Maryland's Board of Public Works approved a complicated land deal Wednesday that clears the way for work on State Center, a massive redevelopment project meant to enhance the western edge of the Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore.

About a dozen developers partnering on the project appeared before the Board to express support for the deal. Neighborhood representatives said they've been satisfied with their dealings so far with the state and developers, but hope the back-and-forth will continue.

The Board approved a 75-year lease of the land to State Center LLC, a group of developers. The Board, which includes Gov. Martin O'Malley, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp, also agreed to lease office space in the finished buildings for state workers starting in 2014.

The first phase of the project involves construction of an underground parking garage and two office and retail buildings to be anchored by a grocery store that has not been named. State officials and developers hope to create a vibrant urban center in a part of the city that empties after 5 p.m.