Paducah commission authorizes RFP for Catterjohn site at 1501 Broadway, steering proposals toward housing

The Paducah Board of Commissioners on Jan. 28, 2025 authorized the city manager to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for redevelopment of the Catterjohn property at 1501 Broadway and signaled an intent to prioritize housing in proposals.

City staff said the RFP would be released by Feb. 7 with proposals due in March. Josh (staff member) told commissioners the site "leans heavily into the housing component of the site simply because we need housing at all price points" and said the city’s recently adopted comprehensive plan and commission priorities support encouraging housing on the parcel. Developers may propose single-family, two-family, multifamily, commercial or mixed-use plans; Josh said proposals will include architectural plans and site plans for commission review.

Commissioners asked how the city could influence affordability. Josh said developers would propose the market/affordable mix in their submissions, and the commission would negotiate outcomes. "Ultimately, it's gonna be up to you all as the commission to determine and work with the developer," he said.

The municipal order authorizing and directing the city manager to issue the RFP (site: 1501 Broadway) passed by unanimous roll call. Staff said the RFP will be publicized on the city website, via press releases and through direct outreach to developers familiar with Paducah projects.

No specific funding or incentives were adopted at the meeting; commissioners requested that proposals include clear pricing and that staff return with recommended evaluation criteria once responses arrive.