RFQ: Main Street Pavilion and Riverfront Restaurant Design Competition

Evansville Main Street Pavilion and Riverfront Restaurant Design Competition, Evansville, IN – Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

Brief Overview

The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (EREP) and the Evansville Regional Development Corporation (ERDC) invite design teams to submit qualifications for two landmark buildings on the Ohio Riverfront: the Main Street Pavilion (Pavilion) and the Riverfront Restaurant (Restaurant) at the heart of Great Bend Park.

This project is part of the Ohio River Vision and Strategic Plan (ORVSP), which reimagines Evansville’s waterfront as a people-first destination and catalyst for regional growth. The Pavilion and the Restaurant will be among the first signature projects to bring this vision to life, activating the riverfront with daily activity, dining, and gathering spaces.

The Competition

The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (EREP) and the Evansville Regional Development Corporation (ERDC) invite design teams to participate in a two-stage design competition for the new Main Street Pavilion and Riverfront Restaurant buildings on the Ohio Riverfront.

These buildings are part of the Ohio River Vision and Strategic Plan, which reimagines Evansville’s waterfront as a vibrant, people-first destination. Each will be a catalytic anchor in its own right, creating daily activity, supporting local business, and establishing a distinct iconic presence along the river.

The competition will unfold in two phases:

Phase 1 – RFQ: Interested teams submit qualifications.

Phase 2 – Design Challenge (see section 3.0 for more information): Up to three shortlisted teams will be invited to develop concept designs over a 7-week period, participate in a virtual mid-term review, and present their final proposals to the selection committee and the Clients. Each shortlisted team will receive a $50,000 stipend for participation. The final selected team will receive an additional $50,000 to further refine the proposal in collaboration with the selection committee and the Clients. Final deliverables by the end of June 2026, exact date to be confirmed.

Anticipated Timeline

RFQ Release Date: March 13, 2026

Questions due by 5:00 PM CST: March 23, 2026

Questions Returned by 5:00 PM CST: March 27, 2026

RFQ Submission due by 5:00 PM CST: April 10, 2026

Formal RFP Release Date to selected teams: Late April 2026

Documents for review: Ohio River Vision & Strategic Plan – Master Plan Report | Summary Report

         

Submit one electronic copy in PDF format via email to the RFQ coordinators at Brian Wethington and Ashley Diekmann.

Submit Questions and Responses to:
Ashley Diekmann, River Vision Advancement Director
Evansville Regional Economic Partnership
318 Main St., Ste. 400
Evansville, IN 47708
812.461.0198
adiekmann@evvregion.com

Brian Wethington, Senior Associate Landscape Architect
Sasaki
414 14th St Suite 250
Denver, CO 80202
617.923.7215
bwethington@sasaki.com