haha, does anyone else get the impression from that picture that Mayor Gray has been possessed by some devil.

Good news about Jeff Ruby's interest in the project. It's a tiny piece of filling the development but every little bit helps. Seeing as how they haven't even submitted their formal plan to the city yet i think its an encouraging sign.

I said when Jeff Ruby's first mentioned coming that CentrePointe made the most sense for them. I am glad for all of the good will and excitement, I just hope it leads to it actually getting built.

looks like lexington green then centrepointe for jeff ruby's.

Webb said he and Ruby are in the midst of negotiations. The two will meet again next week. Ruby has run full-page ads in the Herald-Leader saying he was opening a steakhouse in Lexington, but he has declined to give a location.
I am pretty sure that there is no Jeff Ruby's going into Lexington Green. It would make no sense to place two here in such short a space of time or to start one and then move it.

Jeff Ruby's will be a downtown location and CentrePointe block is the prime spot.

Another angle on the model from the Main Street side.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i120/Iandependant/3508580.jpg

I am pretty sure that there is no Jeff Ruby's going into Lexington Green. It would make no sense to place two here in such short a space of time or to start one and then move it.

Jeff Ruby's will be a downtown location and CentrePointe block is the prime spot.

I was just assuming since Ruby said he wanted to do it now and they were still negotiating meant he was gonna go to one of The Webb's other properties then move 2 or 3 years later to centrepointe. It would be costly for Jeff Ruby's, but if he wants his restaurant in Lexington NOW that would be the only way they could do both.

Tech company relocates downtown and creates 15 new high paying jobs in the process. The article doesn't mention the al employment at the new corporate headquarters.

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/07/19/1816295/sis-holding-marks-move-to-downtown.html

The Lane Report from May of 2010 says that the 25 year old company currently employed 35 people. The addition of 15 makes about a 45% increase. There also several other locations but this is their headquarters.

We spoke of this many months ago.

http://www.lanereport.com/articles/article.cfm?id=business_briefs_2010-05

I noticed some signage up for the project on the former CVS site. I rarely come into downtown from that direction so it may have been up for a while and i haven't wouldn't have seen it. Hopefully this means the project is still moving forward.

I do think its a bit weird that they're calling it Main and Vine when its right across the street from the new Main and Rose project. This is going to get confusing...

Has CenterPointe broken ground yet ? ;)

^^ Not just yet, though were all anxious for it to!

Based on Woodford Webb's comments at the end of the July 14th meeting/announcement with Studio Gang, they were anticipating going to the Court House Design Review Board as soon as possible.

The next meeting date is August 10 and the application date passed this past Wednesday, the 20th.

Notification of the agenda and applicants should be made by this next Wednesday, July 27th.

Pending approval, and considering the current local sentiment I think is likely, they could start on excavation for the parking garage portion before the end of the year.

There are still some who think that the funding is not yet set, but I think that it is a done deal. There are now six sets of architects involved on the block and a lot of jobs at stake.

I'm still a little confused in that I've almost gotten the impression that they'll start on the lowrise portion first (and who knows about the tower). Or do they intend to build the entire project at once ?

I think the project will be built in portions. Probably much easier to finance this way too.

Your logic makes sense to me Carto. I hope you are right!

Update on the distillery district from KYforward.com

Developer: Newly approved feasibility study is ‘spark plug’ for Lexington Distillery District (http://www.kyforward.com/blog/2011/07/22/developer-newly-approved-feasibility-study-is-spark-plug-for-lexington-distillery-district/)

http://kyforward-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/distillerydistrictmain.jpg

By Emily Hagedorn

Work on the Lexington Distillery District has included many “small wins” lately, said its developer, but with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council recently approving funds for a much-debated feasibility study, he hopes to see the project take off.

“It’s really the spark plug to get things going,” said developer Barry McNees.

The council approved a resolution July 12 that authorizes the city to pay $418,000 for a feasibility study from the engineering firm Strand Associates for the roughly one-mile corridor along Manchester Street near downtown.

The study will look at street-scape and infrastructure improvements and the design of the Town Branch Trail between Oliver Lewis Way and South Forbes Road. Some of the city’s oldest power lines and sewers are in the district, he said.

“Unless there is government participation, it will wilt on the vein,” he said. “The main thing is they’ve gotten started now. The inertia of getting in motion is the hardest part.”

The council had voted to rebid the contract in August after several council members said they felt Strand’s original price tag of $508,000 for the study was too expensive.

Strand was originally chosen through a qualification-based selection process, and through several meetings, the city and Strand negotiated the lower price, according to a June memo to Mayor Jim Gray.

The city will pay for the study out of a $2.2 million bond, which will also go toward infrastructure improvements in the district, said Keith Lovan, a municipal engineer with the city. And the study will likely be done by the end of the year.

Residents will be asked to comment on the district’s improvements as part of the study.

“The city sees it as an incentive to bring new development into this area,” Lovan said of the district. “They see it as economic development.”

McNees hopes the district will become something that’s “distinctly Lexington.”

“There will certainly be something for everybody, but it will be colored by the arts,” he said.

McNees foresees the 27-acre area eventually containing condominiums, apartments, office and retail space, art galleries, distilleries and a hotel.

The area’s anchors include the Barrel House Distilling Co., which makes vodka and moonshine, and Buster’s Billiards & Backroom.

“Right now we’re working on restaurants. That’s the big missing piece right now,” he said. “We’re very interested in being very local and having the flavor of Lexington whether its a retail tenant or restaurant.”

The $190 million project received $45.8 million for infrastructure improvements in 2009 from the state and became the first project approved by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority under tax-increment financing guidelines for mixed-use redevelopment of a blighted area.

The rest of the funds will likely come in smaller pieces as businesses move into the area, he said. Some potential businesses are waiting until the feasibility study is complete and the Town Branch Trail is designed to commit.

McNees hopes to see parts of the project, including the trail, completed in 2012.

He is encouraged by the fact that a photographer moved to the district at the beginning of this year, and Mecca dance studio is expected to relocate in the next two months.

“They’re a great group, and they’re going to bring some really great energy to the area,” he said.

Mecca will move into “the neighborhood chicken coop,” he said. “It was known as the poultry warehouse back in the ’50s.”

The Barrel House Events Center, which is separately-owned from the distilling company, opened at 903 Manchester St. in September and was followed by Barrel House Gardens, an outdoor events space, across the street in February.

While the business originally found that the surrounding industrial neighborhood “wasn’t the greatest,” it is turning around, said co-owner Kelly Bakehorn.

And the venue got a big break in November when it hosted state Rep. Ben Chandler’s election night party.

“There’s nothing like when the election results are coming in, and every 20 minutes, they (television broadcasters) are saying, ‘Live from the Barrel House,’” Bakehorn said.

She is optimistic that the district will reach its full potential.

“When you want things done, you want things done now,” she said. “But we’re pleased with everything.”

Article from Business Lexington on converting downtown streets from one way to two way.

One Way or Another (http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-c-2011-07-21-98336.113117-One-Way-or-Another.html#222)
Debate returns over one-way versus two-way traffic in downtown — $465,000 study in the offing

by Erik A. Carlson

July 21, 2011

Lexington, KY - While discussions about the direction of traffic in Lexington’s downtown have gone back and forth over the past few decades, traffic has not. It’s headed just one-way throughout the core of the region’s business district.

When Mayor Jim Gray served as vice mayor, he pushed for the quick transition of three pairs of one-way streets through the downtown to become two-way thouroughfares. Now as mayor, Gray and his administration are about to embark on a $465,000 study of converting Lexington’s one-way thoroughfares into two-way roads, with the aim of making the downtown district more a destination than a pass-through.

“There’s never been a complete cost analysis and complete traffic flow analysis of what going to two-way streets will do. There’s been some piecemeal studies, but there’s never been a total comprehensive study,” said Geoff Reed, Gray’s senior advisor for policy and government relations.

Reed said he expects the state and federal government to approve the use of nearly a half-million dollars in the next few weeks to issue a request for proposal (RFP) to find “somebody who has the experience in specifically working in cities that … have dealt with one-way to two-way in downtowns in cities of similar or larger size.”

Reed helped secure federal study funding for Lexington while he was a policy advisor and field director for U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler, D-Kentucky, in 2008. Now he’ll take the lead from the city’s side of the study, which he hopes to be underway this fall and complete by the end of 2011 or early 2012.

In 2008, the funds were to look at “not just two-way but other issues relating to landscaping and things to do to revitalize downtown,” he said. “That funding was never accessed ... it just sat unused for several years.”

Now in 2011, the city had to seek approval to expand the scope of the study the funding was meant to support as the Gray administration aims to complete a look not only at what a transition would cost financially, but what the costs would be on the city’s traffic system from downtown past New Circle, to Man O’ War and beyond.

If the city does convert the existing one-way pairs — Limestone and Upper, Second and Short, Main and Vine — a lot more will be going into the conversion than just painting a yellow stripe down the middle of the road and turning stoplights around, according to Reed.

“What they are going to do is study traffic flows, expenses associated with changing the traffic patterns,” Reed said. “There’s a whole lot of cost associated with lights, additional turn lanes that would have to be put in, traffic islands — there’s a whole lot of things that go into it. It just doesn’t involve cans of paint and some new directional arrows.”

In fact, it is a whole lot more than even that, said Ian Lockwood, principal and senior transportation engineer for Glatting Jackson Kercher Anglin, a planning, urban design, environmental services, landscape architecture, transportation planning and engineering firm that aims to help cities become sustainable communities.

“People use the opportunity when they are going back from one-way to two-way to do other things at the same time. It would be kind of stupid to leave a street hostile, when you’re going through all that other work,” he said referring to streets that are more of a higher-speed trench than a street considered safe and welcoming by pedestrians and cyclists.

Lockwood, who has played a role in conversion projects in Hillsboro, Ore.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Trenton, N.J.; and West Palm Beach, Fla., said one-way streets, especially those in a downtown, are counterproductive for cities.

“The fundamental purpose of cities is to create exchange, to foster an efficient exchange of goods, services, labor, entertainment, social contact (and) historically, security. All these things can happen if people gather together in cities efficiently,” he said. “The transportation purpose of cities has always been and will always be to minimize transportation for the purposes of efficient exchange. The modern pursuit of speed … that pursuit tends to spread cities out, lowering their densities, creating barriers and reducing exchange.”

When cities started making roads one-way and widening others, Lockwood said, the result was to diminish the core of cities and encourage outward sprawl.

“Typically one-way streets are about through-put; that’s the reason they’re put in — to cause more drivers to go quicker over longer distances,” Lockwood said.

“What they (do) is they reward the long trip, and they penalize the short trip. So the short trip is more circuitous; you have to go a longer distance to go somewhere. It also penalizes the sustainable trips, the walking and the bike trips ... The one-way streets take you out of route for where you actually want to go,” he said.

But there is a lot of convincing that needs to be done for some that worry Lexington’s downtown traffic is bad enough, such as businessman Howard Stovall, a partner in the management company that operates the Kentucky Theatre and owner of Town Branch Market on Main and Esplanade. Stovall points to how susceptible downtown traffic is to slowing to a crawl when even one lane of Main Street is closed, as it has been much of the spring and summer for construction. He fears what even a double-parked delivery truck could do to the downtown system if streets were reverted to two-way.

“If Lexington had an effective grid system so one could get across town without traveling Main and Vine, that would be one thing, but we don’t,” Stovall said. “I would want good solid answers to traffic flow before endorsing this.”

Lockwood, who is unfamiliar with the specifics of Lexington’s transportation system, said generally a change in driving patterns is known to occur when one-way streets are converted to allow traffic to flow in both directions.

Some people might just completely avoid downtown as it wouldn’t be as viable a pass-through route as it is with one-way streets, he said. Others wouldn’t be driving as far because access would be doubled. Gone, for example, would be the experience of coming out of the eastern Portofino parking lot and having to travel past Esplanade, Martin Luther King and Limestone to take a left on Upper and again on Vine — just to head west out of downtown.

With participants on the recent Commerce Lexington leadership visit to Greeneville, S.C., returning to Lexington after seeing what a city has been able to do when removing “pass-through” thoroughfares and replacing one-way streets with tree-lined, two-way roads, the questions over Lexington’s own streets have begun anew.

“When we went to Greenville, they were there — it works,” Reed said. “When you were on the street at five o’clock, you did not see a difference in traffic backup and snarls than the flows you see here on our one-way streets.”

But in order to change what the Gray administration considers the lynchpin, Main and Vine, the city must have the blessing of the state and federal governments as the roads are U.S. routes, controlled largely by the state.

“Until we see the results of the details of the study, we’re going to be non-committal, until we can better understand the direct impact and how that would impact the capacity of the roadway network,” said James Ballinger, chief district engineer for the state transportation cabinet.

But even a “non-committal” stance from the state could be looked upon as a victory for proponents of converting the streets as former Mayor Jim Newberry said in a 2009 press conference announcing the redesign of the downtown streetscape, that he didn’t foresee Main and Vine converting “in my lifetime.”

One of the aspects of that streetscape redesign, as well as a number of other changes over the past few years, would actually ease the conversion, according to Ballinger. When the streetscape, which is in its final phase along Main Street, was conceived, it was designed to eventually accommodate two-way streets, with many intersections configured to allow both left and right turns even though they now permit turns in only one direction.

Reed said the city has enjoyed a good relationship with Ballinger and the state transportation cabinet. Ballinger played a role in designing and implementing the floating bike lane along Vine Street, which allows for curbside parking during non-peak driving hours and accounts for bicyclists at all times by moving the bike lane from the curb during peak hours to an area between parked cars and traffic at other times. He also participated in the design of the double diamond crossover interchange now under construction at the Harrodsburg Road and New Circle interchange.

Reed said the city must work together with the state and federal government to achieve this change and knows through his time working both with the state and U.S. government that taking an “adversarial role” would only drive Lexington in one direction — away from its goal.

“That’s a local type of thing that your local leadership has a lot of input in,” Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear said following an unrelated press conference. “We’re open to sitting down and talking with the mayor and the council and the others that are involved in that. We obviously want Lexington to thrive and grow even more than it is already, and if there are ways we can help do that, we’ll certainly help out and try to help the leadership go in whatever direction they want to.”

But the fact remains that if the state and federal government aren’t convinced that the concerns of Stovall and others aren’t adequately addressed, the roads will remain one-way.

“My memories go back to when Main Street was two-way, and it was often gridlock 40 years ago,” Stovall said. “I have unpleasant memories of sitting through light after light, trying to turn left from Rose Street onto Main, with only one or two cars getting through per cycle, and those often ended up blocking the intersection.”

Matters such as those, including concerns about loading and emergency access, are all aspects that will come under examination with the $465,000 study.

“It’s really more of an in-depth-type study,” Ballinger said. “The previous study that was conducted looked at some alternatives; it looked at some possibilities. It identified some impacts that would have to be considered if there was going to be a two-way conversion to the streets in Lexington. It didn’t go into the detail of quantifying the impacts, as well as how you would mitigate those impacts potentially, or didn’t really get into the cost of conversion either. The new study is really going to build on that information.”

Lockwood, the consultant who openly prefers that cities abandon one-way streets under most every circumstance, said flatly that travel times for people passing through a downtown will slow under a two-way conversion.

“What it boils down to is a value thing, and you can’t have it both ways, so to speak,” he said. “It’s going to be a values exercise. People will bring in the technical stuff, but as an engineer who’s been around this problem a thousand times, the technical people will solve the situation once given the direction. It’s a much more important policy discussion, which is: Do we want a livable, economically successful, safer downtown? Once the community answers that question — once they say they want that — then you’ve got to go with the two-way, slower, more beautiful streets.

“If they want to drive quickly through the downtown, they’ve got to realize all those other things just don’t happen. It is just as simple as that,” Lockwood said.

Conversion to two-way, Lockwood said, has the effect of cooling aggressive driving. Cars on streets with one lane in each direction will go as fast as the slowest driver, he said, but on one-way streets with multiple lanes, drivers will often weave in and out to get where they are going a little bit faster, often forgoing safety.

But according to Reed and Ballinger, some of the slowdowns that two-way streets in the downtown might cause could be mitigated with use of the Newtown Pike Extension, especially when the final phase is completed and it runs all the way to Limestone and the entrance of the University of Kentucky.

“It’s not so much the distance someone has to travel; it’s the time through an area,” Ballinger said.

If the time to go a long distance is made short from the center of town, Lockwood said the city is, in effect, reducing the value of its business center.

“Business is all about access; it has a dramatic negative effect for the business community in a downtown. Of all the places in a city where exchange should be the highest, social exchange and economic exchange, it’s your downtown,” Lockwood said. “If someone goes and cuts away half your network, effectively, for the purpose of speeding cars through, what it does is it devalues the downtown.”

“That value goes somewhere. Usually on a one-way street, or if a street is made too fast in a downtown, it takes that value and exports it to wherever these streets are going,” he said.

Insight and experience from people like Lockwood is what Reed said the city will be seeking when issuing its RFP.

“We have to get designers and engineers involved in this process who have seen it work well in other places, and that is the ingredient that has been missing to this point. We’ve got to have people who have successfully implemented two-way streets come in and sell the idea and explain how it can and will work here. That’s what this study will offer,” he said.

