The department's request for proposals has a June 23 deadline, according to project manager Joseph Lopez. The land sale was approved recently by the community development commission.

Although the city may write down land prices from appraised value and consider tax credit deals, no tax increment financing is available, Lopez says. However, he adds the sites offer "prime opportunities" for developers willing to build mixed-use projects that could include retail, office and institutional space, as well as multifamily units. Sites range from 1,360 sf to 17,400 sf. Target prices average $6.54 per sf, but are higher in the 3200 and 3300 blocks of Ogden Avenue, decreasing to the west.

The city already has invested in the area, building a 10th district police station in the 3200 and 3300 blocks of W. Ogden Avenue. Zoning of the sites along Ogden Avenue is expected to be rezoned to B2-3, which would allow for 9,000-sf buildings on 3,000-sf lots. Zoning for residential lots on the side streets is expected to be RT-4, which would allow for a 3,750-sf building on a typical city lot.