Dormant multi-lot CRE receiving multiple offers out of the blue, looking for advice
My family owns 3 lots (50,000 sq ft) with existing buildings and a parking lot on them in the heart of a small city, approximately 200,000 people. The lots have been for sale for years with no bids, but in the last week we have received multiple offers for the lots. I checked out who were submitting the bids and they're from regional developers familiar with the area.

From some googling and talking to our property manager, I think the offers are coming on the heels of an announcement regarding a new bridge that will bring more traffic to the downtown area. In addition, two very large companies (an aircraft manufacturer and an industrial plant) have just built major facilities in the area. According to the local paper, billions in revenue are expected to be generated. 

I have no experience in evaluating these offers so I'm looking for any advice from you fine folks on whom I should reach out to for such services. 

Someone I spoke to suggested we retain ownership of the land but take a fee from the building owners. Another mentioned that we should demolish the building and build a parking facility, as parking is at a premium downtown. Any thoughts on those suggestions?
Appreciate any advice you're able to offer 
[{"id": "ctm3gn5", "text": "You say you have had these properties for sale for years. Do you have a broker? Have they put together a summary of the offers and given their feedback? If not, you need a new broker. \n\nWith regards to the new found interest in the property, check with the local zoning board. Maybe your properties were rezoned or are proposed to be rezoned. Zoning changes can add significant value. ", "replies": [{"id": "ctm463v", "text": "Got a broker. Summaries of the offers were given along with feedback that the higher offer be considered and the lower offers be informed another offer is being considered. Makes sense to me but I'm no professional. \n\nThanks for the zoning change advice, that would never of occurred to me. I'll ask the broker. ", "replies": [{"id": "ctm4lzh", "text": "If there are multiple offers, it may make sense to do a call for best and finals as opposed to telling the low guy he's out. Set a date, say two Friday's from now, and then evaluate the offers with your broker. It worries me that your broker does not know why there is renewed interest. You should really push him to find out why people want your buildings now. ", "replies": [{"id": "ctm4x9h", "text": "Yeah I'm not sure why the reasoning behind the offers wasn't given. \nWith a large building project nearby that will drive traffic to the area, is there value in waiting for offers after the completion of the project? We aren't in a rush to sell. Then again with a slew of offers in the last week, maybe now is the time to move on it. Thoughts?\n", "replies": [{"id": "ctm6104", "text": "There could be some benefit in holding off on the sale and waiting for the other project to deliver. The downside to doing this is the value of your property will decrease, assuming this a redevelopment play, if the project nearby flops. You should do a call for best and finals regardless. ", "replies": [], "depth": 5}, {"id": "ctm638p", "text": "Just to add, I wouldn't do anything until you're told why all of a sudden there is interest in the properties. You want to be an informed seller. ", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}, {"id": "ctm8w3y", "text": "you can do this on your own.  Just google the City planning office or Zoning map for your city.  You should be able to figure it out in 5-10 minutes.", "replies": [{"id": "ctm9iz0", "text": "Will do, thanks ", "replies": [], "depth": 4}, {"id": "ctmfnx9", "text": "Except if it was just rezoned or it is only preliminary there is a good chance that change hasn't propagated onto the local GIS yet.", "replies": [{"id": "ctmns8z", "text": "calling the Planning Administartor might make morse sense for that reason.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ctm8tsz", "text": "How is your market overall?  Growing?   Have any Costcos or Walmarts opened up lately?  Maybe wait for outside investors to offer. \n\nAre the lots adjacent to a main road? Maybe you can lease the ground to a gas station franchisee or a fast food chain.\n\nYoure in a good postition.  I hope you have a good broker so you can take advantage of it.", "replies": [{"id": "ctmpact", "text": "Yes the market is growing. With larger industries moving to the area, new higher paying jobs are being offered. And yes! A Costco was just built less than 5 miles from the property. \n\nThe lots are adjacent to the main street running through the downtown area. I'll ask my broker about leasing options to franchises. \nAppreciate the advice!", "replies": [{"id": "ctmuhw0", "text": "a real estate broker may not be the best source for learning about ground lease options, a leasing agent might be a better alternative.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ctmfrta", "text": "You're getting a lot of advice to hold off and get more information. Which I certainly agree with. Maybe you can get more info and somehow realize more on the sale of your properties. But at the same time these lots have been for sale for years. Sudden strong interest and multiple offers is in your favor. It could be very beneficial to move with some rapidity and not spend too much time looking the gift horse in the mouth.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]