Plans to redevelop the Charles F. Hurley and Erich Lindemann buildings on Cambridge Street into a mixed-use, residential development are nearing its first major steps toward actualization.

Two public hearings are scheduled for early July on the proposed site before the the state’s Division of Capital Asset Management (DCAM)and Department of Mental health submit the final project proposal to the Commonwealth’s Asset Management Board (AMB) on June 24.

Before DCAM can issue a solicitation for redevelopment proposals for the 5.5 acre site, the AMB must approve that request for disposition.

“This is the very beginning of the process, it’s going to have a significant impact on the community,” said Representative Jay Livingstone who represents Beacon Hill. “Hopefully positive, but construction always has downsides.”

“It’s at the very start, but it also presents a great opportunity for the city and for the state. So, I look forward to working with all the relevant stakeholders.”

The first public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, at 6pm, at The West End Museum. The second hearing will be held through Zoom the following day, June 5, at 1pm.

Comments can also be submitted via email to Lindemann-Hurley.dcamm@mass.gov until June 9.

Hannah Carillo, director of external affairs at DCAM, said in an email that it would consider all comments in finalizing the design guidelines and final project proposal, as well as in subsequent steps of the process.

Livingstone expects that at the absolute fastest this project could take around five years but will likely take longer.

“I would say the fastest this happens is five years, including new construction time. But more likely a 5-to-10-year process from now until you get a building,” he said.

Previous plans for the site would have turned the Hurley building into office and lab space. The developer ultimately backed out of the project due to a lack of demand for that kind of space.

DCAM’s current proposal looks to have the site offered to a private developer, for redevelopment into a mixed-use, residential space. The eventual developer would be required to build a new space on or in close proximity to the site that allows the Department of Mental Health to continue operating its residential treatment programs, as it currently does out of the Lindemann building.

Carrillo added that it was too early in the process to estimate how many residential units the redevelopment would create.

The design guidelines for the project include key considerations recognizing the architectural and historical significance of the site, identifying several character-defining features the selected developer will be expected to try and preserve or restore in the redevelopment.

The Beacon Hill Civic Association (BCHA) wrote in a statement to The Boston Guardian that while they have not yet finalized their comments on the project, they are generally supportive of the site’s redevelopment.

They expect their comments on the project to stress the importance of thoughtful planning which balances the needs of the Commonwealth with the needs of the surrounding community.

“The project should include careful consideration of traffic, transportation, and environmental sustainability, as well as the preservation of historical elements. BHCA looks forward to meaningful community engagement throughout the planning process and the importance of integrating resident concerns into the final design, as was done successfully in the recent West End Library redevelopment project.”