Pier 38

Bids to rehabilitate the Pier 38 bulkhead structure and a portion of the Pier 38 shed, the pier from which a whole host of startups and two venture capital firms were evicted last year, are now being sought with a deadline of February 22, 2013 to respond.

From a plugged-in tipster who attended the pre-bid conference last week and questions the Ports direction and approach:

The Port Commission directed the Port staff to get the front part of the pier (the “bulkhead building”) re-tenanted as soon as possible. If the Port had recovered from the previous tenant debacle and resolved two issues – litigation over an outstanding loan against the previous lessee and the removal of three boats parked illegally at Pier 38 – they could conceivably move forward with developing the whole pier.

As it stands, it’s kind of half-baked (at the direction of the Port) because respondents are being asked to develop the front of something while kind of ignoring the back half. Oh, and the respondents can “optionally” submit qualifications for developing the whole pier.

In the opinion of our tipster, the Port “should seek resolution on the outstanding issues so Port staff can create a complete development package, rather than put lipstick on a pig through a large tenant improvement.” Feel free to proffer an opinion of your own.

2 thoughts on “Putting Lipstick on the Red-Tagged Pig of Pier 38?”
  1. They’re kidding right? Who in their right mind would take this on?
    Not only do they want the respondent to fund all the repairs privately … they want you to maintain the pier on on your dime as well… and pay the Port fair market rents thereafter.
    From the RFP
    “…..The Rehabilitation Concept for the Pier 38 bulkhead building will require substantial investment to bring back to active use.
    The selected respondent will be expected, among other things, to remedy structural deficiencies, replace or repair mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, address egress and ADA issues, and construct any other improvement needed to meet the City’s building code requirements as well as other regulatory requirements, including consistency with the Secretary Standards.
    The Port will require that the Rehabilitation Concept be funded through private sector investment and that the Port expects the successful respondent to fund physical improvements and provide for on-going operating/maintenance costs as well as provide security for the entire pier. The negotiated lease between the Port and a successful respondent will be at fair market rent. The
    lease term is expected to be 10 years or a term needed to amortize the Rehabilitation Concept
    investment.
    As noted above, respondents must also demonstrate how the Rehabilitation Concept will not hinder a long-term reuse of Pier 38. In other words, respondents must ensure that the short-term construction (e.g., building and pier engineering) and operation (e.g., accessibility) will not hinder possible subsequent redevelopment of the entire or majority of Pier 38.

  2. Pier 24 was totally rehabbed (at the cost of something like $40 million) and long-term leased. It is a nicely done photography museum that is free and open to the public (appointments needed).
    So my fingers are crossed. The location is fantastic and the lease would basically be free or de minimus in exchange for rehabbing the piers.

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