BALTIMORE (AP) — Baltimore is considering selling or leasing 15 historic buildings in the city that officials believe are underused.

Officials believe the sale or lease of the buildings could bring in money for the city.

City officials intend to enhance the properties and turn them into profitable enterprises. Of the 15 buildings being looked at, 12 are protected by historic landmark designation. That would require developers to have their plans approved by a commission before making changes.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake will ask the city’s spending board Wednesday to approve a $46,500 consulting contract in which an Annapolis-based firm would determine the market value of the buildings.

The buildings to be evaluated include Shot Tower, the War Memorial building, Roland Park Water Tower, Upton Mansion and the Civil War Museum.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)