Downtown Oak Ridge Development
View Request for Qualifications
Oak Ridge was born during the Manhattan Project without a centralized, mixed-use downtown. Over the decades, multiple plans have called for creating such a place - where Oak Ridgers can live, work and play! The Wilson Street corridor, bordering Main Street shopping near the new American Museum of Science & Energy (AMSE) location and easily accessible from the Turnpike and A.K. Bissell Park, provides a great opportunity to finally have a distinctive, uniquely Oak Ridge place for us to gather. The existence of a more urban environment, featuring apartments, condos, restaurants, local shops, offices and beautiful green space, will attract new and different businesses and people to Oak Ridge.
EXISTING SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS OF INTEREST:
The following documents provide important background information and/or guidance for applicants (click to view).
- City Blueprint
- Downtown/Wilson Street Vision
- Downtown (D-1) Zoning Ordinance
- Property map with City utilities and easements
- Phase I Environmental Analysis of parcel 009L A 007.00
The City of Oak Ridge, through its Industrial Development Board (IDB), offers development incentives in the form of Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program, for projects which are complimentary and in compliance with City objectives. Given the adoption of City plans and policies favoring creation of a walkable, urban downtown, certain projects may be eligible for a PILOT award.
► Learn more about the PILOT program
► View Request for Qualifications
Opportunities to Engage
What would you like to see in the future Downtown Oak Ridge?
When Oak Ridge was born, there were no plans to create a walkable, centralized, urban, mixed-use downtown because those living here were here for one thing: the WWII Manhattan Project. Today, Oak Ridgers and visitors are eager to be able to live, work, and play in the heart of the City.
Stay Informed
Get notified on upcoming engagements and the latest project related news.
Important Dates
Downtown development Request for Qualifications (RFQ) issued
The Oak Ridge Land Bank (ORLB) is interested in selling developable parcels to foster construction of the most desirable project and to serve as a catalyst for continued development. The intention is to create an intense, active, diverse, walkable and unique urban, mixed-use district. Proposals must comply with requirements of the D-1 zoning district and will be evaluated for public benefit based on considerations listed in the RFQ.
View Request for Qualifications
Questions and Answers must be submitted
Any questions regarding this solicitation, the community or the property may be submitted to ORLB staff liaison via email at landbank@oakridgetn.gov. Questions and answers submitted before April 30, 2024 will be posted on this page (oakridgetn.gov/downtown).
Submittals due by 3 p.m.
Submittals must be received by ORLB NO LATER THAN: 3 p.m., May 3, 2024. Proposer names will be public information, but submittal content will not be shared until after developer selection. Confidential financial information will not be made public.