Opus submits lone proposal for city-owned land

The lone company that responded to the city of Springfield's request for proposals for a tract of city-owned property has an alternative approach in mind.

Opus Northwest LLC - the Kansas City-based firm building BKD LLP's new Springfield headquarters - was the only developer to respond to the city's request by the April 15 deadline, according to a city news release. The city had asked for proposals regarding the sale and development of a 293-acre tract of land in southwest Springfield that is no longer needed as a buffer zone around the Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Opus suggests a public-private approach to developing the property - a mixed-use industrial park - rather than selling the land outright.

"Due to the current economic cycle and real estate market conditions, we do not feel that purchasing the property from the city is the most prudent approach for either party," Opus Director of Real Estate Development Bret Sheffield wrote in a letter to the city.

The city would control the land, while the developer would be responsible for funding the engineering, entitlement, infrastructure and marketing of the property, Sheffield said.

"This approach allows the city to sell their excess property at values equal to or greater than the current property value with very little risk," he said. "The developer provides their capital and expertise toward the common goal of placing the property into productive use, creating an economic engine for the community."

City Economic Development Director Mary Lilly Smith is forwarding the letter to the city manager's office and City Council for review, according to the release.

The property is bound by James River Freeway on the south, Kauffman Road and West Bypass on the east, Farm Road 156/Brookline Road on the north, and Farm Road 119/Hutchinson Road on the west.