General Questions
What is the purpose of the competition?
Parcels to Places invites individuals, teams, corporations, or other entities to think creatively about transforming vacant lots owned by the City of Columbus into a community asset. The competition aims to raise awareness of available properties and foster public dialogue around the issues relating to vacant land.
Who is funding the competition?
Parcels to Places is possible due to the generous financial support of Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing, The City of Columbus, and The Columbus Foundation.
What types of projects will considered?
Parcels to Places is open to the development of any type of project that benefits the larger community. This can consist of strategies that engage residents and address issues including, but not limited to food systems, art, community space, economic development, education, and sustainability. At this time private or residential developments will not be considered as part of this competition.
Proposals can be permanent or temporary in nature. Any built structures will need to comply with any required codes or zoning requirements of the site. Utilities are available on most sites, but further investigation may be necessary to ensure capacity can be met on site.
Proposals can be permanent or temporary in nature. Any built structures will need to comply with any required codes or zoning requirements of the site. Utilities are available on most sites, but further investigation may be necessary to ensure capacity can be met on site.
Parcel Related
Are there specific lots to be developed?
Participants in the Parcels to Places competition may select from 33 available Land Bank properties for their proposal. Priority will be given to the pre-determined properties; however, participants may submit proposals for alternate City Land Bank owned properties.
To see the list of available City Land Bank properties, visit: https://public-cbus.epropertyplus.com/landmgmtpub/app/base/landing. Contact the City Landbank if you have specific questions about a particular property at 614.645.5263.
To see the list of available City Land Bank properties, visit: https://public-cbus.epropertyplus.com/landmgmtpub/app/base/landing. Contact the City Landbank if you have specific questions about a particular property at 614.645.5263.
What determined the selection of specific lots?
Various factors went into the selection of specific lots for the Parcels to Places competition. The 33 lots represent the varied types of lots currently owned by the Land Bank, showcasing differing zoning, sizes and adjacencies.
Although the 33 lots will receive priority, entrants are welcome to submit proposals for other City Land Bank owned property.
Although the 33 lots will receive priority, entrants are welcome to submit proposals for other City Land Bank owned property.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE PROPERTIES AFTER THE COMPETITION?
Ownership and Lease terms for winning proposals will be determined based on the submitted proposals. Although proposals should include a 2-year maintenance and budget plans, proposals can extend beyond the 2-year plan.
Application Related
How do I apply to the Parcels to Places competition?
Applications are available to download here. Applications will be accepted by mail, in person, or online. Applications are due March 22, 2016 by 5:00 pm. Mail-in submissions must be postmarked by March 22. Online submissions can be uploaded and submitted under the Competition tab on our website.
What do I need to submit to the Parcels to Places competition
In addition to the completed application, entrants will be required to submit:
+ Up to (3) three photos of existing conditions
+ A preliminary drawing illustrating the layout of the proposal
+ Preliminary project implementation/ maintenance plan
+ 2-year projected budget
+ Additional sketches, renderings, drawings, etc as needed
Initial submissions do not need to be fully resolved, but should be feasible and realistic in concept and implementation.
+ Up to (3) three photos of existing conditions
+ A preliminary drawing illustrating the layout of the proposal
+ Preliminary project implementation/ maintenance plan
+ 2-year projected budget
+ Additional sketches, renderings, drawings, etc as needed
Initial submissions do not need to be fully resolved, but should be feasible and realistic in concept and implementation.
How will proposals be evaluated?
Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria. Please note that additional criteria may be developed following the first round of submissions.
- Feasibility: Does the individual/team have the resources to carry out the proposal? Is the project achievable from a technical standpoint?
- Time and Capacity to Implement: Does the individual/team have the time and organizational capacity to implement the proposal? Are we likely to see the project come to fruition in a reasonable time frame and is there a strong operations and maintenance plan in place?
- Creativity: Does the project propose innovative uses? Does it inspire, and help people realize the potential of repurposing vacant lots?
- Community Benefit: Will the project involve and/or benefit the community? Is it likely to be an active place? Is the idea replicable for others?
Can entrants submit a proposal for more than one parcel?
Teams can submit proposals for more than one parcel. Each parcel will be considered separate and application and supporting materials will need to be provided for each individual parcel. Due to the amount of funding available, not all proposals submitted may be funded.
Financing Related
CAN PROJECT FUNDS BE SUPPLEMENTED BY OTHER GRANTS?
Yes! Parcels to Places encourages entrants to look at alternative funding sources to assist with the project proposals.
Can Project funding from parcels to place be phased?
At this time, funding for proposals will be given on a one time basis. However, proposals can show long term phasing plans for implementation, including how funding from the Parcels to Places competition can assist in funding a phase of a project.