That is why Reed said the city is yet to see the first conversion of a one-way pair to two-way. In the early months of the Gray administration, there was consideration of changing Short and Second to two-way streets. Reed said he kept that plan from going through so it could be more thoughtfully studied and not risk tainting an overall plan with poor implementation of just a portion of what many consider the puzzle of downtown Lexington’s streets.

Even in the best-case scenario, according to Reed, if an early conversion of Short and Second went over well, “what would we have had? We would have still had the same arguments on Main and Vine.”

“And if it was working on Short and Second, the opponents would have said it’s fine for little streets like Short and Second, but it’s still not going to work on Main and Vine,” Reed said. “I don’t know that we would have really established the viability of it for the main business corridor if we’d done it, so I preferred trying it this way.”

Looks like some public art will be coming to downtown in the near future.

An Artful Display of Community (http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-c-2011-07-21-98343.113117-An-Artful-Display-of-Community.html#222)
Leadership Lexington class, with strong input from the citizenry, works to establish public artwork

http://www.bizlex.com/galleries/11564.113117/11565.113117.jpg

by Celeste Lewis

July 21, 2011

Lexington, KY - Public art: It is among the hottest of topics for cities these days. American cities vying to be considered a prime location for business and hoping to attract the best and the brightest have awakened to the need to compete on this one important playing field.

There are the truly iconic works like the Statue of Liberty in New York City and the St. Louis Arch. One can hardly think of either city without thinking of its signature public art. Other notables are the Cloud Gate, lovingly referred to as “The Bean” by locals in Chicago and created by Anish Kapoor, and Spoonbridge and Cherry, created by Claes Oldenburg in Minneapolis — both defining images of their creative communities.

Impressive public art has emerged as an indicator of a city’s cultural and creative environment and a first visible hint at what is in store for life there. To say Lexington has fallen behind in this area is an understatement, and real energy behind tackling the issue has emerged — fueled by focused, involved and informed groups who have started the ball rolling on some very exciting projects.

“Even if you aren’t an art person, you can see the catalytic effect public art has on public perception,” said Lexington architect Van Meter Pettit.

Horse Mania, a program that brought artist-created horses to many locations throughout Lexington, and the Art In Motion initiative that brought creatively designed bus shelters to the community have been two great programs that whetted the appetite of locals for public art. Now it appears Lexington is poised to have some exciting, style-defining creations added to the local landscape that will cement a reputation as an exciting city on the rise.

A recent graduating class of Leadership Lexington, a 10-month leadership development program offered through Commerce Lexington, made it their goal to study the need for public art in Lexington and research some possibilities.

The Leadership Lexington program was created to bring people of varying backgrounds and interests together with community leaders to develop visionary projects, along with strategies to see them to fruition. The group came to Jim Clark, president of LexArts, seeking to plan “something unique and special for Lexington,” said Clark, and asking for partnership on the project.

“This was an arts administrator’s dream,” Clark said. “First of all, to have a stellar group of professionals brainstorming ideas and willing to do the research and roll up their sleeves for an arduous process, and then willing to throw themselves into raising funds? It is wonderful for Lexington.”

Initial meetings led to agreement on the scope of the project and a few parameters. Clark suggested making use of the website callforentries.org, which LexArts had previously used and had found very helpful in the complicated process of finding just the right fit for art partners. Callforentries.org is a well-organized clearinghouse of data from which artists from all over the world can access news of opportunities and submit background information and portfolios. A call for artists to propose fitting art installations for Lexington was executed through the website with great success.

After receiving 126 responses, a team of Leadership Lexington members, LexArts staff, arts professionals and members of the creative community met to narrow the list to 14 viable possibilities. The proposals were reviewed and selected based on approach, the artist’s range, and how it fit in with the vision for Lexington. Two public rounds of balloting were offered to further shorten the list and choose five finalists.

First, public input was garnered from the Creative Cities Summit held in Lexington at the Lexington Center. The event was attended by people from all over the world involved in creative arts organizations, and many from cities with successful, viable public art programs that have seen firsthand the positive impact public art brought to their communities. Attendees were given the opportunity to see the proposals of the five finalists and vote on the piece they felt was best.

The second public vote took place during Lexington’s Gallery Hop, where the proposals were again displayed and Lexingtonians were asked to vote for their favorite. More than 400 people weighed in.

Leadership Lexington members tallied the votes, and five finalists were chosen.

“There has been a real sense of ownership and participation from the public in the balloting,” Pettit said.

David Sevigney of DMD Data Systems, a Leadership Lexington member, added, “Our plan was to have five ‘shovel-ready’ proposals to commission for Lexington and offer our support in getting them funded and installed. I know business thrives in vibrant communities. I feel public art is an important component of any successful community, so I am excited to be part of this initiative.”

The final five selected artists were invited to visit Lexington. Leadership Lexington members and LexArts staff took each artist on a tour of the city and made themselves available to help them to get a feel for the community and a sense of place to aid in their processes of creating site- specific proposals for consideration.

“All five showed up to a meeting and expressed incredulity, really. They were blown away that we were asking them to come up with something creative on their own, inspired by all they had learned about and seen of Lexington in their visit. Artists working in public art are often assigned an idea or given theme parameters in which to create. We wanted something more creative than that,” commented Jim Clark.

The artists went home and into their studios with their whirlwind trip to Lexington dancing in their heads. All five created unique art proposals with a specific site in Lexington in mind. These final proposals were presented and are currently on display at the Stoll Keenon Ogden City Gallery, housed upstairs in the Downtown Arts Center. When viewing the final proposals, one is struck by how widely varied they are, ranging from the monumental to the complex to the whimsical. Finalist artists are: Christopher Fennel, Gordon Huether, Matthew Gellar, Dewitt Godfrey and Takashi Soga.

“It really reflects well on Lexington that each artist was inspired in completely different ways. We feel like we got five really great proposals,” said Clark.

Clark was hopeful about being awarded funding by way of a grant as the process evolved.

“Our process and partnership had gone so well and everything had been so well thought-out and organized, and our selection process had been impeccable. I hoped we had a good shot at an NEA grant,” he said.

LexArts indeed received a $25,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and is currently working to procure matching funds for the first installation.

One particular work has been green-lighted for installation in November of this year. “LEX,” a monumental piece designed by innovative sculptor Dewitt Godfrey of New York state, will be the first to be erected.

Nathan Zamarron, community arts manager for LexArts explained, “This piece was chosen to be the first for several reasons. It came in at a cost we could manage, the materials were readily available, and it fit well with the architecture of our building, so we didn’t have difficult site issues.”

Planned for the rooftop of the Downtown Arts Center at 141 East Main St., the piece will be a giant stack of connecting tubes of steel, varying in size. The piece, according to sculptor Godfrey, was created so each piece is “a fluid, round form dependent on each other, creating a sense of place and collaboration.”

Clark noted, “I feel the high level of community participation in the artist-selection process will help us build a public art program that is truly public and reflects the spirit of the community. I hope this is just the beginning.”

I'm still a little confused in that I've almost gotten the impression that they'll start on the lowrise portion first (and who knows about the tower). Or do they intend to build the entire project at once ?

In the original proposal, the underground parking was to be fill the whole block and I see nothing to indicate that this iteration will be different. Ergo, nothing will be built until the parking portion is complete. It would give them time to work on all the detail drawings necessary. In my opinion, the local architect's work may be the last work approved and built.

In the original proposal, the underground parking was to be fill the whole block and I see nothing to indicate that this iteration will be different. Ergo, nothing will be built until the parking portion is complete. It would give them time to work on all the detail drawings necessary. In my opinion, the local architect's work may be the last work approved and built.

Makes sense.

I definitely think the small, 8 story tower will be first. I think it will be relatively easy to finance and I would imagine Dudley has top firms downtown lined up to be the occupants. For a law firm ... there is not a more perfect space in the city. So, on that one, I agree with Carto.

On the tower, if the financing were in place, I think we would know about it. No doubt that the Webb's learned a lesson from last time in revealing too much detail, so there is incentive to hold the cards tight, but with all the fanfare, someone would have let it slip. On the flip side, agreeing with Carto, I don't think they would let it get this far if there was nothing in place. So, the tower is probably somewhere in the middle on financing.

On the infill ... that's probably how they are looking at it = infill. They can worry about that later after the small tower is built and leased and the large tower is under construction. I can't imagine that they would start on the infill too soon to drive more business to their primary projects.

Thanks for the articles LexC!

I don't think we'll be seeing this whole thing constructed as one project but rather in phases. I would like to see those phases in rapid succession though.

I agree with Whosville, the Main/Lime office building seems like a logical place to start. I'm really interested to see that one go up, it looks like it will incorporate that kind of super-reflective glass like the kind used in Comcast Tower in Philly and One World Trade in New York

The next meeting date is August 10 and the application date passed this past Wednesday, the 20th.

Notification of the agenda and applicants should be made by this next Wednesday, July 27th.

As of this evening, CentrePointe is NOT on the agenda. See it here
(http://www.lexingtonky.gov/index.aspx?page=965)

I noticed on the agenda that Shorty's is taking over the spot next door for a wine store. Nice to see more 1st floor office being converted back into retail.

Anyone know anything about the building on the corner of Short and Broadway? I saw people in there the other day, but it may just have been the General Contractor taking down his signs and cleaning up as I noticed the sign outside has been removed.

From what I understand, the fit-up permits have not been issued yet so anything is still on hold. The rumor that I have heard is the it will be a nice sit-down restaurant (Shakespeare's, I think), though the market is becoming saturated.

I talked to the manager at Shorty's a couple weeks ago when i was in there and he told me about the wine shop. He says that they are doing really well. Its an encuragement to see it being so succesful and hopefully more "quality of life infrastructure" will follow.

Rupp Arena task force's work about to become more public (http://www.kentucky.com/2011/07/31/1829988/tom-eblen-rupp-arena-task-forces.html)

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2011/01/25/16/110125RUPPPANO.aurora_standalone.prod_affiliate.79.jpg

By Tom Eblen — Herald-Leader columnist

Jul 31, 2011

Attorney Brent Rice knows the first question most people will ask him when they hear he is chairman of Lexington's Arena, Arts and Entertainment District Task Force: "So, are we going to build a new arena or renovate Rupp?"

"This is about so much more than that one issue," Rice said. "It's about a district, not just an arena. It's a total evaluation of what we have and what the possibilities are."

Mayor Jim Gray appointed the 50-member task force in April to take a deep, wide and exhaustive look at 35-year-old Rupp Arena, the adjacent Lexington Center convention facility and shopping mall, and the vast parking lots around them.

This 46 acres of city-owned property represent the biggest development opportunity in modern Lexington history. It is strategically located beside the downtown business district, the fringes of the University of Kentucky, the emerging restaurant and entertainment areas along Manchester and Jefferson streets, and five historic residential neighborhoods.

The task force consists of a high-powered group of Kentuckians, most representing specific interests in the property or creative expertise in the many issues that will be involved in redevelopment.

Since April, task force committees have worked behind the scenes to digest previous studies of Lexington Center and coordinate with research being done by other groups, such as transportation planners and convention promoters. They have studied the city's needs and desires. And they have had meetings with primary stakeholders, from UK Athletics to surrounding neighborhoods.

For example, Rice said, discussions with neighborhood representatives have focused on these two questions: What do you want to see there? What do you not want to see there?

The committees are writing draft reports that will be released Sept. 7, when the process starts becoming more public. Several open meetings will be scheduled in the fall. But citizens already have been offering good ideas, said Stan Harvey, who heads the Lexington office of the respected national planning firm Urban Collage, which is a consultant to the task force.

This privately financed process will cost at least $350,000, and 80 percent of the money has been raised, Rice said. Most donations, including in-kind services, have come from Lexington businesses.

Some of the money will go to hire national experts to study the arena issues. The key question is whether Rupp should be renovated and expanded or replaced. UK Athletics officials and many Wildcat fans — envious of Louisville's new KFC Yum Center — want a new arena. But many people doubt a new arena is necessary or would be economically viable.

Other money will go toward hiring a top-notch planning and design team to develop a master plan for the district. Proposals for that contract were due last week, and more than 20 firms from across the country applied, Rice said.

Harvey attributed such strong national interest in part to publicity surrounding The Webb Cos.' hiring of the hot Chicago firm Studio Gang Architects to redesign its proposed CentrePointe project. "Lexington is being seen as a place where innovative things are happening," he said.

Task force committees also have been looking at how to expand Lexington Center's convention facilities, which are too small. They also are assessing the need for arts and educational facilities that could go in the district, such as performance space or an art museum.

Then there is the question of commercial property, which would be key to financing the district's redevelopment. Condos, apartments, shops, restaurants, offices and entertainment venues could be built on some of the 29 acres of asphalt if parking were consolidated into garages.

Rice said the task force's goal is to give city, state and university leaders the best possible options for creating a dynamic district unique to Lexington's culture that will be an important economic engine for decades. That is why the process is important.

As the evolution of the CentrePointe project has shown so clearly, you get more creative results and greater community buy-in with an inclusive process that allows the best ideas to surface. The more Lexington citizens get involved in the Arena, Arts and Entertainment District Task Force process, the better the results are likely to be.

One thing is for sure, if they don't build a new arena, they need to do something with that giant lot. That land is too valuable with Rupp being across the street to sit open like that. Not sure what city planners were smokin when they thought surface lots belong downtown. I'm sure apartments geared toward students and young adults would sell like crazy in that location, just imagine the atmosphere it would being as well.

Card, the surface parking lot was a conscious decision and validated by Wilber Smith and Assoc. The thinking at the time was that the older ladies who would attend the UK ball games would not like(or feel safe in) parking structures. There was also a declining - if not already at the bottom - neighborhood of former fine homes converted to apartments that the city fathers wanted to get rid of. If I remember correctly, there was some talk of eventually building some low level retail after downtown made its big comeback. Some of us are still waiting.

The city bought all of the property and closed the rights of way in 1974.

I would love to see the arena plan incorporate some housing and street level retail with entrances from the sidewalk. Maybe they could try approaching the developer that wanted to build a 15 story condo tower on the corner opposite Rupp Arena with a site for a similar tower on a corner of this site. That would certainly go a little ways toward funding the project.

The housing market may be in better shape then since i think i remember them talking about 2017 before this thing starts taking shape.

I could see all of this going either really well or really poorly. I like Card's idea of making into a really rocking more upscale student area (sort of like an expansion of the Lex concept with lots more infill), but the Rupp lots are getting pretty far away from the classrooms at UK. Think how awesome it would be if there was a trolley or a street-level light rail connector between the main campus along the new Scott Street and this area extending out to between Bluegrass CC and Transy along Jefferson? Connecting all the colleges with stops at Rupp and Manchester. That would be absolutely awesome and help redefine the entire city.

That kind of stuff strikes me as very possible right now in this part of town and probably even prudent, but that is the kind of stuff that takes long-term vision and planning. From Bluegrass to the Red Mile, the entire northwest side of Lexington is very mold-able right now. The redevelopment process has already started (Lex, Jeff Davis, DD, etc.), but it is still early enough to craft this into a really vibrant area of the city.

Alas, I hold out little hope for things requiring such foresight.

[QUOTE=cartomanlex;82462567]Card, the surface parking lot was a conscious decision and validated by Wilber Smith and Assoc. The thinking at the time was that the older ladies who would attend the UK ball games would not like(or feel safe in) parking structures. QUOTE]

You gotta love this state's rational sometimes. If you add in student housing to the mix I think developing the lot could be a pretty viable project. Judging by the size of the lot you could probably have around 1000 or more students, which would be a magnet for restaurants, bars, etc. The atmosphere on game days would be great.

A direct bus route to campus would solve any distance issue and it could go to various colleges in the area. I know UofL and TARC have a deal where TARC runs the loop around campus to pick students up at the Papa John's stadium lot. Students pay nothing for it and can even take TARC for free else where in the city. TARC can count the students toward their ridership, hence more federal money. Not sure if UK has a similiar deal with Lexington's transit, but it would be a win for all those involved.

You have to consider the time period, early '70s, student protests, a general lack of caring from the students. It was the older generation making the decisions and sweeping away the undesirable neighborhoods in the process. All real progress was in the suburbs, outside of downtown. Plus, most students were required to live on campus until about their senior year.

UK and Lextran DO have looping game day routes for those parking and living some distance from the football stadium. Same kind of deal. Commonwealth is not near any retail and dining, either before or after, the game is done some distance from there unless you are tailgating.

Downtown office space vacancies increased a tiny bit in the most recent assessment. Not to be a downer but this could effect the order in which the phases of Centrepointe are built.

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/08/04/1833860/mixed-results-for-office-space.html

Downtown office space vacancies increased a tiny bit in the most recent assessment. Not to be a downer but this could effect the order in which the phases of Centrepointe are built.

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/08/04/1833860/mixed-results-for-office-space.html

Cool! Build the mixed-use tower first then!

New sign up on the corner of Short and Broadway. Has a new contractor sign plus a 'Shakespeare and Co Coming Soon' sign. Maybe they will get back to work on it. Also, the old Mia's site on Limestone also has a new restaurant going in. Not sure of the details.

I like the newly redone facade at the old Mia's site. Not sure what's going in there either.

Plans for the new Tempur-Pedic headquarters in Coldstream... I'm glad they're locating in a more prominent location. Tempur-Pedic is a globally recognized brand headquartered here but its been hidden away. I'm glad it will be more visible.

Of course it is in Coldstream so there's a huge surface lot...

When will the Cheapside project be finished?

Yes, that does mean that there is more to do in the park.

