The recommendation is the first in a series of two votes that will designate a developer for the rehabilitation of the historical building. Eight proposals were submitted in response to a BRA-issued request for proposals.

"As we have said before, housing remains a top priority of the Mayor and of this agency," says BRA director Mark Maloney. We are eager to bring forth a world-class, interesting project that also promotes the city's housing goals."

The city says the proposals were evaluated on how well they met a long list of criteria that included architectural character, green building design, streetscape and team experience. Each team was also asked to meet a $4 million disposition price for the land--funds that will fund the renovation of more than 60 vacant affordable units at nearby Cathedral Housing Development also in the South End.

The Yoo D4 Urbanica bid proposes the creation of 24 housing units, with three affordable on site, plus the additional units at Cathedral. The project also proposes a "green building" design, including a "green roof." Next steps in this process include a publicly advertised announcement of the BRA staff's recommendation and a subsequent BRA Board vote to officially grant tentative designation to the selected design team.

The former Area D-4 Police Station was built in 1932 on approximately 13,072 sf of land in the South End Urban Renewal Area and is subject to the standards and criteria of the South End Landmark District Commission. It is a four-story brick building with approximately 30,000 sf including a fourth floor mezzanine, an underground parking garage and an open courtyard area.