Some familiar names are interested in developing the the downtown "catalyst" block bounded by P, Q, 13th and 14th streets.

The city has received two proposals, one from a group led by local developer WRK LLC, and another from the Synergie Group of Des Moines, Iowa.

The city plans to interview each group within 10 days and will make a decision after that, said Urban Development Director David Landis.

Landis released few details about the proposals.

Both would include first-floor retail, with a city-owned parking garage on top of that and then residential units on top of the garage, he said.

While Landis did not provide details on cost or scope, it seems likely the proposals will be much less ambitious than the $180 million, three-skyscraper proposal that fell through because of the economic downturn and a lack of available financing.

That proposal was from the Lincoln Synergy Group, led by local developer Monte Froehlich.

Landis said the Synergie Group of Des Moines is not affiliated in any way with the Lincoln Synergy Group.

According to its Web site, Synergie Group specializes in construction and project management and also does consulting and facilities management.

Its principals are Darren Schlapkohl and Kevin Schlueter, who did not respond to an e-mail message seeking comment.

Landis said Synergie is partnering with Greystone Realty. Also listed as being involved with the development group is Mike Stessman, a Des Moines area developer who is also involved with a proposed hotel project at 10th and M streets.

Landis said Stessman's involvement with this project has no bearing on the 10th and M project.

The other proposal is from WRK, a Lincoln development and commercial real estate firm owned by twin brothers Will and Robert Scott.

Will Scott declined to comment about the details of WRK's bid, but Landis said partners include Woodbury Corp. and Colema Capital.

WRK and Woodbury are also working with the city to develop a hotel and office and retail space as part of the proposed West Haymarket arena.

WRK presented the city with a proposal for the catalyst block two months ago, which prompted officials to seek other proposals. The deadline for those proposals was Friday.

The catalyst block is so named because its redevelopment was expected to spur other development.

The city bought and demolished two movie theaters to pave the way for major development, but the site has been nothing more than a parking lot since early 2007.

Reach Matt Olberding at 473-2647 or molberding@journalstar.com.