While we are closing in on the end of another season of Thursday Night Live, the row of temporary plastic columns, on the old courthouse side, have not been replaced with the market stalls that are supposed to be there.

And Henkel-Denmark has not completed the landscaping of the tree wells.

While we are at it, can someone tell why the pebbled area under the tree at the Short St end washes out large amounts of rocks whenever it rains?

Inquiring minds...

New sign up on the corner of Short and Broadway. Has a new contractor sign plus a 'Shakespeare and Co Coming Soon' sign. Maybe they will get back to work on it. Also, the old Mia's site on Limestone also has a new restaurant going in. Not sure of the details.
This is not going to be a fly-by-night operation by the looks of their website (http://www.shakespeareandco.ae). All other locations listed are in the middle east.

From their website:
Since its establishment, Shakespeare and Co. has grown to nine restaurants in the UAE with central warehousing and a central production kitchen for all operations. The company’s brand has been further enhanced by the establishment of Shakespeare and Co. Floral Creations, Shakespeare and Co. Pâtisserie, Shakespeare and Co. Catering, and Shakespeare and Co. Chocolates.

The existing brands of the Company, which are currently employed in the U.A.E, are as follows:
1. Shakespeare and Co. Restaurant and Café
2. Shakespeare and Co. Catering
3. Shakespeare and Co. Patisserie
4. Shakespeare and Co. Chocolates
5. Shakespeare and Co. Floral Creations

In 2011, Shakespeare and Co. plans to open new outlets in Abu Dhabi.

Internationally, Shakespeare and Co. has franchise locations in Syria and Bahrain, with plans to open more locations in the next 5 years.

Assuming the site is up to date it's pretty cool that this will be the franchise's North American debut!

I'm sure there's some connection to the horse industry since we get a lot of visits from wealthy middle-easterners due to that industry and many of them own 2nd (or 3rd, 4th, or 5th, etc.) homes here.

So is anyone else following the Lexington-Louisville "super region" talks? I watched a video of the presentation yesterday in Louisville and while it made me take the whole thing a little more seriously I still have my doubts that this is going to result in any real substanative results. I'd love to think that it will but I haven't heard any concrete plans for making this matter. I realize that we just may not be to the planning stage yet though and I was wondering if you all had any thoughts on the whole thing?

More on Trader Joe's. Anticipated opening in 2012

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/08/12/1843230/trader-joes-will-open-lexington.html

Things are happening in downtown Lexington.

Check the blog post for all the details

With the Harrodsburg Rd. interchange open a day ahead of schedule a took a ddrive out there to check it out and the traffic flow was moving through very smoothly! It was also just fun driving on the lefthand side of the road.

Ground's been broken on the first building of BCTC's new campus!

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/08/15/1846550/construction-begins-on-new-bctc.html

A liquor license has been applied for the corner of Short and Limestone in the name of Southern Table LLC.

So, now we know the names of both bookends of the revitalizing Short St.

Sounds good on the restaurants but Im wondering how long it will be until the parking lots on short st. are developed? Probably not for a long time, but it seems both those lots would be perfect for development now.

Sounds good on the restaurants but Im wondering how long it will be until the parking lots on short st. are developed? Probably not for a long time, but it seems both those lots would be perfect for development now.
Downtown development has usually shied away from rebuilding on smaller lots in the past 30 years. They have gone for big projects and flashy, large dollar tenants who are just looking for the quick fad type business. I would hope that the successes of our current entertainment sites will encourage more to come but building new instead of remodeling really changes the economics of the deal. Some residential in the mix almost has to be there to even get off the ground.

I would love to see a couple developments along the scale of the Blackhorse a few years ago either on the surface parking lots on Short or a just off short

I believe Wayne Lollis owns those lots and he has never been one to sell something other than at top dollar. Because of that, it is hard to make much sense of building a new building as opposed to remodeling. There isn't a ton of vacancy, but there are still empty or under utilized buildings in the downtown core and I imagine you can renovate those for much less than you can build something new. Plus, once(if) Centerpoint gets off the ground, there will be quite a bit of new retail available. The other problem is that the two projects that were built had middling to no success. There is still retail vacancy on both Main and Rose and 500's on Main, so I don't think there is a huge clamoring for new space. I think the Short st is more desirable, but I still don't see anything happening there any time soon. There is still an empty lot on the corner of Mill and 2nd and I haven't heard a peep about it, so until planned projects start getting back on track, I doubt your are going to hear much about new ones.
Also, with all of the people coming downtown, we do need parking. I think part of the success of Short st is that there are two big surface lots which makes it easy to park. If you eliminate that I think it would hurt the existing businesses.

The shells of the new development buildings put up today are basically devoid of character and that is what many entertainment spots want these days.

Look at what the TrusT folks did to remove the mundane and restore character. That was expensive to pull off, so why would anyone want to do that on a gamble? Pulse nightclub tried that in the old Northern Bank Building and now it going to be Parlay Social (No I don't know what type of place it will be).

That is true. A lot of restaurants and especially bars like the older look of the downtown buildings. They would have to try to recreate it in a new building, which would be even more difficult than usual since you would be surrounded by authentic buildings. Local owners clearly don't want the newer buildings. Look at the two developments and it has 2 chain fast food type restaurants, a chain bar, a Fed Ex/Kinkos and offices. A plain vanilla box is not very inspiring to most potential owners who have a vision for something different and interesting which I imagine is what draws most people to downtown.

Dudley Webb says he expects to break ground within months to begin building a parking garage. From there, the phases will depend on the amount of available financing. Hopefully things will be improving in the financial markets although there is still a lot of uncertainty with the banks and so forth today, particularly as it comes to re estate investing...

Did anyone else see this on the news last night? See the story here (http://www.wkyt.com/news/headlines/New_talk_about_the_future_of_CentrePointe_128421283.html)

After the heady rush of the recent (re)unveiling, suddenly it doesn't seem quite so promising.

The heady rush of the Studio Gang revelations is just the expectations of our instant gratification generation. The WTC site is still uncompleted and it is 10 years since the 9/11 disaster. Ms Gang emphasized that the former facade and the one across the street spanned 80 years in style and we want it all done in a year or two?

It doesn't make sense.

The heady rush of the Studio Gang revelations is just the expectations of our instant gratification generation. The WTC site is still uncompleted and it is 10 years since the 9/11 disaster. Ms Gang emphasized that the former facade and the one across the street spanned 80 years in style and we want it all done in a year or two?

It doesn't make sense.

I wouldn't even begin to compare NYC with its grandiose scale, and sclerotic politics, and a rather modest project in Lexington.

here's an artists rendering (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=178841728853726&set=a.178841722187060.46415.125230977548135&type=1&theater) of the new "prohibition lounge" Parlay Social going in on short st. next to dudley's. Not really sure what to expect of the place but it looks like they are making some changes to the outside which will be great.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Parlay-Social/125230977548135

I wouldn't even begin to compare NYC with its grandiose scale, and sclerotic politics, and a rather modest project in Lexington.

That may be true, but it is still a huge project that we just saw the preliminary concepts for a couple of months ago. Even in the absolute best case scenario we weren't going to see anything for a while. They is a ton of work on a project of this size to go from concept to full scale plans. I think it is promising that they are talking about starting the parking deck. If that gets built, you have to think something fairly sizable will eventually get built also. There is way too much cost to just build a parking deck. i am excited about it. I think we will see it completed within the next 5 years which IMO would be fantastic.

Wow, I guess I'm going to have to adjust my expectations. Nothing, NOTHING in the chatter that attended the (re)unveiling suggested, "If we get something in five years I'll be excited!"

Life is just a continual process of adjusting your expectations. Wishing for a major snowfall so that you will get out of school become dreading an amount half as large because you have to go to work in it. Waiting for summer weather that is so hot that you cannot enjoy it without air conditioning. Making downtown livable before you are too old to take advantage of it. Those sorts of things.

An update on The Red Mile development.

Red Mile redevelopment might include instant racing (http://www.kentucky.com/2011/08/30/1863184/red-mile-redevelopment-might-include.html)

By Janet Patton — jpatton1@herald-leader.com

Aug 31, 2011

The Red Mile last week received final approval from the state for more than $25.32 million in tax increment financing for a re development project near downtown Lexington that would include instant racing.

The Lexington harness racetrack — just off South Broadway, about a half-mile from the University of Kentucky campus — proposed an 80-acre mixed-used development of apartments, a hotel, retail and restaurant spaces, parking garages and offices.

According to the approval from the Kentucky Economic Development Financing Authority, the TIF portion from the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government would be reduced to slightly less than $13.79 million "if in the future instant racing is determined to be an ineligible activity."

The Red Mile in 2009 applied for $54 million in tax increment financing for the $187 million development. The Lexington Trots Breeders Association, which owns the track, said it plans to invest about $133 million in private funds.

The idea behind TIF projects is for governments to invest in improving infrastructure and then pay for those improvements using new tax revenue, which developments are expected to generate when the projects are completed and areas are revitalized.

The Red Mile has not applied for Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approval for instant racing machines, commission attorney Tim West said. Each Kentucky track can have its own instant racing venues, so The Red Mile and Keeneland could apply separately, West said.

Kentucky Downs in Franklin is opening the state's first expanded gambling site Thursday. Ellis Park in Henderson also is expected to apply to put in the machines, which resemble electronic slot machines.

The Red Mile's president and chief executive, Joe Costa, said Tuesday that the track would wait until an appeal on the legality of betting on "historical races" makes its way through the courts.

The Family Foundation, a conservative advocacy group, has challenged a ruling made in December in Franklin Circuit Court that such bets are pari-mutuel and legal even though the players bet on races that have been run already.

Costa said that if the courts uphold the ruling, The Red Mile plans to renovate its grandstand to install a limited number of gambling machines.

"If it's successful, then we'd expand to a full-fledged instant racing parlor, which would mean expanding the grandstand as well," Costa said.

"Our board is intent on preserving The Red Mile. Short of gaming, the avenues I have are real estate development and pursuing instant racing," Costa said.

He said discussions also are under way to sell one parcel along Broadway, where the Tattersalls sales ring sits.

So, the gist of it is that the Red Mile has been approved for about half of what was requested for TIF (though NO firm plans are known) and would be reduced by half again (should instant racing be added).

And all the headline can say is that instant racing is possible. Can you say, "treading water"?

Since we're talking about the Red Mile development, has anyone heard of an update for the nearby Krikorian development?

Not a peep so far, and they have had their TIF approval for some time now. Maybe they have run into the same funding problems as everybody else. I think that others are looking at the property also.

I did hear that the Country Boys Brewing got their permit for a place on Chair Ave. which will include a "tasting room"

New direct flight from Bluegrass Airport to Las Vegas.

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/09/01/1865382/allegiant-to-offer-non-stop-flights.html

Life is just a continual process of adjusting your expectations. Wishing for a major snowfall so that you will get out of school become dreading an amount half as large because you have to go to work in it. Waiting for summer weather that is so hot that you cannot enjoy it without air conditioning. Making downtown livable before you are too old to take advantage of it. Those sorts of things.

Your fellow Lexingtonians, all the movers and shakers, and not a few on this thread (dare I say even yourself ?), could have used this sort of homespun wisdom.

heres a good question and answer about the Rupp Arena Arts and Entertainment District with Mitch Barnhart and Gary Bates from Space Group. http://blogs.courier-journal.com/ukbeat/2011/09/07/rupps-future-still-uncertain-but-plans-in-the-works/

Herald Leader article about the Rupp Arena Task Force meeting today

Planner says it's too early in arena, arts project to determine Rupp's future (http://www.kentucky.com/2011/09/07/1872522/planner-says-its-too-early-in.html)

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2011/09/07/16/43/XEVcH.AuSt.79.jpg

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2011/09/07/16/38/zp91q.AuSt.79.jpg

By Beverly Fortune and Jerry Tipton — bfortune@herald-leader.com

Sep 7, 2011

A downtown arena — whether a new or renovated Rupp Arena — can be the catalyst to unlock the potential for a proposed Arena, Arts and Entertainment District in Lexington, the master planner hired by a task force said Wednesday in an introductory meeting where he emphasized no decision has been made about the current home of the Wildcats.

Gary Bates, one of three founding members of a Norway-based architectural and design firm called SpaceGroup, told the Arena, Arts and Entertainment District Task Force that he had no early leanings about whether to renovate Rupp or tear down the existing arena and build new one.

"At this point, all options are on the table," said Bates, hired to do a master design plan for an arena, convention center and entertainment district.

The meeting was for an update on work by the 47-member task force's three major committees.

Two major recommendations from these committees were to significantly expand the city's convention facilities and optimize Rupp for maximum fan experience and future revenue.

Bates said he did not lean one way or the other toward building a new arena or renovating Rupp. He called Rupp "a major part of the identity of Lexington."

"Any architect, of course, says it's a great opportunity to build a major facility," he said. "I think we have to look at all options. The most important thing for us is how to preserve the atmosphere of Rupp."

He described the atmosphere as "amazing" and "incredible." A small portion of Rupp is dubbed the E-Rupp-tion Zone, but Bates said after the meeting, "The whole thing should be called the E-Rupp-tion Zone."

Asked how that special atmosphere could be preserved in a new arena, Bates said the question is "How do you improve the fan experience. . .at the same time, maintaining what I call the whole thing as an E-Rupp-tion Zone. That's what's exciting about Rupp to me."

University of Kentucky athletics director Mitch Barnhart was asked later if he detected things trending toward a renovation of Rupp. "I don't think there is any trending at all. I think they said about four times today that all things are on the table, and I think all things are genuinely on the table. At least they better be," he said.

Asked if would be feasible for UK to temporarily play in another arena if Rupp is renovated, Barnhart said it would be difficult, in part because it would put UK at a competitive disadvantage.

"You're not in your home gym," he said. "We have created a wonderful home-court advantage in our gym, and you give that up when you are away from there."

Among other task force recommendations were to bring Town Branch Creek back to the surface and connect it with the Distillery District to the west of Lexington Center, perhaps build an art museum and a small performing arts center.

The Needs, Use and Benefit Committee is chaired by Wil James, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown; Planning and Design, chaired by former Mayor Pam Miller; and Technical Advisory, chaired by Bill Owen, president and CEO of the Lexington Center.

SpaceGroup's headquarters are Oslo, but Bates is from Wilmington, Del. After graduating in architecture from Virginia Tech in 1990, he worked with internationally acclaimed architect Rem Koolhaas's firm OMA in Amsterdam, Holland, eventually becoming director of Asian operations. He has also worked on projects with Chicago architect Jeanne Gang, hired to redesign the CentrePointe mixed use project for The Webb Companies.

His firm is working with Omni Architects of Lexington and Global Spectrum, a technical firm that specializes in arenas.

Bates said he expected to deliver the first major draft of the master plan by late January or early February.

Bates is already familiar with Lexington because he taught on the UK College of Design faculty in 2008-09 when he held the Brown Forman Chair in Urban Design. He was hired for the endowed position by Michael Speaks, dean of the College of Design, and a Task Force member.

Later in the day, Bates and Mayor Jim Gray briefed members of the Urban County Council and Lexington's legislative delegation.

Gray said fully developing an arts and entertainment district would potentially take several years, adding, "We're at the first step of a 10-step process." He said it could take 25 years to fully develop any plan.

Council member Julian Beard said the fact that the city already owns the 46 acres in the proposed arts and entertainment district "is a huge advantage."

He agreed with Gray that the city was not on a schedule to quickly develop the district. The only time element is UK's contract with the city expires in 2018.

State Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo asked how new buildings would be funded. Task force chairman Brent Rice said it would have to be through a combination of public and private money.

State Rep. Susan Westrom said it was important that the legislative delegation be kept apprised of SpaceGroup's work. She praised Gray for briefing legislators.

"Communication, early on, is extremely important. There are so many possibilities here. We want to be kept informed and I compliment the mayor for including us."

Alltech breaks ground for bourbon distillery west of downtown Lexington (http://www.kentucky.com/2011/09/10/1875973/alltech-breaks-ground-for-bourbon.html?storylink=fblikebtn)

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2011/09/09/18/56/qCx3Q.AuSt.79.jpg

By Beverly Fortune — bfortune@herald-leader.com

Sep 10, 2011

Alltech broke ground Friday for a $4.5 million distillery that company president Pearse Lyons said will be the first built in Lexington in nearly 100 years.

In the 20,000 square-foot plant, Alltech's Lexington Brewing and Distilling company will produce a new bourbon scheduled to be launched this fall, to be named Town Branch Bourbon after the stream that runs under downtown Lexington. The distillery also will produce Pearse Lyons Reserve whiskey and Bluegrass Sundown, an after-dinner bourbon-and-coffee beverage.

The distillery will be at 401 Cross Street, between Maxwell and Pine streets. The site is across from the brewery where Alltech produces its Kentucky Ale and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, and next to a former ice house used as the brewery visitors center. Alltech is a global animal health and nutrition company based in Nicholasville.

Construction is scheduled to begin Sept. 19 and is expected to take about a year.

Lyons said the new building was needed because Alltech's production of its ales has grown; the beers are now sold in seven states. The company intends to expand distribution to several other states by year's end.

Production of the ales, whiskey and after-dinner drink has outgrown the existing buildings, and the new distillery will provide needed expansion. Also, for about four years, the company has made the bourbon that it will formally unveil in a few months.

