It depends on what you want. You want more than friends don't you? You understand the risks involved in that if it doesn't work out, your friendship goes along with it? You understand the benefits that only a good partner can provide that a friendship can't?
It's not an easy decision. But as most opposite sex best friends end up, one is going to develop feelings at some point likely. Keep in mind if things don't work out but you guys are both mature and responsible with dealing with relationships, a friendship after that could be very possible. That being some serious time apart, enough for both of you to get to another stage in your lives and let any residual hurt fade away. I'm not a crystal ball though. Anything can happen in the future.
I say go for it if you think you are ready. I think the benefits of a great girl always outweigh the risks.
Waking up next to a beautiful girl,
Step outside and say hello to my beautiful world.