The City of Georgetown is seeking bids for the purchase of the fire station truck bay building just off the Square. City staff hope to sell 3,000-square-foot building, located at 816 S. Main St., to a winery, brewpub or other entertainment venue, spokesman Keith Hutchinson said.

Economic Development Director Mark Thomas said the goal would be to bring in a business that will help the city promote downtown Georgetown.

"The thing to keep in mind is, is it promotable outside of the community? And, does it then become an addition to our downtown area that we don't currently have that will bring new customers and shoppers into the downtown area?" Thomas said.

The minimum bid for the truck bays, built in 1972, is $216,000, and the deadline for submitting sealed bids is March 1.

Thomas said that after bids are received, city staff would evaluate the bids and then present them to City Council, which could decide to accept a bid or deny all the bids.

"I think that we've got momentum building. We've got Grape Creek [Vineyards] under construction; we've got 100 S. Austin Ave. under construction overlooking Blue Hole [Park]; we have 50/50 Restaurant that just opened on Austin Avenue; The Uptown Social [opened]. There is a lot of momentum," Thomas said. "The idea is how do we keep that momentum continuing until we get all the buildings filled and have a very healthy and vibrant downtown area."

The sale of the truck bays does not include the historic Fire Headquarters building, which is located next door at 103 W. Ninth St. That building is intended for public use, and several arts groups hope to use the first floor as a public art center.

According to a news release from the city, all bids should include the purchase price, proposed use, expected lease rate, proposed improvements and a budget, a redevelopment schedule within 24 months of purchase, proposed financing, financial capacity to complete the project, a list of currently owned properties in Georgetown, as well as a business plan.

A full invitation to the bid sale of the fire station bays is available online on the Purchasing Department's bid site at www.purchasing.georgetown.org.