The decision to sell the properties effectively ends the attempt by the Conference Center Consortium to place a $70 million hotel-conference center on that site near the David Street Station.
The city wanted to sell the 1920s-era properties because they reflect the history of downtown, its preservation, and the enhancement of neighborhood services.
Three businesses placed their bids for the Ash Street properties (all exceeding their appraised values) on time and made their presentations to city council last month.