Officials stressed that such a massive undertaking is sure to take many years, especially given lingering weakness in the economy. But they are taking the first step by seeking proposals for 1.7 acres along Kneeland Street that are seen as an entry to the rest of the property.
Even before completion of the Big Dig, the land became a magnet for development ideas, including a signature park that would tie into the nearby Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway and large buildings with striking architectural features.
“The whole idea is that it would be an extension of Boston and potentially create an iconic new entrance to that part of the city,’’ said Marc Margulies, an architect who chaired a city task force that studied the property. “There is no reason to think Boston is through growing, and this is one of the few places where land is available.’’
Unlike the area around the Zakim Bridge to the north, the southern tract would be defined by tall buildings.
The task force concluded that the 20 acres could host up to 1,500 homes, several parks, recreational facilities, retail shops, and restaurants.
In 2004, an initial effort to redevelop all the parcels at once generated only one proposal; it was ultimately deemed not feasible financially. Transportation officials said they are now trying a more gradual approach, allowing private builders to begin to redevelop it in smaller chunks.
William Tuttle, an official with the state Department of Transportation, said proposals for the first Kneeland Street site, known as Parcel 25, are due in March.
The state is asking developers to think broadly and consider the possibilities of three adjacent plots that will be part of the larger redevelopment.
“We’re thinking about it in terms of the bigger picture, even if that bigger picture is some years off,’’ said Tuttle, deputy director of real estate for the transportation department.
The parcels form a rectangle between Kneeland Street, Albany Street, Interstate 93, and the Massachusetts Turnpike.
