8.8.25
Request for Qualifications:
Midtown Atlanta 98 14th Street
Midtown Alliance seeks a multi-disciplinary design team to help us develop a compelling concept and realistic cost estimate for this city-defining project. Respond to our Request for Qualifications by August 22.
Questions may be submitted in writing to proposals@midtownatl.com until Friday, August 8, 2025, at 5PM EDT. Every effort will be made to provide answers within 24 hours of receiving questions. See FAQs below.
View Request For Qualifications
Existing Conditions Resources:
All existing conditions resources are provided for reference only. Midtown Alliance does not guarantee accuracy or completeness of any reference document.
Inspiration Images:
Select inspiration images are drawn from projects around the world to provide a sense of the quality and impact we seek to deliver upon future build out of 98 14th Street.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the budget for this project?
The budget has not been determined yet. Before we specify a total project budget for design and construction, we are seeking a qualified team to develop a concept and conduct a cost estimation exercise to produce a realistic budget for future phases.
Our goal is to have a compelling conceptual design with renderings and a preliminary project budget in hand by January 26, 2026, so that we can use these materials as part of our capital campaign next year.
Teams who are short-listed as part of the RFQ process will be notified on September 8, 2025, and asked to prepare a competitive fee proposal to accomplish the scope of work outlined on pages 10-11 in the RFQ. Fee proposals are due on September 15, 2025, so that they can be reviewed in advance of scheduled interviews on September 19, 2025.
Are you anticipating this project to be Architect or Landscape Architect-led?
We do not have an expectation about the lead firm other than they must be creative, ambitious, and bold enough to develop a compelling concept for the project. Collectively, the team should have expertise in activation, architectural design, cost estimating, cultural anthropology, dynamic programming, interactive public art, and landscape design. As part of the submittal, teams should provide examples of three recent projects (completed in the last three to five years) that demonstrate knowledge and experience delivering projects in similar high density urban environments.
In reference to the outdoor performance space: Is this a feature that is expected to be designed and built, or a prefabricated installation?
It is expected to be designed and seamlessly integrated into the overall site plan such that when not in use for a scheduled performance it can be converted easily for other purposes and / or enjoyed as passive open space. If this can be accomplished with a prefab installation, then we are open to considering that option.
Does the project require to have specific licenses from the US only or do you accept international equivalency?
While the overall team can include firms from other countries, at least one firm should be based in the US.
Is there a pre-bid meeting or a scheduled site visit?
There is no pre-bid meeting. The site is currently fenced and not publicly accessible. However, there are several good vantage points around the perimeter of the site that can be accessed by the public: (1) The driveway on the west side of the site leads to a small surface parking lot behind the former sales center and a large parking deck on the north side of the site. Both parking areas offer views into the site; (2) The garden area behind Promenade Tower can be accessed on foot from 15th Street; and (3) The garden area at the end of the allée of trees along the north side of 1180 Peachtree can also be accessed on foot. Please note that the last two are privately owned public spaces.
Please clarify the required submittal format.
Respondents should submit one (1) electronic copy of their Statement of Qualifications in PDF format to proposals@midtownatl.com by 5PM EST on Friday, August 22, 2025. The total page count, including cover page and any dividers, is limited to 30 double-sided 8 ½ x 11-inch pages (60 total pages of content). Submittals may be formatted for portrait or landscape orientation, and the minimum font size is 11 point. Submittals should include all components noted on pages 10-11 of the RFQ, and listed briefly here: cover letter, overview of project team including resumes of key contributors, summary of team qualifications, description of team’s creative philosophy and approach, references, and contact information. All these listed inclusions are counted within the 30 double-sided 8 ½ x 11-inch pages.
Please clarify the expectations around Team Qualifications.
The RFQ seeks participation from creative multi-disciplinary teams – bold, visionary, aspirational teams with deep knowledge and relevant experience in creating places that are unforgettable. Collectively, the team should provide specific examples of at least three (3) projects completed in the last 3-5 years in similar high-density urban environments. More examples are welcome if they fit within the 30-page limit.
In addressing the need to collaborate with artists on the creation of public art within the project scope, would the client be looking for us to engage local artists via a call for artisans or would the client prefer us to suggest an artist partnership for this project?
Public art is a major focus of the project. We are looking to deliver a unique space that includes a mix of iconic, potentially permanent pieces, and ephemeral installations to help establish a habit-forming desire to return regularly and experience something new. Atlanta has a rich creative community of local artists and is home to world class cultural institutions that attract global talent. The site at 98 14th Street should accommodate both.
Will the interviews in September be in person or virtual?
It is our strong preference to conduct interviews in person in Atlanta on Friday, September 19, 2025. However, we will wait until after the submittal deadline (August 22, 2025) to decide if in-person interviews are feasible based on the number of teams that are short-listed.
The RFQ mentions that the Midtown Alliance will lead a community engagement effort, using feedback from a recently conducted survey. Are there any findings that the Midtown Alliance can share now that might assist in our response? Are there any notable challenges or issues not listed in the RFQ to report from this community feedback?
Broad themes emerged from the 2025 Midtown Community Survey (n=4,800) about the types of experiences/amenities that respondents want at the 98 14th Street site: Active Use, Large-Scale Art, Greenspace, Events and Programs, Seating, Food/Beverage, Performance Space, Water Feature. In addition, survey respondents named 180+ locations worldwide to look for inspiration, from Singapore to Tulsa. Detailed survey findings and analysis tools will be made available to the selected team for use during the conceptual design phase.
Are there any other analysis or technical information about the site that you can provide, such as a geotechnical report?
We have a geotechnical report that was prepared in March 2025. We will make this report available to the selected team for use during the conceptual design phase.
Is it Midtown Alliance's intention to maintain the concept team awarded this work for subsequent phases of this project?
Yes, we plan to carry this team forward into subsequent phases (design development and construction documents) and we reserve the right to modify the team, as needed, to address specific areas of expertise such as constructability, or familiarity with the local context in Midtown Atlanta.
Can you share your current thinking on the proposed schedule for future phases of this project and implementation?
The conceptual design deliverables listed on pages 11-12 of the RFQ are essential tools for fundraising and building ongoing support across a broad range of community partners and potential donors. The timing of future phases will be determined by the success of our capital campaign in 2026.
We know the concept design phase will include a cost estimate - is there an intended project budget range at this time?
A budget range has not been determined yet and will be developed in collaboration with the selected team.
Several offices are taking summer vacation at this time. Would Midtown Alliance consider an extension to the RFQ?
Unfortunately, we do not have the flexibility to consider an extension. Our aggressive timeline is based on the urgency of our capital campaign and established grant windows for charitable foundations.
Do you know yet if this will be design/bid/build or a CM at risk/GMP approach?
We are not ready to make that determination at this stage in the process. Once we finish the conceptual design phase in January 2026, we will evaluate the pros/cons of each approach and make a decision.
How will you finance the maintenance and operations of the future space?
We build a variety of capital projects and O&M is a core part of our mission and how we deliver value. For this project, we are actively exploring a variety of innovative tools, strategies and sources. We are committed to building a financially sustainable model that supports long-term success. This could range from certain district-funded operations to sponsorships and creative ways to generate revenue on-site that are aligned with the project's goals and community impact.
Does Midtown Alliance have up to date demographic data that can be shared and a sense of the future projected demographic of this area in Atlanta?
We are providing here broad demographic data for Midtown residents and workers sourced from Placer.ai, a third-party syndicated research service. Take this info with a grain of salt (or a spoonful of sugar) as it is built on algorithms and extrapolated to loosely paint a picture of Midtown's demographics.