OCP file photo/The former Ceres property on East Main Street.
HART — The City of Hart TIFA (Tax Increment Finance Authority) announced that the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the redevelopment of the vacant Ceres Solutions property on East Main Street officially reopened Thursday, Nov. 20.
Submissions will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at 10 a.m.
The 100-year-old feed mill, which is owned by the City of Hart’s TIFA, has been sitting vacant for about five years after Ceres Solutions — a farmer-owned cooperative based in Indiana — closed its operations there.
SmithGroup architectural, engineering and planning firm was hired through a grant from the MEDC (Michigan Economic Development Corporation) to provide consulting and recruit development through marketing. SmithGroup, which completed a site survey, facilitated a meeting Feb. 1, 2024 to hear community members’ ideas. Housing and retail were discussed as new uses of old mill property.
“The property — formerly part of the Ceres Solutions block acquired by the Hart TIFA — represents a signature redevelopment opportunity in the heart of downtown,” states a press release from the city. “The city is seeking qualified developers with a vision that supports downtown vibrancy, aligns with community goals, and advances long-term economic growth.”
“We’re excited to reopen this RFQ and invite developers to bring forward creative, feasible proposals that can transform this cornerstone property,” said City Manager Nichole Kleiner. “This project is central to our strategic goals for a walkable, activated, and welcoming downtown.”
The RFQ outlines specific submission requirements to ensure a comprehensive and comparable evaluation of respondents’ qualifications. As described in the reopened RFQ submission criteria, proposals must include:
- Letter of interest, including the development vision, approach, parking plan, and any anticipated public-private partnership components.
- Concept plans or renderings, including a basic site plan and any preliminary elevations or conceptual drawings.
- Project timeline, including financing, construction start, substantial completion, and phasing if applicable.
- Experience with similar redevelopment projects.
- Fiscal capacity, including a verification letter from a financial institution, an initial pro forma, and any proposed incentive requests (e.g., TIF/Brownfield, MEDC).
- Team overview and resumes of the lead members and identified consultants.
- Community and design commitments, including potential community benefits such as local hiring, storefront activation, sustainability features, housing, and parking considerations.
- Existing building plans, if applicable, describing the intent to preserve or remove structures.
All complete submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Downtown fit and design quality
- Team experience and capacity
- Financial feasibility
- Overall deliverability and schedule
- Community benefits and alignment with local goals
Following the close of the RFQ period, the city may request clarifications, interviews, or negotiations with respondents. A final recommendation is expected to be presented to the city council at the March 24, 2026 meeting.
Questions should be submitted by Jan. 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. to nkleiner@cityofhart.org. Responses will be posted at www.takemetohart.org/ceres by 5 p.m. the same day.
Site walkthroughs are available by appointment.
As outlined in the city’s redevelopment goals, the repositioning of the Ceres property “represents a rare opportunity to activate a full city block at a key downtown gateway,” states the press release. “The reopening of the RFQ is intended to ensure a wide, competitive pool of high-quality development concepts.
“Hart’s TIFA is committed to the revitalization and development of downtown Hart, Michigan. By leveraging tax increment financing, TIFA facilitates the growth of key projects that foster economic development, enhance community life, and support long-term sustainability.”
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