Overview of Project Design and Financial Analysis for the Community Plan

April 19, 2023, the City of Portsmouth posted these documents as an overview of the project design and financial analysis for the Community Plan.

In November 2022 the City’s Development Partner provided the City with a preliminary pro forma, construction cost estimates, and supporting documentation on the Community Plan design.

In January 2023 the City and Development Partner retained 3rd Party Consultants to review and, if necessary, adjust the construction cost estimates and the preliminary pro forma.

In February 2023, working with the City and our Development Partner, our 3rd party consultants evaluated modifications to the project design to reduce construction cost and increase revenue.

In March 2023, we developed a summary of the design alternatives, the adjusted preliminary pro forma, construction cost estimates, and the potential financial implications to the City.

 

On April 11, 2023 the City of Portsmouth filed suit against SoBow Square, LLC, its Development Partner (Developer) in the McIntyre Project. The suit, filed in Rockingham County Superior Court, asked the Court to find that the City fully complied with its obligations under the Settlement Agreement, signed in April of 2022, and to find the Developer committed numerous material breaches of that agreement. SoBow Square filed a Complaint the same day.

On April 6, 2022, the City Council held a Special Meeting on the subject of the McIntyre Federal Building Disposition. On a vote of 8-1, the Council approved the motion to grant City Manager Conard authority to execute the Settlement Agreement between Redgate/Kane d/b/a/ SoBow Square LLC and the City.

Design Survey March 18-31, 2021

McIntyre Project "Values to Visions to Sketches" Process Roundtable2

Designer Roundtable

Principle Group hosted a Zoom discussion Feb 11, 2021 as a Designers' Roundtable session on the McIntyre Project designs. Principle Group presented the draft designs and local designers (aka "Panelists") critiqued and provided comments. See the sidebar at right for a link to the Design Brief.

The McIntyre Subcommittee and Portsmouth Listens, with the support of project developer Redgate Kane and with assistance from Boston-based urban design firm The Principle Group, hosted study circles in January to deliberate on the entire McIntyre site and how it is to be developed, as per the McIntyre Subcommittee decision on December 15th, 2020. The study circles met for two 2-hour sessions the week of Jan. 4 and Jan.11 to engage local citizens in a visioning process to make the redevelopment of the McIntyre parcel a success for downtown Portsmouth.

See sidebar for a link to the presentation and comments during the meeting, the Study Circles Discussion Guide and the Study Circles Presentations to a City Council Work Session on January 20, 2021.

For recordings of the McIntyre 101 zoom meetings, see below.

Contact Email Address: mcintyre@principle.us

For more information, click here.

On July 14,2020, the City Council’s McIntyre Subcommittee working with the Redgate/Kane development partner announced in an op-ed  a short survey seeking residents’ opinions on the evolving plans for the McIntyre Project. The survey was sent only to Portsmouth households, not commercial entities.

The survey (click here) was created by the City Council’s McIntyre Subcommittee working with the Redgate/Kane development partner and the joint announcement said, "The City Council and Redgate/Kane have agreed to work together on considering changes to the proposed plan in the best interests of all residents. The McIntyre Subcommittee has been working with our development partner to explore possible changes to this major project. Both parties have agreed to put all litigation on hold as we work together in this effort. We are exploring providing more public open space, along with several other key points which have been identified in the process. The McIntyre Subcommittee and the principals of Redgate/Kane have been meeting weekly over the past months seeking to resolve our differences and move the project forward.” 

For the results of the survey, click here.

Background

The Thomas J. McIntyre Federal Building has been home to several offices of the Federal government for over 50 years. Located on Daniel Street, the building has supported offices of the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Service. Since 2004, the General Services Administration (GSA) has been planning to relocate the functions from this property to another location in Portsmouth. In fall of 2016, the GSA officially began its disposal process, declaring the building to be surplus to its needs.The City is pursuing acquisition of the site through the Historic Surplus Property Program

On January 28, 2020, City Council voted to  deny the current draft form of the Ground Lease dated December 7th, written for use between the City of Portsmouth and SoBow Square, LLC also known as Redgate/Kane. 

City Council established a subcommittee to work on the McIntyre Project.  The Subcommittee consists of:

  • Councilor Peter Whelan, Chair

  • Councilor Deaglan McEachern

  • Councilor John Tabor

  • Councilor Paige Trace

According to Mayor Becksted, “It is important for the people of the City to know,” continued the Mayor, “That the City Council desires to work constructively and cooperatively with its partners on the Redgate/Kane development team to bring about the completion of a McIntyre Project in a way that fulfills the needs of both sides and is a future source of pride for the entire City.”

