Joy Development Request for Proposals (RFP) – Removal of Concrete (2025)

PROPOSAL DUE: October 24, 2025, 4:00 PM EDT

RFP Reference number: 022025

PUBLIC NOTICE: The Economic Development & Finance Alliance of Tuscarawas County (EDFA) is seeking proposals from qualified contractors for the removal of industrial concrete at the former Howden Buffalo site, also known as the Joy development site

Figure 1- Joy Development as of the release of this RFP

Figure 2- Joy Development Prior to Demolition

Requirements

Responses must be delivered to the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation, 339 Oxford Street, Dover, OH  44622. Responses can also be delivered via email to JC Shively, Business Development Director, at jcshively@tuscedc.com, with a carbon copy (cc'd) to Marla Akridge, Executive Director, at makridge@tuscedc.com.

Project Background

The former Howden Buffalo industrial site was once the location of a thriving industrial plant and a key employer in New Philadelphia for more than 140 years. Area officials have sought new uses for the property since the Howden Buffalo plant closed in June 2014. To date, the Economic Development and Finance alliance (EDFA) and City of New Philadelphia have assisted in site marketing with a Real Estate broker and also worked with JobsOhio and Team NEO on site leads.

The site has been promoted locally and regionally, and several companies have shown initial interest but chose not to pursue engagement. On December 29th, 2020, Howden USA donated the 17.48-acre industrial site, with 226,975 square feet of manufacturing and office buildings, to the EDFA.

A completed market analysis for the site demonstrates that a mixed-use development project would be market-receptive at the site. Recent industry announcements of new development and expansion indicate the Tuscarawas County region will face further economic challenges due to the growing number of jobs available. This further demonstrates a need in the community for a mixed-use development for citizens.

This type of concept is of particular interest to the city of New Philadelphia, based on similar recommended uses identified in the Master Vision Plan 2030, completed in 2020. In addition to the Master Vision, New Philadelphia has announced considerable downtown revitalization and plans to continue to pursue the development of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath Trail just south of the Joy Site.

Further, the site’s location, immediately on the edge of the downtown and in walking distance to dining and drinking establishments and personal service businesses, will pave the way for new development and activity in and near the Downtown Historic District and across New Philadelphia and the region.

As this is a publicly led brownfield redevelopment project, the EDFA has completed a Phase I Environmental analysis and is determining need for Phase II. The site has both Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) contamination; ongoing abatement efforts of the TCE are the responsibility of Joy Global, a previous owner, at the direction of the Ohio EPA. The EDFA is working with both entities to continue the abatement of the TCE, located in far southwest corner of the property.

The issuance of an RFP to developers in 2024 to create a multi-use development project resulted in a decision to further clean up the site before considering development options. The first step in this clean up is removing the concrete, much of which was the foundations of the buildings that were previously located on the site.

RFP for Industrial Concrete Removal at the Former Howden Buffalo Site

The Economic Development & Finance Alliance of Tuscarawas County (EDFA) is seeking proposals from qualified contractors for the removal of old industrial concrete at the former Howden Buffalo site, also known as the Joy Development site. This project is a crucial step in preparing the 17.48-acre property for future redevelopment.

Project Scope and Location 🌍

The project involves the removal of industrial concrete and other related materials from the property located at 338 South Broadway Street, New Philadelphia, Ohio. The goal of this project is to clear the land to allow for future mixed-use development, which aligns with the strategic plan of the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation and the Economic Development Finance Alliance of Tuscarawas County, in addition to New Philadelphia's Master Vision Plan 2030.

Key Requirements for Proposals 📝

Proposals must include the following components:

Project Overview: A plan for the concrete removal, including a conceptual site plan, and if applicable, a phased approach, and an explanation of how materials on the site will be utilized to eliminate costs associated with the project.

Company Experience: A brief summary of the company's experience with similar projects.

Proposed Schedule: A monthly timeline for the project, from start to completion.

Project Budget: A budget, including hard and soft costs, and a clear sources and uses statement. The proposal should also identify any financial assumptions. As the EDFA is a political subdivision and sole owner of the site, a sales tax exemption will be offered to the selected contractor to eliminate sales taxes on materials purchased in association with the project.

Other Information: A description of any unique approaches, strengths, or partnerships not covered in the other sections.

Submission Details 📧

All proposals are due no later than 4:00 PM on Friday, October 24, 2025. They must be delivered to the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation, 339 Oxford Street, Dover, OH 44622, or submitted via email to JC Shively, Business Development Director, at jcshively@tuscedc.com, with a carbon copy (cc'd) to Marla Akridge, Executive Director, at makridge@tuscedc.com. The deadline for questions is Friday, October 10, 2025. Questions should be sent to the email addresses provided. This RFP does not consider options to sell or exclusive rights to sell the property. As the sole owner, the EDFA reserves the exclusive right to make all decisions regarding the sale and future use of the property, and the issuance of this RFP implies no guarantees or obligations.

Additional materials on the site:

  1. Link to view Drone Footage Folder:

    https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VclYc9jwH5i3YF5KHjUAAHJIrIkNmVhd?usp=sharing

  2. Environmental Documents, including summary of Environmental Covenant:

    https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VclYc9jwH5i3YF5KHjUAAHJIrIkNmVhd?usp=sharing