Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s corporate archives and offices have inhabited a three story, H-shaped brick building that towers over Merchants Square since 1940.
Called the Goodwin Building, the foundation is now looking for a new business to move into its longtime home.
Real estate broker Cushman & Wakefield Thalhimer, on behalf of Colonial Williamsburg, is looking for proposals for an “adaptive reuse” of the 42,000-square-foot building, according to a news release.
Developers are invited to submit plans for a “high quality and unique reuse” for the building as they look to enter into a long-term lease.
“We are excited to be working with Drew Haynie, Dawn Griggs, and Thalhimer’s talented team of real estate professionals as we assess the future of the Goodwin Building,” Jeff Duncan said in the news release. “Its iconic presence in downtown Williamsburg, adjacent to the Historic Area and the College of William & Mary has been on display for more than three-quarters of a century, and we look forward to developing plans for its continued long-term use.”
Cushman & Wakefield Thalhimer and Colonial Williamsburg are looking for plans that are profitable in the long term, including residential developments, hotels and offices.
Developers were asked to explain in detail how their plan for the Goodwin Building will ensure its long-term economic vitality, and how it will work in tandem with the surrounding retail businesses and restaurants in Merchants Square.
“Street-level pedestrian-friendly uses, such as restaurants and retail venues, are highly desirable and in demand,” the news release said.
The request for proposal comes as the City of Williamsburg is working to implement ideas from its downtown vibrancy study, which was completed in 2017.
The Goodwin Building sits next to the P3 parking lot. Colonial Williamsburg has filed plans to redevelop the lot into a public plaza that may host events. The proposal is pending approval from City Council.
Colonial Williamsburg began vacating the building this spring, with the Corporate Archives taking over a new space in the Rockefeller Library and offices moving to the Bruton Heights School and the Franklin Street Offices.
Proposals are due by Nov. 16 and finalists will be selected by Dec. 31.
