SOQ-646 - PLANNING CONSULTING SERVICES For Development of URBAN DESIGN GUIDE

Summary of Specifications:
The City of Ann Arbor is requesting Statements of Qualifications to be submitted to the City by January 5, 2007 from Urban Planning/Architectural firms who have experience with the development or application of Urban Design Guidelines. Applicants must have experience facilitating public meetings including design charrettes. The City will be reviewing these qualifications and selecting qualified firms to assist with the planning and implementation of a strategy for soliciting broad public input regarding the development and adoption of Urban Design Guidelines. 

The City recently coordinated a public lecture series with the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects that focused on the fundamentals of good Urban Design. Following the lecture series, the City will employ the selected consultant to assist with a series of public workshops and design charrettes (2 or 3 total) that will begin to explore options for applying these design principles to downtown Ann Arbor. The final product will be a strategy to amend the appropriate ordinances to enable design review and other necessary tools. Also, the consultant will assist with the development of a user friendly Urban Design Guidebook. The guidebook will rely heavily on graphics, imaging, and photography to depict the urban design guidelines. 

Award of a contract for services is subject to the approval of City Council and negotiation of a satisfactory contract for services.