Title
RFP# 26-017 Performing Arts Center Feasibility Study Award
History
RFP 26-017 was issued on March 5, 2026, with a submission deadline of April 2, 2026 seeking proposals from qualified professional consulting firms to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for a potential performing arts center in Orland Park.
The Performing Arts Center is envisioned as a potential cultural asset that may range from a performance-focused venue to a broader multidisciplinary arts and cultural hub. The feasibility studies’ intent is to provide the Village with clear options, trade-offs, and recommendations to support informed policy and investment decisions.
The Study will provide an objective, data-driven assessment that determines market demand, appropriate scale, programming optionality, site feasibility, capital and operating costs, revenue potential, partnership opportunities, competitive analysis, governance models, and alignment with Village planning, cultural, and economic development objectives.
Key Study Phases Include:
• Market Demand and Competitive Analysis.
• Community Need & Engagement.
• Facility Program Development & Scenarios.
• Site Identification and Evaluation.
• Economic & Community Impact Analysis.
• Financial Feasibility, Partnerships, & Governance Models.
• Recommendations & Decision Framework.
The final deliverable will provide the Village Board with a clear decision-making framework, including recommended facility options, estimated costs, operational impacts, funding strategies, and a preferred path forward.
Thirteen proposals (attached) were received ranging in cost from $97,835 to $249,950.
Five firms were selected for interviews based on each’s related experience, strength of project team, understanding of the project and ability to achieve the scope of the project.
Theater Projects: $97,835
Victus Advisors, LLC: $115,000
AMS Planning & Research Corp: $170,900
Webb Management: $179,500, plus up to $16,000 in reimbursable expenses.
C.H. Johnson Consulting, Inc.: $223,190
Interviews with each firm focused upon learning more of each’s related experience with similar performing arts projects, the project team, community engagement plan, approach to scenario development, site evaluation methodology, and ability to provide realistic financial, operational, and implementation recommendations.
Theater Projects, Webb, and C.H. Johnson Consulting were selected for a second-round interview focusing on each’s experience performing comparable feasibility studies and the methodologies proposed for the Performing Arts Feasibility Study.
Each firm presented relevant case studies and outlined its approach to community engagement, market demand analysis, financial feasibility, facility utilization projections, and implementation planning. Interviews focused on each firm's ability to apply its methodology and experience to the Village's Performing Arts Center Feasibility Study and develop practical, data-driven recommendations to support future decision-making.
During the second-round interviews, both Theatre Projects and C.H. Johnson Consulting demonstrated a strong understanding of the Village's objectives and presented thoughtful approaches to completing the study. Theatre Projects effectively connected its methodology to the Village's key evaluation areas, including community engagement, market demand, utilization projections, financial feasibility, scenario evaluation, and implementation planning.
Particular strengths of Theatre Projects included specialized experience in performing arts facility planning, their ability to align facility size and program elements with demonstrated community demand, and their objective approach to evaluating multiple development scenarios. The team emphasized testing assumptions, evaluating trade-offs, and developing recommendations based on a comprehensive analysis of market conditions, stakeholder input, financial considerations, and operational feasibility. Staff found the firm's approach to be focused, practical, and appropriately scaled to the scope of the study.
Staff also discussed the depth and timing of community engagement activities and whether additional in-person engagement opportunities may be beneficial as the project progresses. The recommended agreement includes contingency funds that may be utilized for supplemental engagement activities or other additional services at the Village's discretion.
References for both firms provided positive feedback and described the teams as professional, responsive, knowledgeable, and effective project partners. References for Theatre Projects specifically highlighted the firm's communication skills, ability to clearly explain complex issues, collaborative approach, and strong project management. Several references noted that the firm's feasibility studies continued to provide value beyond project completion, serving as useful tools for fundraising efforts, strategic planning, and implementation.
Based on the proposal review, interview process, second-round evaluation, reference checks, and overall alignment with the Village's objectives and scope of services, staff determined that Theatre Projects demonstrated the strongest combination of relevant performing arts expertise, technical capability, project approach, communication style, and overall value. Accordingly, staff recommends Theatre Projects to complete the Performing Arts Center Feasibility Study.
...Financial Impact
Funds are budgeted in 2009000 432800 for these services
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to recommend to the Village Board to approve and authorize the execution of a vendor contract for goods, supplies and services for RFP #26-017 to Theater Projects of Norwalk, CT to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for a potential performing arts center in Orland Park for a cost not to exceed $97,835 plus a contingency of $9,783.50 for additional services as requested for a total not to exceed contract price of $107,618.50 as fully presented.
(Full Motion - Not necessary to be read)
I move to recommend to the Village Board to approve and authorize the execution of a vendor contract for goods, supplies and services for RFP #26-017 to Theater Projects of Norwalk, CT to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for a potential performing arts center in Orland Park consistent with proposal dated April 2, 2026 for a cost not to exceed $97,835 plus a contingency of $9,783.50 for additional services as requested for a total not to exceed contract price of $107,618.50;
AND
Authorize the Village Manager to approve change orders not to exceed the contingency amount;
AND
To authorize the Village Manager to execute all related contracts subject to Village Attorney review.