RFQ # 98-26 Joint Development Opportunity Lynn Garage

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (“MBTA” or “Authority”) seeks a qualified and experienced development firm to serve as its Joint Development (“JD”) partner (“Partner”) for the redevelopment of the Lynn Garage (“Garage”), an approximately 948-space parking structure on a 3.6-acre site (the “Site”), located in the Central Business District of Lynn, Massachusetts. The MBTA is seeking a Partner to plan, design, develop, finance, construct, own and operate a mixed-use, transit-oriented development (“TOD”) on the Site of the existing Garage, subject to the delivery of parking and the accommodation of other MBTA requirements as discussed further in this Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”).

This RFQ is Stage 1 of a two-stage procurement. At this stage, the MBTA is asking interested firms to submit a written Statement of Qualifications (“SOQ”) addressing firm background, relevant experience, key personnel, and financial capacity — no technical, design, or pricing proposal is requested or should be submitted at this stage.

Stage 2 is the issuance of a Request for Proposals (“RFP”). Based on the SOQs received during the RFQ stage, the MBTA will determine which respondents (“Respondents”) are qualified and will invite only qualified Respondents to participate in the RFP requesting a full development proposal.

Following that RFP process and designation by the MBTA Board of Directors, the MBTA will enter into a Pre-Development Agreement (“PDA”) with the selected Respondent to advance design, permitting, and stakeholder engagement toward the development of the Site pursuant to a long-term ground lease to be negotiated with the MBTA (“Lease”).

Stage 2 will request a full development proposal, including project design, permitting and compliance approach, project delivery schedule, preliminary development budget, financial plan and economic feasibility, and proposed terms, fees, and lease revenue. Stage 2 will also include an oral presentation and result in the selection of a single JD Partner.

The Opportunity anticipates that the Lease will include the Site—and as this process moves forward—the MBTA will lead in demolishing the Garage and the Partner will develop the Site subject to an obligation to continue to provide a sufficient amount of parking for customers of the MBTA at all times through a covenant in the Lease and to compliance with the other provisions of the Lease. [...] The MBTA has identified a future need for 100 spaces for MBTA operations and customer parking at the Site.

The Project will need to accommodate a busway to support the MBTA’s bus operations at the Site, 100 spaces for MBTA operations and customer parking, commuter bicycle parking spaces, retail, and an Operators Break Room, which consists of a room with a kitchenette, dedicated restroom facilities, a wellness room and a janitor’s closet.

Without waiving an exemption that may be available, the MBTA will require the Partner to comply with the City’s zoning ordinance (subject to relief from zoning to the extent authorized by the zoning ordinance) and with the City’s development review process.

This RFQ shall be launched through COMMBUYS, and SOQs must be submitted electronically no later than **December 16, 2026**, in full compliance with this RFQ. This RFQ shall remain in force until issuance of the Stage 2 RFP to qualified Respondents, or until modified or cancelled by the MBTA.

All formal communication with the MBTA during this stage shall be only through the MBTA’s designated point of contact (“Point of Contact”).

The MBTA will evaluate all responsive SOQs and establish a shortlist (“Shortlist”) of qualified Respondents. For clarity, the Shortlist is a one-time, project-specific qualification for this Opportunity only (not a standing list) and will not remain open after the SOQ Due Date.

Access to security sensitive data room materials will be granted only to Respondents that sign and return the *Security Sensitive Information, Certification and Conditions of Custody (Form E)* and the *Security Sensitive Information Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreement (Form F)* attached to the RFQ. These forms must be signed by the authorized signatory and be submitted to the “Point of Contact”.