The University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus (UPRM) has officially launched a request for proposals (RFP) to rehabilitate or redevelop the historic Darlington Building, located at 165 Méndez Vigo Street in downtown Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. The announcement was made during the First Urban Center Infrastructure Forum for Economic Development, highlighting the university’s commitment to revitalizing the urban core and supporting local economic growth, Mayagüez Mayor Jorge Ramos (PDP) stated.
The project, led by the UPR Mayagüez Housing Facilities Inc. (UPRMHF) Board of Directors, seeks qualified firms and consortia to submit proposals under a design–build–finance–operate–maintain (DBFOM) model. The goal is to transform the Darlington Building through a long-term concession lease—initially 30 years, extendable to 50—into a space that directly benefits the academic community.
While the university’s primary interest is to develop housing for its student and faculty population, alternative concepts such as hotel or mixed-use residential projects will also be considered, provided they generate economic benefits for the institution and the surrounding area.
“This project represents a unique opportunity to breathe new life into one of downtown Mayagüez’s most emblematic properties,” said Ramos. “The redevelopment of the Darlington Building has the potential to serve both the university and the broader community, catalyzing sustainable urban renewal.”
According to the RFP, proponents must demonstrate experience in DBFOM delivery methods for large-scale infrastructure projects and will be responsible for securing financing, design, construction, and maintenance. Key dates include a question deadline of November 10, 2025, proposal submissions due January 15, 2026, and an award announcement scheduled for March 15, 2026.
Interested participants must register by contacting Jeannette Muñiz Vargas to receive official documentation and updates.
If successful, the Darlington Building project could serve as a cornerstone for future collaborations between UPR Mayagüez and the private sector, bridging academic needs with urban and economic revitalization efforts across western Puerto Rico.
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