Indianapolis Housing Agency received five bids from private companies to develop land around the Barton and Lugar federally subsidized apartment towers Downtown.

The bids, due Feb. 27 at the agency, will be reviewed and rated by staff. The agency’s board likely will decide this spring on awarding development contracts.

The agency is making 1.5 empty acres available for commercial and housing development at Lugar Tower and about a half-acre at Barton Apartment Tower. Both are on Massachusetts Avenue.

“We’re excited to have the response and look forward to finding something good for the housing authority and also good for surrounding neighborhoods,” said Bruce Baird, director of strategic planning and development for the agency.

He said if contracts are awarded this year, construction likely would start in 2010.

Names of bidders weren’t released, but are thought to include several Indianapolis developers, perhaps working in teams.