9 Bids Submitted for Center’s Renovation

Nine developers submitted bids to build the first major phase of the Van Nuys Civic Center renovation, according to City Councilman Marvin Braude, whose district includes the site.

The deadline for bids on the project was March 3, but the list of nine was not finalized until this week. The winning firm will be selected by the end of April.

“This outstanding response shows that this project makes sense to professional developers who are willing to invest their time and resources in a project to enhance the image, quality and level of public service available in Van Nuys,” Braude said in a statement.

The City Council already has approved the plan, which includes a 200,000-square-foot city building and a three-level parking structure surrounded by retail and food shops and a pedestrian plaza.

Later phases would include additional government office space or an apartment complex.

Funding for the project would come mostly from private firms willing to make the renovations in exchange for the right to lease the property for retail, office and restaurant space for 30 years.

A similar plan proposed in 1991 later was shelved when no private developers offered bids. City officials then blamed a faltering real estate market and developer unwillingness to invest in troubled Van Nuys Boulevard.

The city will have a group of private-sector real estate professionals join city officials to evaluate the bids.

Although he is retiring this summer, well before ground is even broken on the renovation, Braude said he is pleased to see things move forward.

“We are now one major step closer to giving residents of the San Fernando Valley a facility which will be uniquely their own and which will help establish the distinct identity which Valley residents desire and deserve,” he said.