That bourbon is stored in hundreds of barrels in a warehouse in Bardstown, "quietly maturing," Lyons said. Alltech has bought a 300,000 square-foot commercial building on Angliana Avenue — formerly headquarters for Eagle Beer Distributors — and will store the bourbon barrels there once production is ramped up.

Initially, the distillery will produce 1,000 cases of bourbon, but Lyons said production could reach 40,000 to 80,000 cases.

Million Architecture in Nicholasville designed the distillery, which will be built of Kentucky limestone, with glass walls on three sides so the copper stills and fermentation tanks can be seen from the outside. "It's designed to be visitor-friendly and to showcase the products," architect Jay Million said.

Lyons said he hopes the distillery will become a tourist destination.

He said the project will require about 50 construction jobs and about a dozen additional jobs for Alltech's Beverage Division, bringing the division's total to 50.

Mayor Jim Gray called opening a bourbon distillery in Lexington's urban core "a big deal" for boosting revitalization efforts and paying homage to the city's bourbon heritage. Lexington was a major bourbon producer in Kentucky about a century ago, with three large distillers on Manchester Street, including the James E. Pepper Distillery, the nation's largest bourbon distillery at the time.

Gray said the distillery will be "within a stone's throw" of the proposed Arena, Arts and Entertainment district and said he expects it to become "a leveraging point for the district."

A portion of the former Pepper distillery houses Barrel House Distilling Co., which makes Pure Blue vodka and is waiting for its bourbon and bourbon-barrel rum to age.

I ran across this powerpoint slide from Space Group at the Rupp task force meeting and thought it was interesting. This would definitely make sense and seems like a reasonable idea for future growth.

http://bluenationblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Screen-shot-2011-09-07-at-8.03.49-PM.png

^ Looks exciting and doable at the same time.

Here's the new website for the Rupp Arena Arts and Entertainment District (http://www.ruppdistrict.com). Lots of information.

I have been studying the Existing Conditions section of the Rupp Arena A&E District site and find many errors in their current property owners map (http://ruppdistrict.com/process/preliminary-reports/planning-and-design/summary-of-existing-conditions/land-ownership/).

1. I don't think that the Salvation Army property can be considered public land.
2. The property along Cox St where the water towers stan has to be owned by the KAWC (though we did try to buy them at one point).
3. It leaves out the Woodward Heights Park and the adjacent street right of way for Manchester and Merino. Also the LCC storage building nearby.
4. It shows the Metropol building and the parking lot next door to be publicly owned.
5. It omits the Fire Station #3 at the corner of Maxwell and Merino.

I wonder what other errors there are in the base data and therefore in the final recommendations.

Centrepoint architect wins McArther "Genius Award". Feather in our cap too?

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/09/20/1889949/centrepointe-architect-wins-500000.html

Looks like two new Art in Motion shelters are in the works, one on Southland by the Co-op, the other on Leestown

http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-c-2011-09-27-98983.113117-Design-Contest-Seeks-Ideas-for-2-New-Art-Shelters.html

Also, the much talked about Tiffany & Co. manufacturing plant is now up and running

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/09/27/1899506/lexington-welcomes-tiffany-and.html

Glad to see the ice skating rink is happening. This should bring a lot more people downtown in the winter for things other than basketball.

Locust trees planted as part of Triangle Park's transformation (http://www.kentucky.com/2011/09/29/1902444/locust-trees-planted-as-part-of.html)

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2011/09/29/17/28/44RbM.AuSt.79.jpg

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2011/09/29/15/09/K6VqI.AuSt.79.jpg

By Beverly Fortune — bfortune@herald-leader.com

Sep 29, 2011

Triangle Park began to reclaim its park-like look on Thursday as a landscaping crew planted the first of approximately 70 Imperial honey locust trees slated to go back into the tiny downtown Lexington oasis.

Renovations to the 30-year old park, which began in May, will include a central lawn, outdoor cafe, a winter-time ice skating rink and an activities area for games.

The $1.3 million in improvements are being made by the Triangle Foundation, which built the park with private money and contributes annually to its upkeep. The park — in front of Lexington Center — is owned by the city, but is under the care and control of Lexington Center Corp.

The park's original Bradford pear trees had to be removed because many were dying of fire blight, a rapidly growing bacterial disease.

Lexington's excessively rainy summer slowed work, but otherwise, "All is going as planned," said Steve Grossman, president of the Triangle Foundation.

About Nov. 14, crews will begin assembling the ice rink, and around the rink will be small tables, chairs and a skate rental area.

As many as 20,000 skaters might take to the ice this winter if projections hold true from other cities with ice skating rinks, Grossman said.

Startdust Cruisers of Monticello is manufacturing the cafe structure. Applications are due Friday from firms wanting to operate the food service. If the cafe is not completed by the time the skating rink opens, there will be food carts set up to sell hot chocolate and cider, Grossman said.

A heating element is being installed in the big stair-step fountain so it can operate year-round. "We won't have to close it down in the winter," Grossman aid, except perhaps on the nastiest winter days when the apron in front of the foundation might become ice-coated. "We'll probably turn it on this fall for a little bit. It's something we are still working out with Lexington Center."

Flowering shrubs will be planted along the back of the fountain along Vine Street to make it visually more attractive when looking out from the Lexington Center.

In the spring, after the ice rink is taken up, the park will be closed for a short time, Grossman said, so sod can be laid, ivy planted "and we make sure everything is perfect." After one final cleanup, a re-dedication is planned around the opening of the Keeneland spring meet.

Next summer an inflatable screen will be set up for a new downtown attraction — movies in the park. And the YMCA has agreed to offer free yoga classes on the lawn. "We want to program activities to get people in there, make it a people-park, Grossman said.

They have definitely begun moving dirt on that block across from The Lex on Broadway, which is going to be townhouses I believe. Massive amounts of dirt have been excavated and there is building material onsite. Looks like this is getting built, can anyone recall the article about this project or the details?

They have definitely begun moving dirt on that block across from The Lex on Broadway, which is going to be townhouses I believe. Massive amounts of dirt have been excavated and their is building material onsite. Looks like this is getting built, can anyone recall the article about this project or the details?

That part of the project is going to be the Jefferson Davis Inn which is going to be a pub. The other part of the project is going to be townhouses called village at south broadway. Here is the article (http://www.kentucky.com/2011/05/07/1732422/pub-and-townhomes-planned-for.html#storylink=misearch)

The new Tempur-Pedic headquarters broke ground today in Coldstream. http://goo.gl/bT5up

In the link there is a picture which shows the broad image of the 4 story building in the background.

This is a really great company and project for Lexington. It is a large, public, global corporation that wants to keep it's headquarters in Lexington instead of moving them to some larger east-coast city. So, a huge bravo to everyone involved in finding them a nice new home in Coldstream. One of the best uses of that research park space so far.

On the Jefferson Davis Inn, they moved a lot of dirt a few weeks ago, dug a foundation and formed footers but in the past two weeks - very little has been done.

Tempur-Pedic is moving along now that they got the Development Plan signed and a building permit.

And be on the lookout for the plans on the Bread Box adaptive reuse project for the old Rainbo Bread factory at the end of Jefferson St. It looks like that there is some movement in local development.

It is great that we are getting another brewery at the Bread Box adaptive reuse site. Glad to see them taking over that spot as it has been empty for a few years.

Craft brewery with tap room to occupy former Lexington bakery (http://www.kentucky.com/2011/10/05/1909041/craft-brewery-with-tap-room-to.html)

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2011/10/05/10/32/3itKl.St.79.jpg

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2011/10/05/10/31/UXw4W.St.79.jpg

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2011/10/05/10/30/BWAPf.AuSt.79.jpg

By Beverly Fortune bfortune@herald-leader.com

West Sixth Brewing Company, a new craft brewery, announced Wednesday it will open a tap room, beer garden and beer production facility in the former Rainbo Bakery building at Jefferson and West Sixth streets in Lexington.

The micro-brewery will be part of a larger, mixed-used development, called The Bread Box, planned for the 90,000-square-foot building.

The development will include other "like-minded businesses and non-profit organizations that share our values and dedication to the community," Ben Self, one of the founders, said during a walk-through of the building.

Already committed to go into The Bread Box are The Broke Spoke Community Bike Shop, Cricket Press and FoodChain, a nonprofit focused on urban indoor food farming. It will grow vegetables and raise tilapia fish as part of a "vertical farm."

Self, 34, was a founder of Blue State Digital, which played a key role in Barack Obama's presidential campaign. Self has since left the company.

In addition to Self, three other businessmen are involved in the brewery: Joe Kuosman, 34; Brady Barlow, 37; and Robin Sither, 39. The brewing company will begin producing beer in the spring.

Self said they were all fans of home-brewed beer.

West Sixth Brewing will brew small batches of a variety of different beers. "Always top quality, fresh beer using local ingredients whenever possible," said Sither, who brings 10 years of experience at Alltech's Kentucky Ale brewery.

An underlying principle of the company is to be environmentally friendly, hire local workers and be a good partner to the historic Northside Neighborhood.

The micro-brewery will donate 6 percent of its profits to local charities and non-profit organizations "that make our community a great place to live," Self said.

Kuosman, Barlow and Self, partners in The Bread Box, paid $550,000 for the building at 501 West Sixth Street that dates to the 1890s.

It was a bakery until the 1990s, and in recent years was used for record storage by Vital Records Inc.

Much of the structure is divided into large open rooms with industrial-style windows. Floors, walls and roof are intact. "That was one of the attractions. There is still lots of original parts to the building, things we can use," Kuosman said.

In the room where the brewery will be housed, the original yellow tile walls — still in good condition — remain. Several rooms have the original tile floors.

The partners looked at other buildings before settling on the Rainbo building.

Barlow said several positive factors converge at that location.

The next phase of Legacy Trail, a bike and jogging path, will pass beside the building. The new Bluegrass Community and Technical College campus under construction is immediately to the west; Transylvania University with 1,100 students is a few blocks to the east.

The Bread Box is the latest in a series of projects transforming Jefferson Street into a restaurant and entertainment corridor.

Bars and restaurants on Jefferson between West Main and Third include Stella's Deli, the Grey Goose, Nick Ryan's Saloon, Wine + Market, Wingspan, the Green Lantern and Cornermart Grill.

On Saturday, a barbecue and steak restaurant, Wagon and Bones, is scheduled to open at the corner of West Short and Jefferson.

A warehouse at 505 West Fourth Street and Jefferson was purchased by Town Properties in August for $500,000, according to the property valuation administrator's website. Plans for that two-acre site have not been announced.

Keith Clark, owner of the Grey Goose, has bought a house at 485 Jefferson, across the street from his popular pizza restaurant and bar. He plans to open an upscale cocktail lounge called The Blue Heron.

Clark, who lives around the corner from the Grey Goose on West Second, said he had anticipated the Goose would be "a lightly patronized neighborhood place. The number of people coming here exceeded my expectations by double."

Don Wathan, owner of Nick Ryan's Saloon at 157 Jefferson, said he was glad to hear of a business going into the former bakery. "That's such a positive step. With the opening of the community college, that whole north end of Jefferson Street is going to be revitalized," he said.

Wathan built a building for Nick Ryan's that opened in November 2010. The restaurant is on the first floor. Two apartments are on the second.

The success of the restaurant spurred Wathan to purchase property next door and build a second building for more inside and outside dining space. The addition opened in September. "I'm just excited about the whole street. I see Jefferson becoming a dining district," he said.

Next door to Nick Ryan's, an historic house at 163 Jefferson is being renovated by the Lexington Home Ownership Commission. And at 167 Jefferson, the commission is building a four-plex apartment building.

Both the house and four-plex, built with no federal housing subsidies, will be rented at market rates comparable to other rents in that neighborhood, said Barry Holmes, chief operating officer of the Lexington Housing Authority. Construction is scheduled for completion in February.

Seth Brewer, president of the Northside Neighborhood Association, said: "We are excited that the Rainbo Bakery will be brought back into human use, and what the developers plan is so in line with what we want in the neighborhood."

Northside is in a unique position, Brewer said, in that the neighborhood has industrial zones abutting residential zones, a holdover from the time when industrial sites used to be on the outskirts of town. "We don't want to have a 24-7 noise producer in our industrial buildings. But we don't want them to be boarded-up buildings either," Brewer said. The association thinks the brewery and the larger Bread Box will be a good fit.

Brewer hopes the Bread Box will be a positive influence for that section of Jefferson and West Sixth — much like Al's Bar has been on North Limestone — to help erase "the old stereotypes of the Northside and downtown being high crime areas."

According to police statistics, the Central sector of the city is the safest of the city's three police sectors. And the Northside is the safest neighborhood in the Central sector.

Red Mile plans to sell Tattersalls site for student housing development (http://www.kentucky.com/2011/10/05/1908382/red-mile-plans-to-sell-tattersalls.html)

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2011/10/04/18/33/bzAgG.AuSt.79.jpg

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2011/10/05/05/56/hxXB4.AuSt.79.jpg

By Beverly Fortune — bfortune@herald-leader.com

Oct 5, 2011

The Red Mile's Standardbred racetrack has a contract to sell 10 acres facing South Broadway, including the former Tattersalls sales pavilion, where a developer plans a major student housing project.

Hallmark Campus Communities of Columbus, Ohio, proposes to build an 832-bed project with four four-story buildings, a swimming pool, a pool house with an exercise center, and outdoor volleyball and basketball courts.

Each single, double, triple and fourplex unit will be provided a washer and dryer, and each bedroom will have a private bath. No retail is planned.

A principal partner in the Hallmark project was a principal in Newtown Crossing, also on South Broadway, which opened in 2005 with 340 apartments targeting the University of Kentucky student market, said James H. Frazier III, a Lexington attorney representing Hallmark.

The company filed a request Monday with Lexington's planning staff to change the zoning at the Tattersalls site from warehouse to R-5 high-density residential. The agreed sales price was not disclosed.

Hallmark's application will be reviewed Nov. 3 by the zoning committee of the planning commission. A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 17, and the planning commission will then make a recommendation to the Urban County Council.

If everything goes smoothly, Frazier said, "We hope to be through the zoning change in 120 days."

Construction is scheduled to start in 2012, and the complex would be open for students in fall 2013.

Selling Tattersalls and 10 acres was not a difficult decision for the Standardbred track, said Joe Costa, president and chief executive of The Red Mile. For the Past five years, The Red Mile has sold Standardbred, Saddlebred and quarter horses under its sales company name at the Fasig-Tipton Pavilion, 2400 Newtown Pike.

An evaluation of the Tattersalls building last winter found it "not in great shape," Costa said. Renovation costs to make the building functional and attractive to consignors were "excessive."

"The question became, do we renovate and brings sales back to The Red Mile, or stay at Fasig-Tipton?" Costa said. The track extended its lease to sell at Fasig-Tipton, "which meant the Tattersall property had very limited use for us going forward."

Three development companies approached the track wanting to buy land for student housing, Costa said.

At least six large residential complexes have opened on the west side of the UK campus since 2005, reshaping an area traditionally known for tobacco warehouses, older houses and historic districts.

One complex on Angliana Avenue, on the site of a former tobacco warehouse that backs up to the Red Mile, has more than 1,100 beds.

Developing Lexington's South Broadway corridor — just west of the University of Kentucky campus — and Red Mile Road fits with the track's vision for redeveloping its front 65 acres for retail, bars and restaurants, a drugstore, a bank, offices, a jogging and bike trail, and housing.

That parcel, now mostly a parking lot and green space between Red Mile Road and the back of the Red Mile grandstand, has been rezoned for mixed-used development.

A development plan by Urban Collage has received state approval for tax-increment financing. "We are ready to go. We're just waiting for the private sector," Costa said.

"We are in a college town and close to the UK campus," he said. About the Tattersall property, Costa said, "Of all the things we could do, I think this fits our future vision."

Driving this off-campus housing boom is a generation of college students who want amenities not found in 40-year-old dormitories or in older houses in neighborhoods near UK, where students have lived for decades.

They come with a different perspective than students had a generation ago, said Frazier, the attorney for Hallmark. They typically have had their own bedroom at home growing up. They did not have to share a bathroom. They want the same amenities at college that they had at home, he said.

Private developers have responded to student demands with apartments equipped with dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, internet and cable access, panic alarms, smoke detectors and sprinklers. Some complexes have a movie theater, a fitness center, a study hall, an outdoor pool, tanning beds and outdoor grills.

Only about 23 percent of UK students live on campus; most of them are freshmen.

"The remaining 22,000 students live somewhere off campus," Tony Blanton, director of off-campus student services, wrote via email.

"The market will determine whether new housing is needed in any particular area. However, it is always good to see new, safe housing being built near our campus. We want our students to have several housing options available to them," Blanton said.

Really disappointed this isn't happening this was one development I was looking forward to.

Project that would have included cinemas, bowling alley will not be built (http://www.kentucky.com/2011/10/05/1908394/project-that-would-have-included.html)

By Beverly Fortune — bfortune@herald-leader.com

Oct 5, 2011

A development announced for Angliana Avenue that would have included a multi-screen cinema, bowling alley, restaurants, retail stores, a grocery and 150 apartments will not be built.

George Krikorian, a California developer, who announced the ShowProp project in June 2009, said then that he had built more than 20 multi-screen theaters, most in urban settings in California, frequently combining new construction with renovated old buildings.

He estimated that the mixed-use project would cost more than $70 million.

