Geneva City Council is on the verge of selecting a preferred developer for the long-vacant former Office of Economic Opportunity site on Exchange Street. During a February 25 work session, council members reviewed presentations from a team of developers who responded to the city’s request for qualifications.
City Manager Amie Hendrix called the moment a significant step toward revitalization. “The information shared last night marks an exciting moment for both the Council and community as we have an opportunity to come together and shape the future of a site that has long been waiting for revitalization,” Hendrix said.
The development team under consideration includes Greenleaf Community Builders, Taylor The Builders, Pivotal Housing Partners, and Hunt Engineers, Architects & Surveyors. Greenleaf specializes in affordable housing, urban infill, and sustainable building practices. Taylor brings decades of experience in mixed-use and residential projects, while Pivotal has a track record in workforce and senior housing development. Hunt is a multidisciplinary design firm with expertise in municipal, educational, and private-sector projects.
According to the handout from the work session, the proposed project emphasizes adaptive reuse, energy efficiency, and maximizing the land’s potential. A timeline suggests the development process could take anywhere from six months to three years, depending on the scope and approvals needed.
On March 5, the City Council is set to vote on whether to designate this team as the preferred developer, marking a first for Geneva. The council will also review additional purchase and development proposals for city-owned properties during a separate meeting on February 27.
Hendrix noted that the decision represents a shift toward a more collaborative approach to development in Geneva. “The preferred developer selection would not only be a first for our city, but it also embodies a fresh and collaborative spirit in development,” she said. “I look forward to council moving towards this innovative approach to development for Geneva as well as coupling it with the traditional development methods to be undertaken during tomorrow’s conversation.”
Both meetings are available for public viewing via the city’s YouTube channel.
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