The site on the northern edge of the city limits along the western shore of the river was the previous location of the Waverly Beach amusement/entertainment area and more recently a self-service car wash.

The land was purchased by the city in 2001 and targeted as part of the Maple Avenue Redevelopment Plan, adopted by the city in 2002. The site of the car wash is considered a signature component of the redevelopment plan.

The city is in the process of rebuilding Maple Avenue and has acquired all of the land along the road's right-of-way.

City officials envisioned the area for mixed use commercial and residential space, and has designated the site of the car wash for a restaurant establishment.

Assistant Manager Steve Gregg said the city has received considerable interest in the site and decided to accelerate the redevelopment process by putting out the RFPs ahead of schedule. The city remediated and cleared all known environmental issues from the acreage, but because the property is in the 100-year floodplain, any development would need to be constructed two feet above the flood level.

As the area develops, the site will be accessible by vehicle, bicycle, and from the river. The city is also planning docking facilities and other amenities that capitalize on its proximity to the river, according to Gregg.

The deadline for return of the RFPs to City Hall is May 27 and the city's Economic Development Rapid Response Team will review the submissions.