Lease and Operation of City-Owned Hydroponic Facility

The City of Winston-Salem is inviting qualified individuals or businesses to submit Letters of Interest to lease and operate its hydroponics and greenhouse facility located at 349 NW Crawford Place, which has been in operation since 2022. The city aims to partner with a lessee capable of independently managing the facility, aligning its use with community development goals such as urban agriculture, food access, educational initiatives, and workforce training, particularly benefiting underserved neighborhoods. The selected operator will be responsible for all maintenance and operational activities, with the city retaining the right to negotiate or issue a formal request for proposals following the LOI process. The solicitation emphasizes the importance of supporting food resilience, reducing supply chain dependencies, and fostering community benefits through sustainable practices. Interested parties must demonstrate their operational capacity and present a clear plan for utilizing the facility, whether for hydroponic farming, educational programs, commercial ventures, or community projects. A mandatory site visit will be scheduled between August 25 and 28, 2025, with the deadline for submission set for September 25, 2025. The contract size is estimated to range between $500,000 and $1,500,000. The process is managed by the City of Winston-Salem, with Darren Redfield serving as the primary contact. The city reserves the right to negotiate directly with the most suitable respondent or to proceed with a formal RFP, and participation in this LOI process does not guarantee a contract award.