INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND

Rye's CBD is a vibrant, walkable downtown with deep historic roots, anchored by a mixed-use commercial core along 1,500 feet of Purchase Street between Rye City Hall and the Metro-North rail station. The district features a distinctive blend of historic and notable architecture largely consisting of one- to four-story buildings having ground-floor retail and service businesses with residential or office uses above. Vacancy rates are low and evening activity has increased over the years because of the active restaurant life. Many of the CBD's distinctive buildings and streetscape features remain largely unchanged over the last 100 years.

The CBD's popularity and rising values have triggered increasing investment by private property owners to improve buildings with substantial modifications or demolition and construction of new buildings. These changes have generated some community concern regarding the impacts of this development on the district's existing character.

In response to these concerns, the Rye City Council formed the CBD Development Review Committee. In June 2025, the Committee completed a report for the City Council that highlights the CBD's existing physical development qualities and identifies notable or historic buildings. It provides an analysis of existing zoning regulations in the CBD and reviews recently constructed or approved buildings. The report identifies properties with additional development potential under existing zoning as well as a potential opportunity to improve buildings and properties along McCullough Place with a re-imagined coordinated development strategy to create a more desirable connection between the Rye Train Station and the Purchase Street core. The report recommends that modifications to the Zoning Code and codification of design expectations with design guidelines would help ensure proper contextual development that complements and reinforces the district's existing character.

This project will result in two primary work products: (1) an Illustrated Design Guidelines document suitable for use by applicants, property owners, and review boards; and (2) recommended Zoning Code amendments establishing objective design and development standards for the CBD, ready for adoption by the City Council.

Please see the link here to access the full RFP.

Issuing Department: City of Rye Planning Department

Issue Date: April 17, 2026

Proposals Due: May 8, 2026 4:00 PM Eastern Time

Budget: Not to exceed $60,000

Project Duration: Six (6) months from contract execution

Contact: Christian K. Miller, City Planner
cmiller@ryeny.gov
914-967-7167