The 15-acre site is within walking distance of the University of Kentucky, Main Street, Lexington Center and the South Hill neighborhood. It includes the former Kentucky Eagle Beer distributorship building at 475 Angliana Avenue, a tobacco warehouse and part of the adjoining railroad property.

Chris Westover, attorney for Krikorian, said "There were too many issues related to timing and property owners, including the railroad."

It goes to show, she said, why redevelopment of urban areas, often called infill, is so difficult. You have to assemble parcels, and "everything needs to happen in conjunction and culminate simultaneously," she said.

Westover said she had not spoken directly to Krikorian about ShowProp. "But it's my understanding he would very much like to do something in Lexington. It's just hard to find the right land in the right circumstances."

Already committed to go into the space are The Broke Spoke Community Bike Shop, Cricket Press and FoodChain, which will grow vegetables in vertical containers and also raise Tilapia fish.

One needs to be careful when buying and eating farmed Tilapia. see the report presented here (http://www.wakehealth.edu/News-Releases/2008/Wake_Forest_Researchers_Say_Popular_Fish_Contains_Potentially_Dangerous_Fatty_Acid_Combination.htm). Otherwise this is good news.

here is a rendering of "The Bread Box" along with their website (http://www.breadboxlex.com/) and here is Business Lexington's article (http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-c-2011-10-05-99106.113117-MicroBrewery-planned-for-Lexingtons-Northside.html#123).

http://www.breadboxlex.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/rainbo-render1.jpg

The Red Mile development is good news. That should serve to bulk up that portion of S. Broadway. The density certainly seems to be marching South through that area!

here is a rendering of "The Bread Box" along with their website (http://www.breadboxlex.com/) and here is Business Lexington's article (http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-c-2011-10-05-99106.113117-MicroBrewery-planned-for-Lexingtons-Northside.html#123).

http://www.breadboxlex.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/rainbo-render1.jpg

That looks sharp. That is really going to change that area.

http://www.breadboxlex.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/rainbo-render1.jpg
Don't let Graham Pohl and his group see this. They will want to force all the electric lines to be placed underground and the poles removed.

What is not seen here are the railroad tracks (which I hope will carry more traffic in future) and the connections to BCTCS.

^^Also not pictured is a single person of color in a historically black neighborhood. I hope that's not a reflection on their plans for the neighborhood...

@breadbox - I'm not sure that property will be connected to BCTC. In the BCTC plans, 5th street was the connector, not 6th. Not that there needs to be a street, but it would help. Just wish this was a little closer to the development that has already happened on Jefferson. It is a long way from Grey Goose (one of my favorite spots in town) and if you have to pass the Green Lantern, one can't help but think the neighborhood is getting sketchy.

@redmile - Awesome. My only concern is Broadway being such a huge street with all these students around it. Already now out on Broadway you have to dodge students from time to time. There needs to be a better student crossing solution that doesn't involve walking down railroad tracks.

But, I am just so excited about the development of this side of campus. There are still a few properties (such as the UK/Southhill Group property that was considered for development) that need redevelopment to tie everything together, but it is getting there. What we need now is some sort of retail & gathering solution, even just some open spaces oriented toward Broadway in an inviting manner, to give this a community and welcoming feeling. And, since all these kids are walking, there needs to be more development toward walkers and less toward cars.

With so much development and housing, we are going to need a name for this broader neighborhood soon (still a fan of BlueMile).

@angliana cinema - bet that guy is kicking himself now with 800 more kids living next door. But, I can see the railroad being a problem in this area. The City is going to need to work with Norfolk Southern to get their act together in this increasingly high density part of the city.

^^Also not pictured is a single person of color in a historically black neighborhood. I hope that's not a reflection on their plans for the neighborhood...

Had a similar thought, but I doubt is was intentional. That is a pretty mixed neighborhood actually, but it certainly is not lily white.
As for 6th street going though, there is a park and a police station(mounted division) at the end of the street so I doubt it will connect. This area needs some activity and eyes on the street. There is nothing worse than an empty warehouse on the edge of a decent but not great area. It can really cause a neighborhood to tilt in the other direction.
Also, people used to consider the area where Grey Goose, etc are rather rough in the pretty recent past.

Don't let Graham Pohl and his group see this. They will want to force all the electric lines to be placed underground and the poles removed.

What is not seen here are the railroad tracks (which I hope will carry more traffic in future) and the connections to BCTCS.


BTW, the Legacy Trail is going to run by this. Not sure how close, but certainly in the general area.
Also, I agree on the power lines, but it won't happen. I hate overhead power lines, they are horrifically ugly.

If BCTC students are going to be living in the Coolavin Apartments, then there WILL be a pedestrian connection to the campus. I think that a legal one should be planned for at this time. Remember, the Hope Center is also just across the tracks from here and I don't wish any of them harm from this development.

The South Broadway apartments at Tattersals has remarkably fewer parking spaces than normal (748 spaces for 832 bedrooms). Are college kids driving less these days?

The South Broadway apartments at Tattersals has remarkably fewer parking spaces than normal (748 spaces for 832 bedrooms). Are college kids driving less these days?

Yes. Working at the COE on Scott St., I can report with certainty that most students living along the Broadway corridor are walking/biking to classes. Even those living as far away as The Lex. By the time they drive over (remember, no direct route have to deal with both Broadway and Limestone/Upper traffic), find a spot to park (a difficult task), walk from that spot (which will be far) ... you'd already be in your seat in class. One of my graduate students lives at The Lex and walks every day. He didn't even bother getting a parking pass.

Walking is just easier, so that's why they are doing it.

But, that is why establishing a walking culture to this area is so vital. As is, they have to cross two 4 lane roads and a very busy set of railroad tracks. The tracks are making biking difficult because there is no natural way to cross them. But, even with these impediments, the students are still doing it. So, imagine if there was a really simple walking connectors between these zones? Thousands of students per day would be (and already are) walking/biking it, making walking oriented retail and other business a clear reality.

This is clearly the direction in which UK is expanding. Hard to argue that at this point. Thus, this whole zone has to be changed from one oriented toward industry (cars and trains which the students have to dodge) to walking and biking paths surrounded by retail, housing, and community spaces designed for that purpose.

And, remember, I am not even a huge urban lifestyle advocate on here. I live past New Circle and drive in each day and will continue to do so. But, this area is developing rapidly and needs to be changed to accommodate that development.

If BCTC students are going to be living in the Coolavin Apartments, then there WILL be a pedestrian connection to the campus. I think that a legal one should be planned for at this time. Remember, the Hope Center is also just across the tracks from here and I don't wish any of them harm from this development.

The South Broadway apartments at Tattersals has remarkably fewer parking spaces than normal (748 spaces for 832 bedrooms). Are college kids driving less these days?

I kind of doubt that a ton of students will be living in Coolavin Apartments. That place is pretty rough. It would be nice if they redid that place, as it is probably the worst part of that neighborhood. I am sure it will still be subsidized housing and so hopefully will not displace too many residents, but that place could use some work.
I do agree that there needs to be a walking/biking connection to BCTC through the park. I just don't see a road going in there. I imagine there is a going to be a huge transformation to that area over the next decade. I am sure some will be good and some will be bad. IT should at least get more attention as far as infrastructure from the city/state.

I kind of doubt that a ton of students will be living in Coolavin Apartments. That place is pretty rough.
One of the main tenets of the BCTC campus relocation is the transformative power which the private sector is supposed to bring for the students. In the same way that student housing and retail detrimentally invaded the neighborhoods around UK, the improvement invasion is anticipated to re-gentrify that area.

I have never said that a road connection needs to be made and I have questions about the Fifth St extension across the railroad (we are trying to eliminate at grade crossing are we not?) as it is. I do think that students, subsidized or not will live as close to school as possible and that more housing opportunities will arise as we go along.

If you think of an area as ugly and dangerous, then it will be ugly and dangerous. If you change your mind, then you can change the area.

I think I am starting to lean more and more towards renovating Rupp, but I still wonder can it be done without losing seating capacity and can the team play there during the renovation? It also seems that is the thinking of Bates and the task force.

Architect presents ideas for Rupp and surrounding area (http://www.kentucky.com/2011/10/18/1926397/architect-presents-ideas-for-rupp.html)

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2011/10/18/21/11/pwbRH.AuSt.79.jpg

By Beverly Fortune — bfortune@herald-leader.com

Oct 18, 2011

Coming up with ideas for an arena and arts and entertainment district for downtown Lexington is a give-and-take process, architect Gary Bates told about 200 people gathered at Buster's Tuesday night.

Bates presented ideas for the district at a meeting hosted by Lexington's Arena, Arts and Entertainment District Task Force, a 47-member group of community leaders exploring the future of Rupp Arena and the surrounding area.

Mayor Jim Gray appointed the task force in the spring. It has raised $350,000 to finance its work, including hiring Bates in August as master planner for the project.

The future of Rupp Arena is an important component because Rupp is an "energy generator," Bates said. But his firm, Space Group, based in Oslo, Norway, is looking beyond the arena and Lexington Center to the entire downtown area.

"We're not presenting solutions tonight on what Rupp or Lexington Center will look like," Bates said. "We're presenting our research on downtown, and we want to get information back from you that we can put into the process we will be engaged in over the coming months."

[...]

well...I guess we'll just have to wait and see, but I really loved the new design.

Architect Jeanne Gang no longer involved with CentrePointe project, developer Dudley Webb says (http://www.kentucky.com/2011/10/27/1937419/architect-jeanne-gang-no-longer.html)

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2011/10/27/17/51/1aT4lu.AuSt.79.jpg

By Beverly Fortune — bfortune@herald-leader.com
Oct 27, 2011

Chicago architect Jeanne Gang, hired in March to come up with a new design for downtown Lexington's empty CentrePointe block, is no longer involved in the project, developer Dudley Webb said Thursday.

Webb said Gang and her firm Studio Gang Architects were hired to do a master plan for the block "and share her vision of what she thought this project might be."

"She completed her work. She sent her final invoice and it has been paid," he said. Webb could not recall the exact date, but said that occurred several weeks ago.

Graham Pohl, whose firm Pohl Rosa Pohl was one of five guest architectural firms selected by Gang to design several smaller buildings on the block, expressed "great disappointment."

"Jeanne brought the opportunity for something world class and totally exceptional to Lexington that would have totally transformed the city. Without her involvement, that is not going to happen," Pohl said.

The design for the block by Gang called for a 30-story tower that would include a 10-story boutique hotel, 10 floors of apartments, seven floors of condominiums and three floors of penthouses. The structure appeared to be a bundle of tubes, of different heights, arranged to let air and sunlight flow among them.

Her plan also included a public green space, a contemporary, eight-story office building and a cluster of buildings fronting Main Street with retail on the first floor and apartments on the second, third and fourth floors.

--------

Gang's vision for the CentrePointe block included a boutique hotel. Webb said he and Gang both talked with the owners of the 21C in Louisville, trying to recruit the popular hotel.

"When that didn't work . . .we went back to our original design for a convention hotel which is much larger," he said. Webb said the hotel would be a J.W. Marriott. "The design with the bundles wouldn't work."

Asked if Gang was given an opportunity to design a larger hotel, Webb said Marriott "only deals with architects who have done convention hotels in the past, so consequently, we were at a dead end on that one."

He said he met with Gang and "explained we were going in a different direction."

-----------

Webb has been attempting to arrange financing since then. He said Thursday that two banks have expressed interest in financing the project once the design is complete.

"They are still standing by," he said.

I have heard that Dudley was refusing to employ the five additional architects being brought in. I assume that Dudley is used to dealing with just one design firm at a time.

Since we all know that EOP has a distinctive style which permeates all of their work, will they be the next "bland" series to be complained about?

Just sayin.

Study of Lexington Center Calls for More Space, More Hotel Rooms (http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-Business-Lexington-Latest-News-c-2011-11-01-99315.113117-Study-of-Lexington-Center-Calls-for-More-Space-More-Hotel-Rooms.html#222)
Report may vindicate CentrePointe developer’s latest decision

by Tom Martin

November 01, 2011

Lexington, KY - A comprehensive market and facilities study of the Lexington Convention Center (LCC) concludes that any expansion of convention and meeting space would necessitate a third or even a fourth “convention” hotel in downtown Lexington. The finding, the consensus of national convention and event planning professionals interviewed for the study, may have implications for what takes shape and form in the CentrePointe block and other sections of downtown.

The “Feasibility Analysis of a Potential Expansion of The Lexington Convention Center” conducted by Convention, Sports & Leisure International (CSL) was commissioned by the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau (LCVB). CSL, which has offices in Minneapolis and Dallas is also working with the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau to create a Destination Development Plan for that city.

The 79-page report, ( available here (http://www.visitlex.com/csl-lcc.pdf)), comes at time when a task force appointed by Mayor Jim Gray is re-imagining the 46 acre LCC footprint in downtown Lexington.

[...]

Does this mean that Dudley is right in moving away from the boutique hotel concept advanced by Jeanne gang and the Mayor? Is the original proposal going on the proper path?

Just sayin.

I was listening to the radio a couple days ago and heard an interesting soundbite during the commericials. It said "Downtown living, with a view. Coming to a highrise near you." That's all it said. No comment on who funded it or whether this is a new or existing project. My thought was that this is probably early marketing for CenterPoint. Just curious if any of you had heard this as well, and if so if you know what it was referring to.

"Downtown living, with a view. Coming to a highrise near you." That's all it said.
After a little checking, it seems that the old Baker's 360 location will reopen soon as "the Vue". Dining and drinking at the top of the Chase building.

Also the word is that Baker's closed up, not because of the liquor laws, but the makeup of the clientele becoming rowdier than desired. I wonder how the new owners will solve that problem.

I am a bit surprised that those of you who are connected with UK have not brought this to our attention yet.

http://www.uky.edu/Housing/DocBin/CampusPlanningHousing10-20-11.pdf

I know that advance work is progressing across from the Young Library and will move farther soon.

I was in Lexington over the weekend for a wedding and I took these from my hotel room on the 10th floor of the Hilton. I apologize for the quality they were taken with my phone. I had not been back to Lexington since they started this and thought others might enjoy seeing the project from that vantage point.

I'll have to upload the picutures later I couldn't get them to work from my current computer... sorry!

Ready for the Rink (http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-Business-Lexington-Features-c-2011-11-10-99414.113117-Ready-for-the-Rink.html#222)
New skating rink in Lexington’s renovated Triangle Park set to open this month

http://www.smileypete.com/datedimages/2011/11/10/31C145tUT265D5AE.lg.jpg

by Tom Martin

November 10, 2011

Lexington, KY - Coming to downtown Lexington on Nov. 18 as a key facet of the makeover of Triangle Park: an outdoor ice skating rink direct from the MGM Grand. The rink, purchased from the Las Vegas hotel-casino, is financed by the park’s namesake organization and is nearing completion. The park is situated in front of the Lexington Convention Center, its three sides defined by Main Street, Vine Street and Broadway. Business Lexington’s Tom Martin sat down with Triangle Foundation president Steve Grossman, who also is senior vice president of the Hilliard Lyons financial services firm in Lexington.

[...]

I am a bit surprised that those of you who are connected with UK have not brought this to our attention yet.

http://www.uky.edu/Housing/DocBin/CampusPlanningHousing10-20-11.pdf

I know that advance work is progressing across from the Young Library and will move farther soon.

Probably because I am not all that impressed with it.

Of that document you link to, the most interesting things to me are:

1. Looks like they might be planning housing on the lot that the business school was targeting for their new building.

2. Not sure what the plan is for the existing student housing towers. From the drawings it does seem they would plan to tear down some of the existing student housing, but not sure if the towers would get the axe or not.

3. Feels like every available lot they are planning for student housing. That's a bit much for me. Everything will be 4-5 stories, but every lot will be covered. I'd rather build some taller stuff and keep some added green space.


Overall, I sort of disagree with this new President's approach toward focusing building efforts primarily on student housing. Obviously I agree the existing buildings are crap, but so are the classrooms - and the core mission of the university is teaching, not housing. I would much rather us continue to let private developers build the student housing and let UK focus on building academic buildings.

But, at least this president is being aggressive toward building. I think that is a good thing. But, without independent bonding authority apart from the legislature, I'm not sure we can actually do much of this.

Probably because I am not all that impressed with it.

Of that document you link to, the most interesting things to me are:

1. Looks like they might be planning housing on the lot that the business school was targeting for their new building.

2. Not sure what the plan is for the existing student housing towers. From the drawings it does seem they would plan to tear down some of the existing student housing, but not sure if the towers would get the axe or not.

3. Feels like every available lot they are planning for student housing. That's a bit much for me. Everything will be 4-5 stories, but every lot will be covered. I'd rather build some taller stuff and keep some added green space.


Overall, I sort of disagree with this new President's approach toward focusing building efforts primarily on student housing. Obviously I agree the existing buildings are crap, but so are the classrooms - and the core mission of the university is teaching, not housing. I would much rather us continue to let private developers build the student housing and let UK focus on building academic buildings.

But, at least this president is being aggressive toward building. I think that is a good thing. But, without independent bonding authority apart from the legislature, I'm not sure we can actually do much of this.

Well I'm a student at UK currently and I think every classroom I have been in has been sufficient. Now when I lived in Haggin Hall 3 years ago I can tell you that the housing is much worse. I think I have the complete opposite opinion as you when it comes to new buildings. Every dorm I have been in with the exception of the one's built in the last 10 years and Patterson are in pretty bad shape. Also I think the aggressive building that happened under Todd did a great disservice to the students and faculty of the university, which continued to spend money which forced the students to have an 8% increase on tuition every year and cause the faculty to have a pay freeze.