On April 17, 2020 the City of Portsmouth and Redgate/Kane (SoBow Square, LLC), the developer, put out a joint statement on their commitment to reengage in earnest in good faith negotiations to attempt to move the project ahead.

Sketches Roundtable 2 Discussion

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Past Milestones

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Below is a summary of 2018-20122 project milestones:

On April 6, 2022, the City Council held a Special Meeting (video recording) on the subject of the McIntyre Federal Building Disposition. On a vote of 8-1, the Council approved the following motion:

Motion -- move to grant City Manager Conard authority to execute the Settlement Agreement between Redgate/Kane d/b/a/ SoBow Square LLC and the City.

On February 10, 2022, the City Council held a Special Meeting (video recording) on the subject of the McIntyre Project. In a unanimous 9-0 vote, the Council approved the following motion:

Motion – move that all actions taken by the City Council at its meeting on November 18, 2021, including but not limited to termination of the Development Agreement between Redgate/Kane, d/b/a/ SoBow Square LLC and the City, are hereby rescinded.

The McIntyre Subcommittee discussed this presentation with the National Park Service on November 15, 2021.

On October 20, 2021, the McIntyre Subcommittee issued this statement:

It is with disappointment that the City Council’s McIntyre Subcommittee has reviewed the comments to the media made by our development partner, Redgate/Kane, and its principal, Michael Kane.  Although Redgate/Kane has expressed to the media that it believes that a negotiated resolution of the issues involving the McIntyre Federal Building is not possible, the Subcommittee has believed and continues to believe differently. 

The City and Redgate/Kane have been working together in an increasingly cooperative fashion in the past months to secure that resolution.  Evidence of that is contained in Mr. Kane’s letter addressed to the City Attorney dated October 18, 2021 and released by Mr. Kane to the media.  That letter outlines meetings which have been recently held between Redgate/Kane, the Subcommittee, and City consultants, the Principle Group and Lisa McCann.  We believe that those meetings produced meaningful discussion which if given an opportunity, can lead to a settlement of the case brought by Redgate/Kane against the City. 

The challenge facing the Subcommittee and the City Council in connection with the McIntyre Federal Building is complex.  The citizens of the City have selected a design.  As our development partner knows, we have been in active discussion seeking the approval of the National Park Service of that design.  Simultaneously, we must continue to work with our development partner, Redgate/Kane, to reach an agreement under which Redgate/Kane will construct the selected design in accordance with a financial plan that must also satisfy the requirements of the National Park Service.  Notwithstanding that complexity and the comments recently made by Redgate/Kane, we will continue with those efforts.

The McIntyre Subcommittee met on September 8, 2021. This statement was provided by Councilor Peter Whelan, Subcommittee Chair:

"This afternoon the McIntyre Project Subcommittee held a productive virtual meeting with the National Park Service. The Subcommittee presented the draft citizen community plan (which has not changed since it was approved by the City Council on May 4, 2021) and got valuable feedback from the National Park Service. This is the start of a collaborative process to arrive at a plan that meets the National Park Service standards."

For the presentation prepared for the National Park Service review click here

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McIntyre Project Special City Council Meeting, May 4, 2021

For the video recording of this meeting, click here. (Starting at 1:08 in the recording.)

Penhall Street groundlevel McIntyre design sketch

The McIntyre Subcommittee has received the final sketches from Principle Group that were presented and discussed at a Special City Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 4. These enhanced sketches (including the above) incorporate feedback received from hundreds of residents who participated in the April 20 McIntyre Final Draft Forum and the Zoom “office hours” Principle Group hosted on April 21. 

McIntyre Project Design Forum

On Tuesday, April 20, Principle Group presented the final draft sketch for the McIntyre Project redesign, based on a synthesis of public feedback and public input via surveys, live roundtable events, the Portsmouth Listens Study Circles, and a recent survey. Link to the presentation PDF below: 

 Bird's-eye view McIntyre design sketch.









 






The intent of the session and "office hours" was to deliberate on the opportunity for new public space to enjoy at McIntyre. Principle Group presented the final draft McIntyre project sketch, developed using community input gathered over the past four months, to the City Council on May 4. The final sketch was modified to reflect the comments and data from the McIntyre public input survey, which was open from March 18 through 31.

Please note - the GSA has advised any transfer (including a negotiated sale, for example) out of federal ownership will include a covenant in the deed to ensure preservation of the property's historic significance in perpetuity.

