Dream on Purpose Seeks contractors to help renovate its Youth Development Center
Press release from Dream on Purpose
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Dream on Purpose, a Gainesville-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating, empowering, and enriching youth, is inviting qualified contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and furnishing providers to submit proposals for the renovation of its future Youth Development Center and Office Space at 1124 and 1128 NW 76th Boulevard in Gainesville. The solicitation seeks partners who share the organization’s commitment to investing in the next generation by helping transform a 3,850-square-foot space into a dedicated home for youth development and community engagement.
Earlier this year, Dream on Purpose announced that it had secured its first brick-and-mortar location after more than a decade of serving youth throughout North Central Florida. The organization plans to renovate the former commercial space into a welcoming center for leadership development, mentorship, workshops, and collaborative community programming.
“This center represents far more than a building,” said Shareen Baptiste, president and cofounder of Dream on Purpose. “It represents a long-term investment in our youth, our families, and our community. We are looking for general contractors who believe in creating spaces that inspire hope, opportunity, and purpose.”
Dream on Purpose encourages proposals from local, minority-owned, women-owned, and small businesses and welcomes firms interested in supporting a project with lasting community impact. Following interest from prospective bidders, Dream on Purpose recently issued Addendum No. 1, extending the proposal submission deadline and revising the procurement schedule to allow additional time for proposal preparation and outreach. The updated schedule includes:
• Deadline for Written Questions: Monday, July 20, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET
• Responses to Questions Issued: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
• Proposal Submission Deadline: Friday, July 24, 2026, by 8:00 p.m. ET
The selected contractor will oversee construction coordination, including management of required subcontractors and execution of the tenant improvement project in accordance with the approved construction documents.
Interested firms can download the complete Request for Bid (RFB), the 100% Bid Document Drawing Set, and Addendum No. 1 by visiting: https://dreamonpurpose.org/solicitations
Questions regarding the solicitation should be submitted via email to Info@DreamOnPurpose.org with the subject line “Dream on Purpose Construction Request for Information.” Proposal submissions should also be submitted electronically to the same email address in accordance with the solicitation instructions.
“Our vision has always extended beyond programs,” Baptiste added. “We’re creating a place where young people will discover their potential, build meaningful relationships, and access opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives. We invite the construction community to help us bring that vision to life.”