The City of Shreveport received four proposals from companies interested in performing the feasibility study to decide whether to proceed with the REV Entertainment endeavor to revitalize the State Fair Grounds property.
The four proposals received were from:
- Baker Tilly: It’s the tenth-largest accounting practice in the country. It is also involved in another project with REV Entertainment.
- B & D Venues: It’s an architectural and planning firm that has worked on numerous stadium and arena projects, especially in the Washington, D. C. area.
- Samuel A. Ramirez and Company: An investment banking firm employs several people with experience in financing and marketing minor-league baseball stadiums and is associated with other mixed-use developments.
- Fast Forward Consulting: It’s a local firm whose expertise is mostly in human resources consulting.
The selection committee, which included: the Mayor, CAO, Director of Finance, and SPAR Director, met on May 23 and reviewed each proposal. The selection committee recommended that the City contract with Baker Tilly for this work.
There were several excellent proposals from other firms that impressed the selection committee. The selection team had an informal discussion with one of the unsuccessful proposers about a possible advisory role if it is determined that Shreveport should move forward with the REV Entertainment project.
The next step is for Baker Tilly to send a proposed contract for review. The City says they are anxious to get them started as soon as possible. The work is likely to take about nine months to complete.
Photo courtesy of Jim Noetzel, Visit Shreveport Bossier.