^^I had a friend in Haggin about 7 years ago and it was disgussting then, I can't imagine that its improved in the meantime...

More high density housing proposed for Angliana. Keep the R-5 coming!

http://lexingtonky.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=18263

Guys, please don't post or quote full articles. Under Fair Use, we can only post a few paragraphs at most of any article. I will begin making sure we are 100% compliant with SSC posting guidelines in this forum so please check out the guidelines (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/announcement.php?f=425&a=802") and read n' heed!

DP

Well I'm a student at UK currently and I think every classroom I have been in has been sufficient. Now when I lived in Haggin Hall 3 years ago I can tell you that the housing is much worse. I think I have the complete opposite opinion as you when it comes to new buildings. Every dorm I have been in with the exception of the one's built in the last 10 years and Patterson are in pretty bad shape. Also I think the aggressive building that happened under Todd did a great disservice to the students and faculty of the university, which continued to spend money which forced the students to have an 8% increase on tuition every year and cause the faculty to have a pay freeze.

But, it seems like you might be making my point in that it seems like you only lived on campus for one year and then probably moved to a private housing place. That's just a guess, but seems somewhat normal. I too have been in some of the housing in Shawneetown and Coopertown and whatnot. And, I agree that it sucks and needs to be massively updated.

The classrooms are adequate in that they have chalk/whiteboards and desks in them. But, great teaching these days can (and should) do better than that.

The Todd building boom was mostly related to medicine, which has its own money and pays for itself through research and clinical funding. So, that didn't really detract from the rest of the university's financies. There were some other smaller buildings like Marksbury and whatnot, but I would say that mostly Todd struggled to get new buildings for the non-medical campus. Some of that was related to the economy, but it also just sort of felt like buildings were not his priority. His priority was increasingly university outreach, which one can make a good argument that he did pretty well.

But, it seems like you might be making my point

You all may want to take a look at the facilities assessment and the replacement costs as conducted by the University

http://www.uky.edu/Housing/DocBin/HousingFacilitiesConditionAssessment.pdf

Looks like converting downtown streets from one way to two way is going to happen and sounds like sooner rather than later.

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/11/14/1959692/lexington-moving-to-convert-downtown.html

You all may want to take a look at the facilities assessment and the replacement costs as conducted by the University

http://www.uky.edu/Housing/DocBin/HousingFacilitiesConditionAssessment.pdf

That's a fine document to reference, but it does not provide comparison to the academic buildings. This one does (see map page 9): http://www.uky.edu/Faculty/Senate/files/Meetings/1_2011-2012/20111114/review_report.pdf

As you can see from the drawing, it is the core campus academic buildings that are in that 80-100+ year zone while most of the older housing is in the 40-59 year old zone. That doesn't account for various renovations and whatnot, but the general point is the academic core of the university is quite a bit older than the housing core. While some units like Engineering and Medicine have newer spaces, most academic programs are functioning in buildings that are 50-100 years old.

Either way, in conversations around campus the last few weeks, it does look like the new UK housing will be a public/private partnership of some kind. The university is exploring all the options, including a traditional publicly managed building all the way to a wholly privately operated endeavor that UK just pays rent on in some fashion. So, the possibility of these new housing structures being private buildings is fairly substantial.

After a little checking, it seems that the old Baker's 360 location will reopen soon as "the Vue". Dining and drinking at the top of the Chase building.

Also the word is that Baker's closed up, not because of the liquor laws, but the makeup of the clientele becoming rowdier than desired. I wonder how the new owners will solve that problem.

Called it.

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/11/18/1964751/new-company-restaurant-opening.html

Not Lexington, but the situations are similar.

Owensboro's tax increase fueled the city's expansion (http://www.kentucky.com/2011/11/21/1967693/owensboros-tax-increase-fueled.html)

Their taxes are up, their unemployment rate is down and their downtown is booming. What is wrong with these people?

Not Lexington, but the situations are similar.

Owensboro's tax increase fueled the city's expansion (http://www.kentucky.com/2011/11/21/1967693/owensboros-tax-increase-fueled.html)

Their taxes are up, their unemployment rate is down and their downtown is booming. What is wrong with these people?

I am personally a proponent of higher taxes on a local level and less taxes on a national level. Infrastructure improvements locally will do more to create jobs, future investment, and private economic growth than sending money to Washington for social programs and foreign aid.

That being said, I do think this author is slanting the reporting just a bit. Clearly, this article is written from the perspective that the taxes increases caused the economic expansion. First off, the hospital project that is prominently mentioned in the article has nothing to do with the tax increases. The hospital project (which makes up almost 40% of the $1 billion investment in Owensboro was announced years before the tax increases were decided upon. Secondly, 7 years of budget surpluses are good, but they were having them for 5 years prior to the tax increase. Lastly, $1 billion of investment is good, but does that somehow imply that they are doing something right while Lexington is doing something wrong? Lexington can hit that same investment number from two projects that are ongoing at this time (UK Hospital at $800 million and Central Baptist Hospital at $200 million).

Here is an article (http://www.kentucky.com/2011/11/22/1970140/transylvania-looks-to-purchase.html) about Transylvania University purchasing 551 and 555 fourth street (http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?encType=1&where1=551+W+4TH+St%2c+Lexington%2c+KY+40508&cp=38.057854~-84.498123&FORM=MIRE1) for athletic fields. this could really help clean up that end of jefferson street and fourth street.

looks like a renovation for rupp arena is the way to go if they can do all they say they can do in this article (http://www.kentucky.com/2011/11/30/1977499/renovated-rupp-arena-would-meet.html) otherwise a new arena needs to happen.

Here is more detail on the Consultant's report that includes a renovated Rupp and a new convention center (oddly, have a convention I have to go to there tomorrow, actually).

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/11/30/1978948/consultant-unveils-ideas-for-reinventing.html#storylink=rss?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

The two highlights for me:

- A new purpose for the sprawling High Street parking lot in front of the Lexington Center. The area could include a Fayette County public school for the arts, an outdoor amphitheatre and sports fields that could be used for parking when needed.

- Building a new Lexington convention center, perhaps to the west of Rupp Arena into the Cox Street parking lot, and having it resemble a movie studio lot with several buildings linked by glass covered walkways.


On the issue of school, knowing something about that, I think that could actually be done without too much issues (not sure about the sports fields ... probably not a good use of downtown space). Fayette County needs a new high school (or more high-school centers that take students from all the others during the day), so making a showcase high school center (thinking technology more than arts, though) right downtown would make some sense. You could even incorporate that into the UK space as well. There could be some UK departments or something tied into that space and perhaps even some student housing. The building could be shared so that when high school students are gone in the evenings, UK is holding courses. Either way, that would be a way to guarantee some heavy foot-traffic in that area and a reason to develop surrounding businesses.

On the new convention center - love the concept of the movie lot connected by walkways (although . That would really make us a unique conference destination (especially considering our existing unique features like horses and bourbon and whatnot). And, if you orient that space to also pour out into the distillery district that would also kickstart that space in a new way guaranteeing some foot traffic and patrons throughout the year. That whole concept makes a lot of sense to me. The current convention center space sucks. SUCKS. And, we can do a lot better than that. Lexington can (and should) be a pretty popular conference destination but our facilities right now (convention center, griffin gate) both feel very 1980's.

From what I have been seeing the Smucker's Jif plant is looking to expand their presence in Lexington.

Two of the three properties between the existing building and the intersection of Midland Ave. have been purchased in the last two years, which will give them quite a bit more land to deal with. I can't imagine that they would need to build a building similar in size to what they have, but they have the room.

I doubt that we will see anything in terms of a plan before the end of 2012 but I am looking for one.

Can't we all use some more JIF

Called it.

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/11/18/1964751/new-company-restaurant-opening.html

The place is still awful though.


From what I have been seeing the Smucker's Jif plant is looking to expand their presence in Lexington.

Two of the three properties between the existing building and the intersection of Midland Ave. have been purchased in the last two years, which will give them quite a bit more land to deal with. I can't imagine that they would need to build a building similar in size to what they have, but they have the room.

I doubt that we will see anything in terms of a plan before the end of 2012 but I am looking for one.

Can't we all use some more JIF

That's awesome. Probably my favorite part of running in Lexington is that sometimes you can smell the peanut butter. It's pretty nice.

It'd be awesome to develop more manufacturing here. I'm interested to see what comes from the JIF property acquisitions

Pretty interesting article (http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2011/12/13/university-of-kentucky-to-give-dorms-a-private-side/) from the Wall Street Journal about UK and private development of dorms. I like it and think it's a smart way to get better dorms and student life on campus.

Agree. I think it makes total sense. It will probably raise the cost of housing for some students, but students seem to be willing to pay more for house if they get more so I don't think that is problem. Running housing is a huge headache for a university and relieving them of that burden lets them focus both dollars, time and resources on their actual mission of education. Obviously you need some oversight of the private company and some ability to regulate what they do, but i would think it would be a win win for everyone if they can pull this off.

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2011/12/16/23/00/1mc1tA.AuSt.79.jpg

A committee appointed to re-imagine Rupp Arena and a new downtown arts and entertainment district voted unanimously Saturday to renovate Rupp, approving a design that would strip the arena's industrial siding and replace it with a glass and translucent covering.

Read more: http://www.kentucky.com/2011/12/17/1997718/lexington-committee-oks-design.html#ixzz1gqbl0Vus

:eek:

That looks great!

love the design and hope they get the funding soon. Here is an aerial view of the new convention and renovated rupp.

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/spacegroup_rupparena_aerial-rendering-rev1.jpg

A higher resolution rendering of Rupp Arena.

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/1424/rupparenalexington1.jpg
Illustration by MIR (http://mir.no/), courtesy by Space Group (http://spacegroup.no/) (the architect) | Original rendering (2048x945 pixels | 628Kb) (http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/4268/rupparenalexington1x200.jpg)

^^

Great render, thanks! :cheers:

^^ yeah, that woman running scared is priceless. :lol:

Heard that the people from Pazzo's bought the Metropol building and are putting in a gastropub. They do a nice job so I am looking forward to it.

Saw steel going up on the site across from The Lex today!

Nothing flashy about these two projects but according to the plans under review they represent 1,386 new bedrooms two blocks apart on S. Broadway.

S. Broadway is becoming a dense area and it seems to be marching southward from downtown. In the last decade its seen The Lex, the South Hill developments (CenterCourt, University Lofts, South Hill Station, etc.), Jefferson Davis Inn, Newtown Crossing and now these, all within about six blocks.

http://lexingtonky.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=18786
http://lexingtonky.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=18785

Nothing flashy about these two projects but according to the plans under review they represent 1,386 new bedrooms two blocks apart on S. Broadway.

S. Broadway is becoming a dense area and it seems to be marching southward from downtown. In the last decade its seen The Lex, the South Hill developments (CenterCourt, University Lofts, South Hill Station, etc.), Jefferson Davis Inn, Newtown Crossing and now these, all within about six blocks.

http://lexingtonky.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=18786
http://lexingtonky.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=18785

The development of this area should put extra pressure on the city to finish the Newtown Pike extension project with the Scott Street component and related infrastructure. I love the development of this area, but the existing infrastructure is a pretty big limitation. The city needs to find ways for growth to happen in many directions fairly soon. If not, I'm afraid the Red Mile will just sell everything. If we want to keep the Red Mile, the city needs to be much more proactive in this area.

well it looks like the newtown pike project will get the funding (http://www.kentucky.com/2012/01/17/2032413/governors-road-budget-includes.html) needed to complete the project. Also the Rupp District project will get $3.5 million from the state (http://www.kentucky.com/2012/01/17/2032426/beshear-proposes-35-million-in.html) and the LFUCG will put in $1.5 million for a total of $5 million to get the project going. This falls far short of the $20 million dollars they were asking for. This all however has to get approved.

Here is the design (lexingtonky.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=18890) submitted for approval at 101 E. Main St. (Taste of Thai Building) that the Webb Companies recently purchased. The redesign is pretty impressive and I don't see taste of thai or Sam's hot dog stand staying in that building, but I could be wrong (maybe the Jeff Ruby's we were all promised!...).

Looks like the 500's are going to be finished up at last

http://www.kentucky.com/2012/01/22/2038369/long-delayed-condo-project-showing.html

... I could be wrong (maybe the Jeff Ruby's we were all promised!...).
I don't remember being "promised" a Jeff Ruby's. There was a mention of a major steak house in the CentrePointe block and the interest of Mr Ruby himself, but there was no stated intention of opening in Lexington.

Take a look at some of the existing restaurants serving the "high class" fare of Jeff Ruby's or the size of his existing locations, I don't think that this site would suit his needs

I don't remember being "promised" a Jeff Ruby's. There was a mention of a major steak house in the CentrePointe block and the interest of Mr Ruby himself, but there was no stated intention of opening in Lexington.

Take a look at some of the existing restaurants serving the "high class" fare of Jeff Ruby's or the size of his existing locations, I don't think that this site would suit his needs

Actually, Jeff Ruby took out several full page advertisements this past summer in the Herald Leader stating that a Ruby's Steakhouse was opening in Lexington. During the time Gang Studio revealed its designs for CenterPointe, Jeff Ruby was very vocal with Woodford Webb that the restaurant designed on the corner of Vine and Limestone of that block would be his steakhouse.

I tended to put less stock in the Studio Gang idea and presentation than all others before.

I have been called a dreamer, but I think that Webb will get what he wants eventually.

Here are renderings of what the re-imagined Rupp Arena will look like on the inside and will include 800-1000 more seats in the lower level.

http://ksr.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/NBBJ-Rupp-Arena-Bowl-Small.jpg

Concourse
http://ksr.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/167t9v.AuSt_.79.jpg

Seriously, a Star Wars scout trooper on a Segway rolling through the concourse? Are we getting a national Sci-Fi conference or something? And a Kansas vs Ky. game with two differing scores on the score boards?(a nearly final score on the overhead and an early score on the corner boards)

I can't wait for someone to add the Makers Mark dripping wax to the outside rendering for Bill Samuels.

Yeah I dont really understand the weird stuff they keep putting in these renderings. Besides that I think they look great and I am glad the inside of the arena didnt turn into Thompson Boling arena. I for one hate the way the suites are set up.
http://www.s4dinc.com/architecture/05063_tba/tb01.jpg

Also here is a rendering with blue ribbon boards instead of pink...
http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2012/01/24/21/32/p7vKG.AuSt.79.jpg

I like this.. new development for the benefit of low income:

Tom Eblen: Unique development project opens in Gardenside neighborhood (http://www.kentucky.com/2012/01/30/2048688/tom-eblen-unique-development-project.html)

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2012/01/30/01/44/yV1oR.AuSt.79.jpg

The final report (http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2012/01/31/09/47/WCSRB.So.79.pdf) of the Rupp Task Force (http://www.kentucky.com/2012/01/31/2050062/final-report-of-rupp-task-force.html) was released. The project is projected to be completed by 2017. I was hoping sooner, but hope they can get the funding and keep the project on time.
http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2012/01/31/17/20/1ob9NP.AuSt.79.jpg

It is ambitious and who knows if or when it will happen, but a lot of thought went in to it and I think it has some really cool ideas. If it happens anything close to this I will be impressed.

If it happens anything close to this I will be impressed.
Neither you nor I will live long enough to see this completed, and I doubt that they barely get a start on it.

You are probably right, but you never know. I have seen some really ambitious projects get completed when I never thought it was possible. I am sure we won't get everything on that plan, probably ever, but I think the renovated Rupp and the new convention center will eventually happen.

If they are willing to break up and sell off parts of the Rupp parking lot, I could see some developers really salivating over that property. Even public entities might be interested. I know FCPS is looking to build some type of new high-school space downtown, so who knows.

I think now that a clear message has been sent that the existing Rupp will be renovated and that they are looking to develop that Rupp lot with new projects, quite a few folks will be interested.

There is NO clear message that the arena will be renovated since there is no rich financier to go and die before they can get started. Nor is there any money being thrown in their direction yet.

Before they can do anything with Rupp the convention center will need to be moved. That will affect much of the event parking now existing, so maybe they will need to build the structured parking first. Structured parking is the most expensive and least accepted style of parking in Lexington. Are we talking about removing that portion of Vine Street at the same time? Most of us think that we need to complete Oliver Lewis Way before that can happen.

There are so many things that need more work to be done than this.

There are so many things that need more work to be done than this.

I am not disagreeing with you, but if you are a developer looking at Lexington (even in Google Maps) the thing that draws your eye is the enormous tract of parking sitting right next door to Rupp (and the tens of thousands of people it draws downtown every month).

Whether or not Rupp actually gets renovated, what is clear now is that the parking lot is not needed to build a new arena. Thus, developers are going to investigate and the City is going to get a lot of calls about it. It would be irresponsible not to listen to some of those calls. The City can be smart as it develops and require additional structured parking -- but the tract is likely so valuable that adding structured parking to the proposals probably makes sense.

I just think that 5 years from now, some of that parking lot is going to be developed. And, that's before Rupp is renovated or a new convention center is built.