  • August 12, 2019: City Council approved at its regular meeting and as recommended by the McIntyre Subcommittee, a resolution/certificate of authority to apply to the National Park Service to acquire the Thomas J. Mcintyre property for Historic Monument Purposes and also moved to authorize the City Manager to execute a Development Agreement with SoBow Square LLC regarding redevelopment of the McIntyre building in substantial conformance with the Agreement presented to the Council at their meeting on August 12, 2019, amended to bar any future hotel option in the project. 
  • August 12, 2019: City Council voted to refer the alternative proposal for the McIntyre development, offered by Carlisle Capital, to the McIntyre Subcommittee.
  • July 31, 2019: Council held a public hearing on an initiative petition concerning the project. 
  • July 8, 2019:  The Council's McIntyre Subcommittee and David Eaton responded to questions concerning the draft financial plan.
  • July 1, 2019:  City Council met in Work Session with David Eaton, financial consultant from Colliers International, to review the proposed draft financial plan.  Attorney John Sokul, from Hinckley Allen, presented a summary of the Development Agreement.
  • March 5, 2019: City staff and Redgate-Kane held a public meeting that included the presentation of a 3D visual model of the project, followed by breakout sessions. The public can watch the meeting here, and view the 3D model here.  In addition, you can view the proposed development in the City's 3D model here.
  • January 7, 2019: City Council held a public hearing on the project. Here is the presentation used in that session. Also: here is the DRAFT Application to the Historic Monument Program as contained in the Council packet of 1/7/19.
  • December 20, 2018:  The project went before the Planning Board for for Preliminary Conceptual Consultation.
  • December 17, 2018: City Council heard a presentation on the Financial Plan component of the application (details here). 
  • November 19, 2018:  City Council began the review of the application process and the final design of the project (details here); this review will continue through January. A draft of the Preservation Plan component of the application is available here
  • The presentation made to City Council, outlining conceptual design changes since May, is available here. It is also available for viewing on the City's You Tube channelThe Public Process Steering Committee reviewed a project update on October 11th. Here is the presentation from that session. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the McIntyre Building now available to the City?

HSPP

 

The GSA’s invitation to the City to submit an application to acquire the property through the Historic Surplus Property Program is the culmination of the City’s efforts which began in 2004.

Last fall the GSA determined that its tenants’ space needs could be better fulfilled by renting space in the Portsmouth area, and that its long term future will not be served by remaining in place at the 107,000 s.f. McIntyre building.   Subsequently, the GSA began the disposition process to transfer ownership of the property.  This process, determined by federal regulations, involves offering the property to public entities before offering it for sale on the private market.  The City responded with a letter of interest in January, and the GSA invited the City to submit an application through the Historic Property Surplus Program to obtain the property.  The guidelines to this program allows the City to acquire the site at no cost, provided that the historic character of the property be preserved, and directs that any income-producing activity on the site be allowed to return a “reasonable profit,” but that all excess proceeds be returned to the City for historic preservation, open space, and recreational uses.

Can the City buy the building and then demolish it?

No.

The property is being transferred out of federal ownership by General Services Administration under the Historic Monument/Historic Surplus Property Program specifically because the building is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places so the idea that the building being transferred would be demolished is completely contrary to the transfer mechanism.

Even if this particular mechanism was not used, any transfer of the property out of federal ownership (including to private entities) is subject to review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, which "requires federal agencies to take into account the effects of their undertakings on historic properties."  Moving a property out of federal ownership is an undertaking by General Services Administration.  The GSA has indicated that any transfer of the property will take place with a preservation covenant attached to the deed. 

If the property is transferred through the Historic Surplus Property Program, the work on the historic property must meet the Secretary of the Interior's "Standards for Rehabilitation."  These ten standards (established in 1977) written by the National Park Service and have a long history of use and interpretation.  Since the word "Rehabilitation" is defined as "the process of returning a property to a state of utility, through repair or alteration, which makes possible an efficient contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its historic, architectural, and cultural values," wholesale demolition of the buildings on the property to be rehabilitated is not one of the Standards.

Can a developer buy the building and then demolish it?

 No. See the discussion of Section 106 review in regards of why the City cannot demolish also.

What is the main reason the City would want to own the property vs. having the GSA sell to a private developer?

Because the assessed valuation of the property is estimated at near $10 million.  The City would not only be able to acquire at no cost the equity in the property, but also control and manage how the property is used, preserved, and maintained. This signifies a unique opportunity to transform a downtown property into a multi-faceted community space based on what was advocated for by our citizens, rather than a dominant private development. Additionally, the City would also benefit from any lease payments and/or excess income that may be used to support historic preservation, recreation, or open space projects throughout the City.

