Civic Center Builder List Pared to Four

A list of nine developers bidding to build the first major phase of the Van Nuys Civic Center renovation project has been pared to four, according to Councilman Marvin Braude, whose district includes the site.

The four firms--Hines, Lowe Enterprises Commercial Group, Public Facilities Investment Corp. and the Voit Companies--scored best in the city’s initial review of qualifications submitted last month.

Several private-sector real estate professionals have waived their usual fees to join city officials in evaluating the bids. The winning firm is expected to be selected later this spring.

Braude, in a statement, said the strength of the entries showed the renovation project is viable and valuable to the community. “I am excited about this progress and about moving ahead,” Braude said.

The City Council has already 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 add additional government office space or an apartment complex.

Funding for the project would mostly come 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 was later shelved when no private developers offered bids. City officials then blamed a faltering real estate market and developer unwillingness to invest in Van Nuys Boulevard.