RFP For Lead Architect and Construction Supervisor Issued for Vogue Theatre Project

Manistee, Michigan – A Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued seeking proposals from qualified  organizations to serve as the Lead Architect and Lead Construction Supervisor for the restoration of the City of Manistee’s 73-year old Vogue Theatre.  The RFP follows on the heels of a February 9, 2011 announcement by Academy Award-winning film maker Michael Moore that he will champion the restoration and reopening of the Vogue Theatre through a community driven, volunteer-supported initiative backed with charitable donation and managed by a nonprofit organization.  Respondents to the RFP are asked to consider creative ways that these important functions can be performed in the most cost-effective way possible, including consideration of donated services.

In making his announcement, Moore said that he will serve as advisor for fund raising, restoration and programming and that the start up of The Vogue will be conducted entirely through a grassroots effort by the people of the area.  “Donations of money, time and materials is what will bring the Vogue back to life,” Moore said.

The RFP is available on-line at www.allianceforeconomicsuccess.com.  The Alliance for Economic Success (AES) is working under an agreement with the Manistee Downtown Development Authority to develop and begin implementation of the Vogue Theatre Project.

Responses to the RFP are due back to the AES on March 4, 2011.  A Vogue Theatre Project Leadership Team will review the responses with a goal of selecting the organization for the lead architect and lead construction supervisor positions by March 17 with the intent of beginning restoration in April 2011.  One of the first goals of the architect and construction supervisor will be to fine tune the cost estimate for restoring and re-opening the Vogue and maximizing volunteer labor and donated services and materials.  The Vogue Theatre Project has established a preliminary goal of reopening the Theatre in 2011.

“The Vogue Theatre Project provides all of us with an opportunity to donate our time, resources and expertise for the long-term good of our community,” said AES Executive Director Cyndy Fuller.  “This project is historic in its magnitude and potential to positively impact the economic well-being and quality of life of the City, County and northwest Michigan, just has been the case with the State Theatre in Traverse City.”