For Immediate Release
November 2, 2005
For More Information Contact
Beth King, King Merj Public Relations, 316-651-5565, kingmerj@sbcglobal.net
WORKFORCE ALLIANCE APPROVES LEASE WITH REAL DEVELOPMENT
The Wichita Workforce Center and Workforce Alliance will move into 150 N. Main; partners expected to relocate and create one-stop shop
(WICHITA, KS) - The Executive Committee of the Workforce Alliance took action on October 31, 2005, to approve a lease moving its offices and the operations of the Wichita Workforce Center from 402 E. 2nd Street to the 150 N. Main Building.
"We will begin moving our administrative operations into 150 N. Main immediately," said Workforce Alliance Interim Director Keith Lawing, "and expect to be fully open on January 2, 2006. While moves are frequently challenging, it is important for the public to know that our relocation will be seamless in terms of service provision and that we will be available at one of our two locations during the move to provide services to the public."
A special Task Force of the Workforce Alliance issued a Request for Proposal for nearly 60,000 square feet of lease space available, an amount determined to be sufficient to also accommodate the needs of WA partners, on August 22, 2005. Real Development Corporation submitted the only response to that RFP, which response was evaluated by a second Workforce Alliance Task Force.
Lawing commented, "This was a comprehensive process that provided a full and complete evaluation of both the building at 150 N. Main as well as an evaluation of our needs and those of our partners. We are pleased that this move also represents a merger of the operations of the Workforce Alliance and the job training programs managed by the state, as the local Kansas Department of Commerce office will also move into 150 N. Main. We are hopeful that our other partners will begin relocation here soon in order to effect our transition into a one-stop shop."
Commenting on behalf of the Kansas Department of Commerce, Deputy Secretary Steve Kelly added, "It is important that this facility, which will provide services to both job seekers and employers, provide a positive environment for both customers and staff. We believe this building meets that objective."
Lawing continued, "We are very pleased about our new location. Real Development provided us with all the information necessary for the Workforce Alliance to thoroughly evaluate its RFP response, and we are very confident in our lease, the location of the building and the manner in which the building will be operated." The RFP response was evaluated on the basis of quality and suitability of space; general space efficiencies; price of proposal; costs of associated services; timing and delivery of space; technical response; response format and completeness; financial ability and experience and qualifications.
Real Development CEO Michael Elzufon is pleased with the lease finalization. "This speaks very loudly to the quality of Real Development properties, and we are very proud to be a part of the Workforce Alliance transition and relocation. Our objective is to be a good partner to the Alliance and its partners as they serve both job seekers and employers in the community. The long-term effects of this type of relocation and service coordination will be of great benefit to Wichita and South Central Kansas in meeting the economic development needs of our region. Real Development is proud to be part of what promises to be a success, and we hope that other businesses interested in exciting downtown locations will follow the lead of the Workforce Alliance and investigate possible leases in our commercial buildings. We believe they will be pleased with what we have available and with what our leases provide."
Real Development Corporation made its entrance into the Wichita market in 2004, owns a myriad of commercial and residential properties in the city including The Lofts at St. Francis and continues to invest in Wichita’s future. |
