The RFP process promises to be competitive, according to Sean Fitzgerald, spokesperson for Mayor Dorothy Kelly Gay. A number of developers have expressed interest in the site, including, according to GlobeSt.com's sources, Cathartes Investments, a well-known local developer. "We know there will be a lot of competition," Natasha Perez, community and public affairs manager for Gravestar, tells GlobeSt.com. "But we've pulled together a pretty impressive plan."

Gravestar is best known for redeveloping Porter Square in Cambridge, which was an EPA model for sustainable growth. "One of the reasons we joined with Taurus was so they could bring in a community-oriented developer," notes Perez.

Fitzgerald emphasizes that despite the fact that Taurus and Gravestar have a $410-million plan for Assembly Square Common that is contingent upon them winning the bid for Yard 21, "no developer has the inside track. We judge every developer on its merits." Says Fitzgerald, the five points the winning RFP will have are the development of a T Stop; emphasis on research and development and office space; highest design standards; smaller footprints and vertical elevation; and a substantial commitment to open space.