Whether or not Rupp actually gets renovated, what is clear now is that the parking lot is not needed to build a new arena. Thus, developers are going to investigate and the City is going to get a lot of calls about it. It would be irresponsible not to listen to some of those calls. The City can be smart as it develops and require additional structured parking -- but the tract is likely so valuable that adding structured parking to the proposals probably makes sense.
I think that what is clear is that the committee does not want to build a new arena AND that parking need to go somewhere (else) but parking is needed.

In order to require parking for any new development, the parking rules need to be changed for all of downtown as currently there are NO requirements in parking. Developers have shown objection to providing their own parking and the city is preparing to divest themselves of the existing parking garages. The Parking Authority should build any new parking facilities on private property and at market rates. This should make the public quite upset since the rates will be much above the current ones.

There has not been one available downtown lot so attractive that developers will build structured business parking and in many proposals it has been a deal breaker (CVS). Look at the LEX property proposal, there was to be underground parking for most of the lot to a depth of 2 floors. We see how that ended. The Transit Center garage endured several extra, expensive months of careful blasting which would not have been done if the Federal government had not supplied the added funds.

Any Rupp re-do will begin with an alteration to the parking situation. Either build new parking facilities or change the public attitude to transportation or parking preferences.

I do not see either one.

I don't think there will be much underground parking, it is simply too expensive generally speaking. I think we will see an above ground parking deck with retail below on the high st lot. Also, if you look closely, there is a 2 level parking deck above part of the convention center which makes sense because the area is so much lower than high st. If the city sells the land to a developer, they can use that money to build a parking deck, or at least offset the cost. The land has value and it is enough that a developer will be willing to build a parking deck but they are not going to want to go 2 levels deep for underground parking, it is simply too expensive if you run into rock, which you will on that site.

Developers are not willing to build ANY parking facilities in downtown Lexington unless the project has a residential component. Main & Rose, The 500's on Main, Nunn Lofts and the un-built CentrePointe can demonstrate that quite clearly.

The City is getting out of the parking business by transferring all of its existing parking structures to the Parking Authority. The City will build no more parking facilities. The Parking Authority will be busy making the necessary and costly repairs to fund many new garages and will probably not wish to get into the development end of things.

It appears to me that non-residential parking structures do not pay for themselves and the eventual repairs/upkeep.

Developers are not willing to build ANY parking facilities in downtown Lexington unless the project has a residential component. Main & Rose, The 500's on Main, Nunn Lofts and the un-built CentrePointe can demonstrate that quite clearly.

The City is getting out of the parking business by transferring all of its existing parking structures to the Parking Authority. The City will build no more parking facilities. The Parking Authority will be busy making the necessary and costly repairs to fund many new garages and will probably not wish to get into the development end of things.

It appears to me that non-residential parking structures do not pay for themselves and the eventual repairs/upkeep.

No one wants to build parking decks. They are expensive. But if anyone is going to build just about anything downtown in the future, it is going to have to have parking decks because we are out of land. 500's on Main, Main and Rose and Nunn Lofts all have parking decks so I am not sure what you mean when you say developers won't build parking decks. They aren't going to build them just as an investment with just parking fees covering the cost but they will build them to facilitate the other aspects of the development. The city will have to pay to build at least 1 deck for the convection center/Rupp/Hyatt. There is no getting around that. They can either sell the remain land to developers and use that to help offset the cost of the decks or they can give the land to developers and require them to have X number of parking spaces for any development. Regardless, there will have to be parking decks in any redevelopment of Rupp/convention center.

No one wants to build parking decks. They are expensive. But if anyone is going to build just about anything downtown in the future, it is going to have to have parking decks because we are out of land. 500's on Main, Main and Rose and Nunn Lofts all have parking decks so I am not sure what you mean when you say developers won't build parking decks. They aren't going to build them just as an investment with just parking fees covering the cost but they will build them to facilitate the other aspects of the development. The city will have to pay to build at least 1 deck for the convection center/Rupp/Hyatt. There is no getting around that. They can either sell the remain land to developers and use that to help offset the cost of the decks or they can give the land to developers and require them to have X number of parking spaces for any development. Regardless, there will have to be parking decks in any redevelopment of Rupp/convention center.
The key part of that sentence was "unless it has a residential component" which the listed projects DO have. All other proposals died when the City would not fund a parking structure.

Someone WILL have to build a parking facility. Most likely it will be the Parking Authority (like Lextran, not a city agency) and that will depend on their bonding capacity after taking on the existing city garages.

I don't think that we disagree, but we don't see the same timing frame. That and people will have to adjust their attitudes toward transportation modes and parking preferences.

I really love that they are opening up the Town Branch. That specifically is happening regardless of the Rupp renovation, correct?

Opening Town Branch should be last on any priority list of renovations done in the area since it is an aesthetic touch and not a necessity. It will NEVER be the type of attraction like San Antonio or Greenville's river.

I don't see the use.

Opening Town Branch should be last on any priority list of renovations done in the area since it is an aesthetic touch and not a necessity. It will NEVER be the type of attraction like San Antonio or Greenville's river.

I don't see the use.

Couldn't disagree with you more. It is strange to have a city with no water anywhere. It isn't going to become the Riverwalk but having water draws people. I don't see why it can't be every bit as interesting as Greenville's river. 10 years ago there was nothing around the Greenville river in downtown other than half empty buildings. Now it is a beautiful park, etc.

Couldn't disagree with you more. It is strange to have a city with no water anywhere. It isn't going to become the Riverwalk but having water draws people. I don't see why it can't be every bit as interesting as Greenville's river. 10 years ago there was nothing around the Greenville river in downtown other than half empty buildings. Now it is a beautiful park, etc.

Yeah I agree that even a little water will go a long way to help this city. I think the town branch park could be a huge benefit to downtown it just opens the city to more opportunity to develop to the west.

I don't see why it can't be every bit as interesting as Greenville's river. 10 years ago there was nothing around the Greenville river in downtown other than half empty buildings. Now it is a beautiful park, etc.

First of all, any resurfacing of the Town Branch would require a major realignment of the water flow since the natural,and now vaulted, channel runs beneath our valued Rupp Arena. To take it on the Main St. side of the building then puts in a concrete flume, either set below the existing grade by ten feet + or replicating a channel at the current surface with water from an unknown source. Remember that the current water surface is approximately ten or more feet below our existing Vine St. and barely eight feet wide and typically not much more than six inches in depth. Greenville's river is considerably wider and deeper than that.

I know that there are children who wade and play on the rocks in the Phoenix park water(despite warning signs prohibiting it) and they play in the water of the fountain in Thoroughbred Park but that water is filtered and chlorinated for safety. The water in Town Branch is raw storm sewage which has been underground since the intersection of Third St and Winchester Rd. How much parking lot or industrial run off do you suppose there is in that water?

I do not see going to the expense of trenching to the natural level of the creek or creating a Disney-like replica just for show.

I was thinking the same thing Cartoman. How disgusting and smelly is this water going to be? And if everything goes as planned ... it would be coming up right in front of Rupp Arena and traveling through the middle of the New Convention Center. Maybe it's just me, but I don't think a stinky, brown, storm-water run off is going to impress the thousands of visitors to the area each year. It's a waste of money, time and effort to unearth what is practically a tiny stream and NOT some raging river everyone has made it out to be.

It is not a raging river, but it isn't tiny either. You can see it on the edge of the Rupp parking lot. It is a creek and it is plenty big to add a nice water feature. They are talking about bringing it up all the way down Vine, so it would be above ground for much of the time. It isn't some stagnant water way, it won't be stinky and gross anymore than most rivers and streams that run though cities. It isn't going to be a pristine mountain stream or anything, but it isn't going to be disgusting either. I doubt it ever happens, but I for one would like it and think it is a good idea. Just because something is difficult doesn't mean it isn't worth doing.

I think we just need more fountains. Having that open creek in town is probably not going to turn out great. Very few cities seem to really get that right and the few that do seem to have to pour a lot of money into maintenance to keep everything looking nice.

However, I agree water is attractive, so just build in more water features into the development. I love the Triangle Park and Thoroughbred Park fountains. 2-3 more of those downtown and I think we would have enough water. Just wish there was some more water features on UK's campus. There used to be a lake from what I hear, I have no idea why UK decided to drain that.

I agree with the need for more fountains in town. Facts are that fountains need a large amount of care and maintenance for them to function properly. That care is expensive for what the public sees as a free amenity. Triangle and Thoroughbred plus the Courthouse pair and the Phoenix Park "stream" do a lot to add to the atmosphere (especially on those humid days). Even the Cheapside fountain adds something, but a 10 to 15 foot trench meandering through downtown could be problematic. It would not have recirculating water or mechanical pumps but it would not be maintenance free by a long shot.

One of the most calming fountains that I remember is the one that used to sit in the Patterson Office Tower Plaza, but it kept getting abused to the point of falling apart so they took it out. Such a pity.

New Centrepointe drawings and article (http://www.kentucky.com/2012/02/15/2070368/architects-present-new-preliminary.html)...I dont really care what it looks like anymore just hope it gets built.

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2012/02/15/19/20/tIUAu.AuSt.79.jpg

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2012/02/15/22/24/eYv5F.AuSt.79.jpg

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2012/02/15/21/04/q8xkn.AuSt.79.jpg

I too hope this get built, but this is probably my least favorite design. From what I can tell, there isn't a whole lot about it that makes any kind of architectural statement. I realize they are under no obligation to make it special in any way, but I would like to see Lexington have more signature modern buildings instead of another boxy structure along Vine Street.

Their larger building design on Vine St. would definitely be the best looking building on Vine St. by far, if built, and most likely the best looking building downtown (imo). I think the design is great, but not as good as Gang's. I counted 28 stories for the largest building, which would probably put it in the range of 300 to 320 feet, which is a good height -- around 100 feet shorter than the 410 foot Financial Center. It's a shame it's been sitting idle for so long, I hope they can get funding and get started on building it within the next year. Anyone know any news about their funding prospects?

What I picked up is that a major hotel and key retail establishments have already signed on. Doesn't that go a long way to ensure that this one's a goer ?

Not that bad, would probably rank it 2nd or 3rd out of the 5 designs I have seen for the development. Obviously its a bit of a letdown from the previous design, but still a nice looking structure.

How many redesigns is this project going to go through? All I can do is laugh anymore. :ohno: :doh: I've given up believing in what Dummy...errr...Dudley has to say.

What downtown needs is more pedestrian traffic, not less, he said. "I really don't like the pedway, Speaks said."

I agree. The City of Greenville doesn't allow pedways in the Central Business District which is why you don't see any here and never will hopefully. Lexington should take the same path and ban new pedways if they want more pedestrian activity along their downtown streets.

Why does everybody bash the idea of pedways? They are just another way to get around and between buildings. Nobody forces people to walk via pedway versus the street level, just like nobody forces folks to ride the bus versus driving a car. The one sure way to get more street level foot traffic is to put more interesting and attractive storefronts at street level. People need a reason to be doing/going where they do and how they do. Give them that reason. Retail businesses need those same reasons to be where they are, give them the option to be either on a pedway or on the street. Michael Speaks is only giving an opinion. If he wants to argue against pedways, then he should introduce some facts into the conversation. Likewise Dudley should show some supporting information for supporting them.

The University of Kentucky must realize that they are useful, they keep building them.

I like it. It's good enough. Not as tall as the first design. Not as innovative as the last design. But, it is decent and will still make a major statement downtown and help to tie the skyline together. I like that it will all be built at once and not in phases.

Because the hotel and some of the retail is already lined up (and with the improving economy), I think construction will begin fairly soon. I don't think Dudley would be bringing up this whole topic again without a start-date in mind and the financing to start lined up. Unlike last time where the Mayor's office pressed them into delivering something, time is now at Dudley's discretion ... so the fact he is bringing all this back up makes me think it is real this time.

Here are some renderings from EOP Blog (http://eoparchitects.blogspot.com/2012/02/eop-and-local-architects-submit.html). I think it's an encouraging sign that 4 of the bigger tenants have already signed on.

Bigger Rendering of the project at night
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Duy9bplSawI/Tz0wM0wxPqI/AAAAAAAAACw/Pu8jZnPP8mM/s1600/Night+Shot.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LvIRu1diMM4/Tz0xC_jWseI/AAAAAAAAAC4/CvTVJcadU7c/s1600/UA+-+HDR.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHMYBeJuttM/Tz0y-I1uJlI/AAAAAAAAADA/aGJiC38sNa8/s1600/Vine+st.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2rTSiZtN3tM/Tz0zFOmWPFI/AAAAAAAAADI/LeO_M3gVxq8/s1600/main+st.jpg

Here we go again, huh. I hope you're right Whosville, and no disrespect, but I'll believe it when i see it.

As far as design goes, anything that isn't beige and concrete will improve that stretch of Vine. I like the last better but I don't hate this one. Forgive me I'm just a little despondent about this project at this point.

Do we have a floor count?

Here we go again, huh. I hope you're right Whosville, and no disrespect, but I'll believe it when i see it.

As far as design goes, anything that isn't beige and concrete will improve that stretch of Vine. I like the last better but I don't hate this one. Forgive me I'm just a little despondent about this project at this point.

Do we have a floor count?

I feel the same way about it... but the floor count is 28 according to the EOP blog (http://eoparchitects.blogspot.com/2012/02/eop-and-local-architects-submit.html). Here is a video from WKYT (http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/New_CentrePointe_design_released_139430643.html)

We shouldn't be discouraged about this project ... something (relatively tall) is going to be built on that block, without question, in the next year or two. It is arguably the most valuable property in Lexington and if nothing else, Dudley's reputation in Lexington is on the line with this -- which is a good thing.

I just have a feeling that construction is going to be underway this summer. J. W. Marriott is on board for the tower (and has stuck with this project the whole way), the smaller retail building seems nearly completely leased already, and the 10 story Class A office building will fill quickly (if it hasn't already) as there are several firms in town looking to upgrade - and that is going to be THE hot building for law firms right there by the Courthouses. There will be a competition between law firms to put their name on that building.

A lot of this block is already committed and there is a reasonable path to fill the rest of it. With the improving financing situation, I think it is time.

Having seen the additional renderings, I actually like it better. I like that they took Gangs layout and have the individual buildings so it isn't all one big mass like the original design. I think this has a lot of potential. I would think they could get this built since they have the hotel and the retail pretty much leased and according to Dudley they have a pretty large list of potential condo purchasers. I would think, even in this market, that would be enough to get started, but these are crazy times for financing.

Here is another rendering of the main street side looking from the old courthouse. I guess those white boxes are going to be the designs from Pohl Rosa Pohl, Biagi, and CSC.

http://www.eopa.com/images/portfoliophotos/55470901xS3kfCfC5K3Ex3.jpg

Pretty good article from Tom Eblen at the herald Leader on Centrepointe (http://www.kentucky.com/2012/02/18/2074673/latest-version-of-centrepointe.html). One interesting note is he said 21C pulled out of Centrepointe to pursure other lexington locations. I wonder if he was just talking or they're actually looking? maybe Victorian Square?

Pretty good article from Tom Eblen at the herald Leader on Centrepointe (http://www.kentucky.com/2012/02/18/2074673/latest-version-of-centrepointe.html). One interesting note is he said 21C pulled out of Centrepointe to pursure other lexington locations. I wonder if he was just talking or they're actually looking? maybe Victorian Square?
Eblen is full of crap on this one and he get worse as he goes along. My comments are attached to the article.

Eblen is full of crap on this one and he get worse as he goes along. My comments are attached to the article.

Yeah I'm not a big fan of Eblen and I dont really care about pedways thats for sure, but I thought his comment on 21C was interesting. It would be great for the city to have a boutique hotel like theirs in the area.

No way this happens until the renderings include wild horses.

A new Top has been added to the new Centrepointe Renderings. Here is an overview from the public meeting (http://tomeblen.bloginky.com/2012/03/01/looks-great-see-latest-centrepointe-designs/#wgt=rss) held today on the project. I really like how they are trying to put a dramatic top on the tower. Also here are the Herald Leader (http://www.kentucky.com/2012/03/01/2091067/latest-incarnation-of-redesigned.html) and KY Forward (http://www.kyforward.com/?p=9655) articles.

http://tomeblen.bloginky.com/files/2012/03/CentrePointe0001.jpg

http://tomeblen.bloginky.com/files/2012/03/CentrePointe0005.jpg

I like it. I just hope they can get it built finally. Financing is still tight but seems to be loosening up some. I wonder if they will do apartments instead of condos? I saw they mentioned apartments above the retail on the smaller building, I wonder if they will do that in the hotel tower also?

Im glad we get a rendering that shows the top of the building more clearly. I've been curious to see it

Here is a pretty good, but anti-webb/centrepointe overview of the public meeting yesterday from Barefoot and Progressive (http://www.barefootandprogressive.com/2012/03/investors-beware-the-latest-centrepointe-design-images-arent-terrible-but-what-are-they.html). It includes lots of pictures from the meeting as well.

345' 10", so we will round up to 346 good for second tallest in the city.

I may be in a minority here but I like it better than the Gang design.

Yes, I'm keenly aware that I've probably blasphemed.

345' 10", so we will round up to 346 good for second tallest in the city.

I'm looking forward to no longer having the stairstep skline when viewed from Broadway. It'll be a nice to have a new second tallest

I may be in a minority here but I like it better than the Gang design.

Yes, I'm keenly aware that I've probably blasphemed.

I definitely like it just as much and the tower with new top on it looks great and will definitely stand out. There are some pretty cool and unique parts of the project like the public roof top garden, the infinity outdoor pool, the design of the building on vine and upper, and even the galleria with the retail shops will end up being a nice addition.

