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City awards downtown master plan to MKSK; consultants to begin public engagement in July
Summary
The city selected MKSK to prepare a Downtown Master Area Plan; the contract is funded at up to $500,000 and will include land‑use assessment, housing and market analysis, and a year‑long public engagement process beginning in July.
Planning staff announced that the city awarded the Downtown Master Area Plan contract to MKSK after a competitive RFP process that drew nine proposals. The contract funding was allocated by council and the chosen proposal came in under the $500,000 allocation.
Why it matters: the downtown plan will define an area for a coordinated master plan, evaluate land use and market conditions, and guide public and private investments. Staff said the consultant will integrate a land‑use assessment, housing and market study, and robust public engagement including an advisory committee, stakeholder interviews and a July 4 kickoff event intended to capture downtown users and visitors.
The timeline staff presented shows land‑use assessment work June–September, a housing and market analysis August–December, and a final draft scheduled for February–March next year. The project will include ongoing public engagement through community meetings and online outreach. Boyd Seaway (project manager to staff) and other staff will provide routine updates to the planning commission and coordinate outreach with neighborhood groups, the University of Kentucky, Transylvania and business stakeholders. Staff also confirmed coordination with the Downtown Lexington Partnership as a stakeholder.
Commissioners asked about consultant briefings and participation. Staff said MKSK will report directly to the planning commission and that staff will provide regular updates. The planning staff noted they will finalize a more detailed timeline after further meetings with MKSK.
Next steps: kickoff of public engagement activities in July, stakeholder outreach and advisory committee formation, and a draft plan released in late winter with final adoption processes to follow.
