The state is preparing to open bidding on plans to renovate the Hurley Building, with developers competing for price, equity commitments and creative uses for over two acres of public space.

The project aims to update the state’s office space at 19 Staniford Street, ensuring its continued occupation for years to come.

Instead of paying for renovations directly, the government has opted to lease out the space to a developer who would renovate the building, trading the upfront costs for a steady income when the Hurley Building is again leased back to the government.

The proposal was first broached in late 2019, and the Massachusetts Division of Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) has spent the last year and a half on community outreach to fit the plan to the area’s needs.

The most significant result is the added redevelopment of a plaza adjacent to the Lindemann Mental Health Center. The state hasn’t defined a specific use for the 2-acre space, allowing developers to make their own suggestions as to how it might best be used.

“What that neighborhood lacks is community uses,” said District 8 City Councilor Kenzie Bok. “My West End constituents long for collective gathering space, for a school, for facilities for seniors and pre-k children. These community needs would need to be in the foreground if this process were to begin with a planning process to rezone the site.” Diversity is another key element. A spokesperson for (DCAMM) said the agency wants its winning bid to clearly outline how it would include disadvantaged communities and businesses in the plan’s construction and maintenance.

“Committing to having a diverse team is important. Both in the redevelopment team and diverse businesses throughout all phases of the project, including the financing, design, construction and operations,” DCAMM said in a statement.

The Hurley Building won’t be the first structure redeveloped through this model, with previous examples including the Mass Mental Health Center on Fenwood Road in the Longwood Medical Area and 100 Cambridge Street.

State Representative Jay Livingstone said factors like necessary cleanup and environmental concerns can stymie interest, but the Hurley Building seems likely to be a success story. “The state is trying to do it over by South Station, but it hasn’t been successful in getting an interested bidder,” he said.

“The economics have to work to take on the cost of office space for the state, so it gets difficult outside of downtown Boston. The Hurley should be easier, like 100 Cambridge but larger.” Livingstone said that the renovation is very much needed for the building.

“The office space was built in the 1950s or 60s, the building is a mess. It’s just not a great place to work. 100 Cambridge was like that, in great need of repairs, and it’s now fantastic office space,” he said.

“The state has found that this is a successful model to get upgraded office space and capital improvements that someone else paid for.”

DCAMM will be accepting bids for several weeks and plans to choose a winner in the fall.

The schedule for the completion of construction and the return of government employees is less defined, likely varying depending on the plan selected.