Detroit RiverFront Conservancy seeks partner for Atwater Beach Concessions
Thursday, September 28, 2017
RFP released for two new food and beverage opportunities in the next Detroit riverfront development project
September 28, 2017 [DETROIT] – The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) today seeking a master tenant that will provide Atwater Beach, the much-anticipated park opening along the riverfront in summer 2019, with unique food and retail options. The master tenant will work with the Conservancy to identify unique concessioners for two food and beverage venues within Atwater Beach – the shed and floating barge – that will run during the warm-weather season. The RFP is available for download by clicking the button below. The deadline for submissions is November 2.
The Atwater Beach project will transform a formerly-industrial site along the East Riverfront into a vibrant destination for people of all ages to enjoy a variety of activities. The 3.2 acre parcel is located along Atwater Street, just east of Chene Park and west of Stroh River Place. Atwater Beach will feature a sandy beach area, a playscape inspired by a lifeguard station, and a children’s music garden in addition to a shed and floating barge for food and retail options.
The shed concession area will comprise a tent enclosure that is anchored to a base of repurposed shipping containers with space for food and beverage retailers. The barge concession area will be positioned in an old boat slip and will feature seating areas, planters made of recycled vintage truck tailgates from Detroit automakers, and a vintage van that will be converted into a bar concessioner.
“The community is in love with the idea of Atwater Beach,” said Mark Wallace, president and CEO of the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy. “This part of the riverfront has been begging for a family-friendly space with great food and beverage options. Atwater Beach will build on the great retail momentum along Jos Campau Street and bring new people in to the riverfront district.”
Atwater Beach is located within the rapidly-developing East Riverfront district, and will be an exciting venue for people to play, relax, eat, and enjoy. Earlier this year, the Conservancy released the East Riverfront Framework Plan to guide the future of the district that outlines new parks and open space developments, street improvements, new and improved greenways to access the riverfront, and continued development projects that will bring additional amenities to the district.
The concept for Atwater Beach was first discussed by Conservancy leadership in late 2016. Since then, public anticipation for the project has grown steadily as the non-profit organization continues to raise funds for the project. Construction on the project will begin in fall 2018 with completion set for summer 2019.
For more information about the Atwater Beach master tenant RFP, contact Emilie Evans at 313-566-8260 or Emilie.Evans@DetroitRiverfront.org