Could the South Bronx be the site of the next Hudson Yards?

Empire State Development has asked developers to present offers for purchasing and demolishing a 13-acre South Bronx rail yard that borders the Harlem River to develop a residential or mixed-use complex.

The rail yard is part of the 96-acre, Department of Transportation-owned Harlem River Yards (pictured). Under the general protection plan, the state has the power to change the area’s zoning through state, rather than local, approval, the Commercial Observer reports.

The rail yard is a transfer station, which moves goods from cross-country trains to trucks. ESD hopes to keep this use in place by requiring proposals to keep the station below a newly constructed deck. It’s also looking for proposals that create waterfront access to catalyze economic growth and affordable housing development.

Last year, Bronx Borough president Ruben Diaz Jr. proposed a similar deck over a 13-acre rail yard near Lehman College, creating room for more than 1,000 apartments. Diaz said new deck construction opens up many Bronx neighborhoods to development.

There will be a state-conducted on-site tour on Dec. 14, and proposals must be submitted by Feb. 2. [CO]