Request for Information - McNichols Civic Center Building

The purpose of this Request for Information is to solicit information from qualified businesses or organizations who are interested in developing, establishing, and managing a museum that highlights the history and culture of Denver at the McNichols Civic Center Building.

Background

Denver Arts & Venues (DAV) is an agency of the City and County of Denver whose mission is to amplify Denver’s quality of life and economic vitality through premier public venues, and arts and entertainment opportunities.

DAV operates some of the region’s most renowned facilities, including Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Colorado Convention Center, Denver Coliseum and the McNichols Civic Center Building. These high-profile venues are well known regionally, nationally, and internationally, and provide a substantial, positive economic impact on the Denver metropolitan area.

These DAV facilities host a wide array of public and private events, including concerts; shows produced by Denver’s performing arts groups and national touring companies; cultural activities from films to lectures, rodeos and other sporting events; family entertainment; and conventions, trade shows and consumer shows. In hosting these events, Denver Arts & Venues serves diverse customer groups, including promoters, producers, performers, patrons and members of the public who attend performances. DAV also oversees the Denver Public Art program and entertainment and cultural events such as the Five Points Jazz Festival. DAV is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all our programs, initiatives and decision-making processes.

McNichols Civic Center Building – 144 W. Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80204

In 1909, the cornerstone of the McNichols Civic Center Building was laid. It set the foundation for the then Carnegie Library that would become a center of learning in Civic Center Park. That tradition continues; Denver Arts & Venues re-opened the building in 2012 as a contemporary hub for arts and culture for the people of Denver. This stunning Greek Revival building with its classic Corinthian columns and iconic colonnade across its front, offers new experiences in a classic space. The venue and surrounding park are a designated a National Historic Landmark. In 2016, a second renovation was completed, adding new features such as a redesigned courtyard, expanded first floor event space, upgraded restrooms and other improvements.

In addition to special events, social events, exhibits and other cultural offerings, the McNichols Building is a key asset within Civic Center Park, and is often used in conjunction with events in the park. DAV works closely with Denver Parks & Recreation, the Office of Special Events and other city agencies, as well as partners such as the Civic Center Conservancy to coordinate event activities that take place in the park throughout the year.

In alignment with the Mayor's goal to create a vibrant downtown Denver, the Civic Center Next 100 and the Civic Center Master Plan, DAV is examining a change in the core operating model for the McNichols Building. Currently, the venue is principally used for special events and exhibits. However, there is a desire to create an environment where public engagement during daytime hours can be increased, while still providing space for special events, cultural programs and other activities. 

Scope of Work

The purpose of this request for information is for the City to better understand the interest and capabilities of a third party organization or business in developing and managing a museum that highlights the history and culture of the City and County of Denver. 

The space available is the second floor of the McNichols Building (approximately 8,500 sq. feet). The exhibits can be permanent, semi-permanent, rotating or some other arrangement sufficient to achieve the goal of creating an active, vibrant space to engage and educate the public during operating hours, and support a future food and beverage establishment on the first floor by bringing in steady foot traffic. 

Connections to the physical location or history of the building are highly desirable. A respect for and adherence to the venue’s Historic Landmark status will be a requirement.

DAV seeks the following information in responses: 

• The purpose and scope of the proposed museum, addressing how the entity will fulfill the greatest public purpose to the residents and visitors of the City and County of Denver. The information submitted should include suggested exhibits, programs and community engagement activities that support this effort.
• How the organization is distinct from other museums, galleries and cultural organizations within the City and County of Denver.
• How the proposed museum will increase public activity in the downtown area, and why the McNichols Building is the ideal location for the proposed entity, including projected attendance on a monthly and annual basis.
• How the proposed museum/entity will engage the community with publicly accessible programming.
• How the proposed museum will support the overall vision for Denver's Civic Center as outlined in past planning documents for Civic Center, including the Civic Center Next 100 and the Civic Center Master Plan.
• A description of how the operation of the museum can co-exist with special events and activities that will take place on the third floor throughout the year, as well as how the entity can support sustained future food and beverage offerings on the first floor by driving sustained traffic to the venue.
• Details regarding what infrastructure is needed to support museum operations, including tenant improvements such as temperature and atmospheric controls, security, access control, operating hours and other conditions relevant to the operation of a museum. (A site visit of the building will be offered during the RFI period.)
• A business plan on how the organization/entity can maintain and sustain successful operations, including revenue models for admission, corporate and individual fundraising, grants and other income support, as well as an expense model for staffing and administrative costs, acquisition expenses and other expenses.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Denver Arts & Venues is deeply committed to an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) practice that closes access gaps in arts and culture with urgency and accountability. We believe long-term impact requires changing traditional processes, creating new systems, and developing authentic relationships and transformative work. Our work stands at the intersection of arts, culture and community.

Deliverables

Please deliver the requested information with attachments and supporting documentation. All deliverables shall be presented electronically.

Deadline & Venue Walk-Through

Information is due to Denver Arts & Venues by 5 p.m. on July 25, 2024. 
Please submit all information and questions to: DAV.General@denvergov.org

The McNichols Building walk-throughs will be offered on June 25, 2024, 11 a.m.-noon or 3-4 p.m. 
Address: 144 W. Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80204

To attend the building walk-through, please RSVP by emailing DAV.General@denvergov.org by June 23, 2024.