To Our Community, Neighbors, Supporters, and Partners:
We want to share an update with our community about Rise & Remember’s decision not to submit a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the redevelopment of People’s Way at George Floyd Square.
We know how much this place means to the people who live nearby, those who have cared for it over the years, and the many individuals who have supported its preservation.
We also understand that people have questions about our decision, and we believe it is important to explain what led us here.
Our Involvement in the Process
Rise & Remember was interested in being part of the future of People’s Way. We participated in discussions, explored possibilities, and worked with a developer during the initial RFQ process.
Unfortunately, the process involved numerous delays, changes in direction, and prolonged periods of uncertainty.
From our experience, the City’s decision-making process was not always consistent, and decisions were sometimes revisited after considerable time had already passed.
This made it difficult to plan effectively and move forward with the clarity needed for a project of this size.
As time went on, the delays and changing circumstances left us with less time to prepare for the new RFQ process than we believed was necessary.
Why We Decided Not to Submit
Rise & Remember is a cultural heritage preservation institution, not a real estate developer. While we were committed to exploring the possibilities for People’s Way, a project of this magnitude requires careful planning, coordination, and a clear understanding of the expectations.
During the initial RFQ process, we had established a partnership with a developer and had begun laying the groundwork for a potential proposal. However, changes introduced in the new RFQ process required us to seek a different development partner and adjust our plans to meet the revised requirements.
Recognizing the additional time needed to make these adjustments and prepare a thoughtful, comprehensive submission, we requested an extension from the City. Unfortunately, that request was not granted.
Given these circumstances, along with the uncertainty surrounding the process and the limited time remaining before the deadline, we did not believe we could prepare the kind of submission this important project deserved.
It was not an easy decision, but we felt it was the responsible one.
We want to be clear that our decision was not due to a lack of interest or commitment. We had already invested considerable time and effort in exploring the possibilities for People’s Way. However, we did not believe it would be responsible to rush a submission simply to meet a deadline, particularly for a project of such historical and cultural significance.
Looking Ahead:
Although we did not submit an RFQ, we remain open to future opportunities involving People’s Way.
If a developer who submitted an RFQ is interested in working with Rise & Remember, we would welcome a conversation about what a partnership might look like, provided it aligns with our mission and the historical significance of George Floyd Square. Regardless of who is selected to redevelop the property, there is something we sincerely hope will remain unchanged.
People’s Way is more than a building. It is part of a sacred place of remembrance, with a history that cannot be separated from the people and events that gave it meaning.
We hope the name People’s Way will be preserved and that the graffiti, artwork, and messages on the building will remain part of its future. These expressions were created during a time of grief, pain, protest, and hope. They are part of the history of George Floyd Square and deserve to be treated with care.
We would like to see these elements thoughtfully preserved and incorporated into whatever the building becomes. We understand that redevelopment brings change, but we believe there are ways to move forward without erasing what came before. Our hope is that whoever takes on this responsibility will approach it with love, respect, compassion, and humanity, recognizing that this is not simply another development project.
To Our Community:
We want to thank the residents, volunteers, community members, and supporters who have given so much of themselves to George Floyd Square over the years.
We know that many of you have spent countless hours caring for this space, welcoming visitors, protecting its history, and making sure the stories connected to it are not forgotten.
We appreciate your dedication and understand why the future of People’s Way matters so much.We also recognize that some may be disappointed that Rise & Remember did not submit an RFQ. We hope this explanation helps you understand the circumstances that led to our decision.
While we may not be moving forward through this particular process, our work and commitment to George Floyd Square have not changed.
We will continue preserving its history, honoring George Floyd’s legacy, and working with others who share our commitment to this community.
Thank you for your continued support and for caring about the future of this sacred place.
With Gratitude,
Rise & Remember Team