Why can’t the City sell the property to a developer? If the City leases the land to a developer, will it remain tax-exempt? Don’t we want to collect tax revenue from it?

Federal regulation prevents re-sale to a private entity.  Should the City forgo the opportunity to own the property, the GSA may sell it to a private entity.

If the City enters into a ground lease with a private partner, the lease must, by law (RSA 72:23 I (b)), require payment of property taxes on the leasehold interest.

In addition, the Historic Surplus Property program requires that any income a developer receives from revenue-producing activities on the site be limited to operating expenses, maintenance reserves, and a “reasonable profit,” with any excess income transferred to the City for historic preservation, open space, and/or recreational purposes.  

What is the process moving forward?

The City sponsored a lengthy, three-phased public input process in Spring 2018 to determine how best to take advantage of this opportunity within the known constraints of the program regulations. From this, an essential framework of initiatives was created and designs were drafted and then reviewed by various City committees.

The City Council must decide to submit an application to the Historic Monument program. The National Park Service (NPS) reviews the application and, ultimately, makes a formal recommendation to the GSA. The application has 3 fundamental elements: a preservation plan, a use plan, and a financial plan. Council may also choose to enter into a Development Agreement with a selected private partner at the time of application to the program, to outline the terms of the partnership.

The GSA then makes a final decision as to whether to proceed with the transfer, and prepares the deed. Once the transfer is made, the NPS is responsible for monitoring the property to ensure its use is in accordance with the program regulations.

Will the Post Office stay in its current location?

During this process, the City has desired for the Post Office to remain as tenants at this property, and both the Post Office and residents have voiced that preference as well. Therefore, space for USPS has been included in the designs for this new project.

Given the hazardous materials that exist in this building, it is necessary to have USPS temporarily leave the site during construction so both workers and visitors of that space avoid unsafe conditions. In addition to the safety issues, the costs associated with managing an active post office at that location during remediation and construction are considerable.

Currently, USPS has not committed to operating in an interim location during construction and may no longer uphold their tenancy at the McIntyre location. If USPS no longer exists at the new building, the same space remains included in design plans for an alternate shipping service such as UPS or FedEx.

Why is the building “historic?” Is it only because it is over 50 years old?

Built in 1967, the building “turned 50” this year.  However, being 50 alone does not determine whether the building should be considered as part of the National Register of Historic Places.   As part of the mitigation for the Memorial Bridge replacement project, the State commissioned a survey of Portsmouth’s downtown historic properties, and the study resulted in a nomination of over 1,200 properties to the National Register.  The McInytre was one of those 1,200, and based upon its architectural contribution to the district.

I heard the City was supposed to be given the property for $1 years ago. What has taken so long?

The City and its Congressional delegation have made diligent and intensive efforts to obtain the property over the past 13+ years – during that time, the federal land acquisition process, and changes in building design requirements, tenant needs/project scope, and funding availability all impacted the schedule.

In 2003, the GSA proposed a major renovation of the building, and the Historic District Commission held a work session to review the plans.  At that time, the HDC noted its strong preference for the GSA to relocate to Pease in order to facilitate demolition of the building and transfer of the property to the City.  Passed by Congress in 2004, Public Law 108-199 Section 408 reallocated funding from the renovation towards relocation to Pease, and addressed conveyance of the downtown property to the City.

Ensuing years saw various changes impact the project’s schedule.  Some key dates include:

  • November, 2006 – GSA acquires 11.57 acres at 234 Corporate Drive.
  • January, 2009 – City receives status report that indicates a reduction in the scope and funding of the construction at Pease.
  • August, 2010 – GSA indicates the project is delayed due to redesign and need for additional federal authorizations.
  • September, 2012 – GSA explains additional delay due to new federal regulations pertaining to construction of federal buildings (post-9/11/11).
  • April, 2013 – Funding for relocation is removed from federal budget.

By summer 2016 the GSA made a determination that their space needs had changed dramatically since they first considered construction of a new building.   In fall of 2016, the GSA began to search for leasable space for its remaining tenants, and began its disposal process for the McIntyre property.

Historic District Commission Review

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The proposed project was forwarded by the City Council to the Historic District Commission for its review. 

On May 22, 2018 the HDC held a work session - materials presented at that meeting are available here. In addition, an electronic 3D model of the proposal was made available.

The HDC reviewed a revised design in work session on September 12, 2018 prior to the recent Steering Committee and City Council meetings.

Staff Contact

Karen Conard

City Manager
603-610-7201