Photo courtesy of the Boston Public Library

Proposals for multifamily housing at the Boston Public Library’s West End branch are being sought from developers, as city officials seek to maximize housing production at underutilized municipal real estate parcels.

The request for proposals, due June 15, seeks up to 19,000 square feet that would be ground-leased to the Boston Public Library at no cost.

The development would be offered through a 99-year ground lease, and an appraisal issued in February estimated the development rights are worth $29 million, according to the RFP. The Mayor’s Office of Housing is seeking minimum ground lease price proposals of $14.64 per square foot of developed floor area.

The city also will consider lower price proposals in exchange for enhanced levels of affordability.

For six years, officials have been studying the potential for housing on publicly-owned properties, through partnerships with private developers.

A 2021 study by Ann Beha Architects envisioned 85 housing units in a 10-story building at the Cambridge Street library property, which spans a half-acre. The project also would create new community meeting and programming space for the library.

“The core goal of the community vision is to strongly encourage development proposals for a mixed-use development that includes world-class public library as well as affordable rental housing,” the RFP issued this week states.

The RFP asks developers to partner with the Boston Housing Authority on 20 units designed for rental income subsidies. It encourages proposals that include senior housing or “family-centric housing,” based upon recent community feedback. 

The Mayor’s Office of Housing said developers can apply for funding if their proposals meet certain goals, including a minimum of 40 percent income-restricted units, and a minimum 10 percent of units set aside for former homeless individuals at a maximum 30 percent of area median income.