WILTON – Favorable column spacing and varying ceiling heights in an 8-unit commercial complex on Weld Street could serve to attract businesses. A development group envisions the complex transformed into the Franklin Regional Business and Technology Center.

All but one unit interconnects with the others in the 291,000 square feet of modern multi-use space in “excellent condition.”

Wilton Development Corp. President Gilbert Riley said the group is committed to helping the town respond favorably to the Phillips-Van Heusen offer of its property and buildings. The company owns the G.H. Bass complex on 31 acres of land and has offered it to the town, which transferred the offer to the development group.

One of the units in the complex is leased by ICT Group.

The private, nonprofit economic development group and its response team launched a campaign Friday to find an experienced master developer for the property.

It is the Wilton Development Corp.’s “desire” to enhance the local economy by providing the property and buildings as an asset for future development, creating job opportunities for people of the greater Franklin region, the campaign notes.

It says the Wilton Development Corp. is seeking innovative approaches to retain and create new jobs that provide livable wages. Besides traditional industrial space applications, plans may include provisions for training and education, as well as facilities for research and development.

The corporation will consider proposals that meet the following goals and objectives:

• To create diversified job opportunities through the highest use of the property. Some preference will be given to plans that support the state’s Pine Tree Development Zone initiative. Businesses eligible for zone’s benefits include firms engaged in manufacturing, financial services, and Maine’s seven targeted technology sectors: biotechnology, aquaculture and marine technology, composite materials technology, environmental technology, advanced technologies for forestry and agriculture, information technology and precision manufacturing technology.

• To retain the ICT Group, giving priority to the businesses’ current and future needs.

• To see that the majority of the property remains intact. There are exceptions. The corporation will consider allowing the transfer of some small parcels behind adjacent housing lots as a good-will gesture toward neighbors. It will also consider plans that include an extension of town property to meet realistic future town needs.

• To allow for a portion of the revenue and future assessed value to flow through the corporation to establish other economic development initiatives.

The WDC said that favorable ownership terms will be negotiated. Tax benefits and economic incentives also are available.

Qualifications must be submitted no later than June 7. To obtain a copy of the request for qualifications contact the Greater Franklin Development Corp. office at 778-5887.