I think we need to start a Centrepointe drinking game. Everytime there's a new article out we meet up and read it out loud. Anytime the words "historic" "financing" or "Gang" are read we have to take a drink.

Any takers?

Not me, I like drinking sometimes but not getting wasted!

Lexc, I thought that article you linked to here (http://www.barefootandprogressive.com/2012/03/investors-beware-the-latest-centrepointe-design-images-arent-terrible-but-what-are-they.html), has some very good points. I suggest everyone read this; the author was at the latest CentrePointe public meeting, took pictures of their architectural plans and poses very good questions on the viability of some of the main elements. I don't see Marriot committing to the project due to lack of demand. There will probably be more redesigns in the future as things change and elements are taken out or added in, but if it stays close to how it looks now, it will be great.

Not me, I like drinking sometimes but not getting wasted!

Lexc, I thought that article you linked to here (http://www.barefootandprogressive.com/2012/03/investors-beware-the-latest-centrepointe-design-images-arent-terrible-but-what-are-they.html), has some very good points. I suggest everyone read this; the author was at the latest CentrePointe public meeting, took pictures of their architectural plans and poses very good questions on the viability of some of the main elements. I don't see Marriot committing to the project due to lack of demand. There will probably be more redesigns in the future as things change and elements are taken out or added in, but if it stays close to how it looks now, it will be great.

what a dour appraisal. I thought Marriott had already committed.

The steel at JDI on Broadway is still going up, the elevator core is up too. The Lex will definitely dwarf the thing but it'll go a long way toward filling out that stretch of Broadway

I don't have a camera at the moment otherwise I'd post some photos

what a dour appraisal. I thought Marriott had already committed.

Agree. Some interesting points, but a really negative view of life it seems.

Here is a pretty cool article (http://www.kentucky.com/2012/03/06/2097904/cheddars-franchisees-starting.html) about a project in Idle hour center. The owner's of regional Cheddar franchises are opening a new and original concept there and they say the building and concept will be outrageous for this area of the country. Also say they should probably start in bigger cities, but want to give back to Lexington. This sounds great to me and makes me very happy somebody wants to do something cool for this city. they dont give any big details, but on Lynn Imaging they have the plans and the name looks to be "Papacina". Judging by the floor plans and elevations this looks to be a really cool restaurant.

First Floor Plan (http://www.lynnimaging.com/distribution/View/ViewFiles.aspx?file_id=65865)

Mezzanine Floor Plan (http://www.lynnimaging.com/distribution/View/ViewFiles.aspx?file_id=65866)

Interior Elevations (http://www.lynnimaging.com/distribution/View/ViewFiles.aspx?file_id=65889)

Outdoor Elevations 1 (http://www.lynnimaging.com/distribution/View/ViewFiles.aspx?file_id=65874)

Outdoor Elevations 2 (http://www.lynnimaging.com/distribution/View/ViewFiles.aspx?file_id=65875)

I have heard it is Italian and they are planning on spending around $6m on it, which is a lot for a restaurant around here or anywhere I guess. Will be interesting to see what it looks like. Couldn't tell much from those plans.

I have heard it is Italian and they are planning on spending around $6m on it,...
I guess it was the gelato kitchen and the centerpiece aquarium that gave it away, huh?

I guess it was the gelato kitchen and the centerpiece aquarium that gave it away, huh?

Since when is an aquarium equate italian food?

Here is the application for centrepointe (http://www.lexingtonky.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=19550) for the courthouse area design review board. It has a lot of information and floor plans and renderings. Also looks like the Parlay Social building (http://www.lexingtonky.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=19548) is adding a rooftop nightclub and patio which will be pretty neat to look out over cheapside park.

Lots of great renderigns in that link. Thanks for posting

The Red Mile infill project appears to be getting denser, if my memory serves me correctly. The hotel is now seven floors and the townhome units are now four floors instead of three.

http://lexingtonky.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=19271

The Red Mile infill project appears to be getting denser, if my memory serves me correctly. The hotel is now seven floors and the townhome units are now four floors instead of three.

http://lexingtonky.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=19271

Wel, I am sure the Red Mile was banking on the Casino vote going differently. Had that vote gone differently, I'm sure this whole development would happen asap ... and the size of the hotel would continue to grow. I find it very telling that they call most of the existing space "entertainment area."

But, without the casino, I'd just be happy to see whatever develop out of this. Any which way, the Red Mile needs to really, really upgrade the quality of their product and experience. I go and have a decent time of it, but it is dirty and grungy and not a place you can take kids or business relationships or wives, etc ... and they are not tapping AT ALL into the potential student business that is blowing up all around them.

I also wouldn't be surprised at all if they just waited for a while with this -- or did the really tangential parts first, like the townhomes. The whole casino vote this time was a total joke voting while the Democrats were out of town ... and although all the Republicans said this is over ... clearly it is not. Not with the general public favoring them at around 80% or whatever. David Williams is just an ass and sooner or later this vote will happen and we will get casinos at racetracks. When that happens, the Red Mile will explode.

Here is a couple Q & A's with EOP and the local architects (http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-Business-Lexington-Features-c-2012-03-14-100872.113117-Centre-of-Attention.html) and Dudley Webb (http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-Business-Lexington-Features-c-2012-03-14-100883.113117-Questions-and-Answers-R-Dudley-Webb.html) on Centrepointe from Business Lexington. Also the pedway (http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-Business-Lexington-Latest-News-c-2012-03-15-100894.113117-Webbs-shelve-pedway-for-CentrePointe-project.html) has been nixed for now.

Whosville........we will get casinos at racetracks. When that happens, the Red Mile will explode.

Mate, if there is dramatic development after the introduction of Casinos.......where do you think they get the money from to do that ? From lot's of 'Losers' thats who............Anyone wanting to Gamble other than going to your beautiful Keeneland Horse Track save up and visit Las Vegas now and then....IMOA...I only butt in here because I have spent some time in Lexington and like the place.

Here is a link to a new rendering of centrepointe (http://www.lexingtonky.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=19689) looking from the courthouse with the smaller buildings put in.

I'm really liking all those facades except the central on with the recesses and "cutouts", forgive the quotation marks, I don't know what that feature is actually called.

Yeah I agree I'm not a big fan of that building at all and to me it doesn't seem to fit, but oh well I'm not an architect.

Ok... I must be missing something. I'm downtown all the time and I never see storm troopers on segways! Is this a requirement for all architectural renderings now? They should have thrown in a couple wild horses tattooed with UK logos on them while they were at it!

All in all, I'm fine with the design and buildings. I'm just ready for some construction to begin! It was great seeing all the buildings popping up in downtown Lexington in the mid-2000's. I've missed it!

double post

I like it. I like how different the buildings are so it is not such a mass of the same thing on the whole block.
I think the storm trooper is a joke after the Rupp renderings. Why it was in that one I have no idea.
I just hope they build it.

Interesting article (http://www.kentucky.com/2012/03/22/2122194/rupp-area-task-force-chairman.html) about the Rupp District and how they might fund it from the Task Force Chairman Brent Rice.

Another article (http://www.kyforward.com/?p=10728) from KY Forward about the potential ways to raise funds for the Rupp District. I really like the idea of selling stock to fans just like the Green Bay Packers did. It makes a lot of sense and the idea to block off one suite to stock holders and draw every game sounds like a cool idea.

I've been told that the Court House Design Review folks took only about a half an hour to approve the CentrePointe building but with NO pedway.

^^ Cool!

Here's an article (http://www.kentucky.com/2012/03/28/2129870/design-for-lexingtons-centrepointe.html) on the approval and hopefully we can get this thing started sometime soon.

Whether you loved it or hated it, the original CentrePointe plan was approved by this same body and work was anticipated to begin soon. Demolition did progress and then all hell broke loose. The recession and public opinion (I still think that it was a small minority of Lexingtonians) waged war with the Webbs and themselves. Now we find ourselves four years down the road and a new approval given.

Are we really any farther along in most people's minds?

New signs went up on the Centrepointe site today with the new design. I don't know if that means anything but its nice to see something besides the second design.

Lexington's First National Building to become a 21c Museum Hotel (http://www.kentucky.com/2012/04/10/2145402/lexingtons-first-national-building.html)
http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2012/04/10/00/04/182Kl6.AuSt.79.jpg
Wow big news for downtown and Lexington that a 21C Museum Hotel (http://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/) will be going in the First National Bank Building. The hotel will have a restaurant, a bar, meeting rooms, a ballroom and approximately 80 guest rooms. Construction is supposed to start by the end of the year and will open in 2014. I wonder what kind of impact this will have on Centrepointe, if any at all?

This is great news! Here's the article

http://www.kentucky.com/2012/04/10/2145402/lexingtons-first-national-building.html

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2012/04/10/00/04/182Kl6.AuSt.79.jpg
Wow big news for downtown and Lexington that a 21C Museum Hotel (http://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/) will be going in the First National Bank Building. The hotel will have a restaurant, a bar, meeting rooms, a ballroom and approximately 80 guest rooms. Construction is supposed to start by the end of the year and will open in 2014. I wonder what kind of impact this will have on Centrepointe, if any at all?

I said that this was coming several weeks ago.

I wonder what impact this will have on the concerted effort to pull downtown development to the west side of either the existing Rupp or a freestanding one.

I question, now more than ever, whether the convention center should be moved farther from these newly planned lodging sites.

Carto makes a good point. I don't think the new site for Rupp Arena will be too much further for either Centrepointe or 21c guests but it does become less attractive to convention-goers every block further from the new site.

I'm most excited to see if the combined Centrepoint and 21c sites spawn iany spin off developments or additional retail/nightlife. Afterall The Marriot in the Centrepointe is nothing terribly new just kind of an improvement and more of what we already have, which isn't a bad thing. But Lexington doesn't have anything like 21c. It could serve to open up some new possibilities for Lexington.

There's also the thought of what this could do to strengthen the local art scene in Lexington...

Here's a great article (http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-Business-Lexington-Features-c-2012-04-11-101390.113117-Much-Ado-about-Shakespeare-and-Co.html) from Business Lexington on the long awaited Shakespeare and Co. which is scheduled to open within the month. Also an article (http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-BizFocus-c-2012-04-11-101399.113117-A-village-idiot-with-city-savvy.html) on another restaurant and bar going in on short street is a gastropub, The Village Idiot, and will also open this month.

I'm not an architect but i love beautiful building.
http://www.unblocked-bebo.info/luoying1.jpg
http://www.unblocked-bebo.info/luoying2.jpg
http://www.unblocked-bebo.info/luoying3.jpg
http://www.unblocked-bebo.info/luoying5.jpg

Here's a great article (http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-Business-Lexington-Features-c-2012-04-11-101390.113117-Much-Ado-about-Shakespeare-and-Co.html) from Business Lexington on the long awaited Shakespeare and Co. which is scheduled to open within the month. Also an article (http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-BizFocus-c-2012-04-11-101399.113117-A-village-idiot-with-city-savvy.html) on another restaurant and bar going in on short street is a gastropub, The Village Idiot, and will also open this month.


They were planning on opening up the Village Idiot place next week until ARSON hit! Crazy!

http://www.kentucky.com/2012/04/23/2161518/arson-suspected-in-fire-at-historic.html

Here is an interesting article (http://bizlex.com/2012/05/20898/) on a brewhouse opening in the former buddy's spot and a brewery opening in woodford county by the same guy who recently opened a restaurant and bar in the former fishtank spot..

It looks like Centrepointe is submitting some changes to the courthouse area design review board. They are adding more apartments on the upper st side of the building. This will add 11 additional units and reduce the ballroom from 10,000 to 8,000 sq. ft. They also want to add the option to add more height to the tower on limestone from 144 ft to 184 ft. These all look like nice additions to the project.

http://www.lexingtonky.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=20139

http://www.lexingtonky.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=20138

If built as these new requests indicate the visual impact of the skyline from campus or from the north side will be dramatically improved. walking or driving inbound on Lime will feel completely different with a nearly 200' tower complimenting Park Plaza on the other side of the street.

They must feel that there's addition demand for office space if they're adding two more floors. Or they have a tenant that requires the extra space...

Hmm, interesting update on Centrepointe. Adding a couple floors would not be a bad thing. I knew that space would go quickly to legal tenets, so no surprise adding a bit more.

And, don't know about the rest of you, but I have absolutely been loving this explosion in beer/brewing in Lexington the last year or two. The Beer Trappe, Beerworks, Country Boys, 6th Street, now this in the old Buddys/Woodford. If you are a beer lover, this is an amazing time to be in Lexington. It all seems to be feeding off one another. I'm sure some will go out of business eventually, but I am enjoying the heck out of it while this wave lasts.

Hmm, interesting update on Centrepointe. Adding a couple floors would not be a bad thing. I knew that space would go quickly to legal tenets, so no surprise adding a bit more.

And, don't know about the rest of you, but I have absolutely been loving this explosion in beer/brewing in Lexington the last year or two. The Beer Trappe, Beerworks, Country Boys, 6th Street, now this in the old Buddys/Woodford. If you are a beer lover, this is an amazing time to be in Lexington. It all seems to be feeding off one another. I'm sure some will go out of business eventually, but I am enjoying the heck out of it while this wave lasts.

It is pretty awesome. I'm partial to all the new restaurants opening. I hope it is a trend that will lend to the Applebee's style to lose disfavor.

I am personally not a fan of chain restaurants at all.

It is pretty awesome. I'm partial to all the new restaurants opening. I hope it is a trend that will lend to the Applebee's style to lose disfavor.

I am personally not a fan of chain restaurants at all.

I'm with you jerbyrd25, but unfortunely they're there for a reason... they make money! Everytime my family visits I suggest a local place; like Malone's, Ramsey's, Dudley's, Suggin's ... but where do they always want to go? Applebee's, Logan's Roadhouse, O'Charley's, Olive Garden! It just shows you how much of a marketing machine these large corporate chain restaurants are, especially in places that don't have them (Rural Kentucky). So when people from outside the urban core visit, where do they go? Chains!

I had thought this study had already started, but the LEXINGTON-FAYETTE URBAN COUNTY COUNCIL to order a study of one way downtown streets to two ways (http://www.kentucky.com/2012/05/08/2181030/lexington-council-to-order-study.html#storylink=rss?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter).

"the Lexington City Council" has not existed since December of 1973. We have a merged government, in case you have not heard.

The correct name is the Urban County Council.

"the Lexington City Council" has not existed since December of 1973. We have a merged government, in case you have not heard.

The correct name is the Urban County Council.

My bad...douche

I think they have done that study about 8 times.

Feasibility studies, yes but not to this level of detail. This will look at the actual cost of all material and labor. (like we have believed these before)

Some Good News For My Hometown

Amazon to open a facility in Winchester which will employee 550 full-time employees and 600 more seasonal employees.

Good news for East Metro.

http://www.kentucky.com/2012/05/09/2181804/amazon-to-hire-more-than-550-at.html

Toyota Adding 80 New Jobs in Georgetown

...And good news for the North Metro

http://www.kentucky.com/2012/05/08/2180767/toyota-to-hire-80-as-part-of-engine.html

Interesting article on the direction of all the new building of student housing.

http://www.kentucky.com/2012/05/16/2190464/report-calls-on-uk-to-build-housing.html

Going north v. south is sort of a very interesting and clear dichotomy. Obviously, it is harder to go north/east toward downtown instead of south/west away from downtown. But, I do think there are several different possibilites toward the north. That parking lot identified in the article, all the space around Reynolds (assuming all that is torn down now with Art moving out), the law school lot (on Scott Street - assuming the law school won't build anytime soon), and of course some of the space around the Coliseum. That won't be enough space to accommodate all the new building they are planning, but I would like to see them use some of those spaces.

There is, and always has been, considerable discussion when an institution or large investment entity attempts to redevelop an existing residential area. Any intrusion into many of these areas adjacent to the campus by residential developers is met with claims of destruction of historic buildings, yet if done by the University itself, the claims are of demolition by neglect. It is only when the individual property owner, who allowed the occasional roomer to become the sole income source, gives in to the apartment market that a creeping blight invades and kills a neighborhood.

Can the University and its private investment arm of dorm builders create a better environment for the student without riling the local apartment investors, the historic preservationists or the old guard of the neighborhoods. That is a mighty fine line to walk.

A dowtown building on Short is getting a little taller. Interesting move, I'll have to see the finished product before i can decide if i like it. I really hope it doesnt create a tacky addition to the top of a gorgeous old building.

http://www.kentucky.com/2012/05/16/2190365/parlay-social-nightclub-plans.html

A&W corporate headquarters relocates to Lexington.

A&W joins Tmpur-Pedic in relocating it's headquarters to Coldstream


http://www.kentucky.com/2012/05/16/2190083/aw-restaurants-opens-lexington.html

As mentioned in the article there is a surface parking lot on Upper across from the Mellow Mushroom and Centrepoint that would make a great location for a mixed use development with student housing. A nice 4 or 5 story building with ground level retail would really make that corridor vibrant and also ensure that South Limestone remains as sought after as it is now since hundreds of new students would be living adjacent to campus.

There is also a surface parking lot at the corner of MLK and High that could be developed into student housing in the urban core.

In general, I hope student housing develops toward downtown. Places like Ann Arbor, Madison and Chapel Hill have student housing that runs right up to downtown. A large concentration adjacent to downtown provides a critical mass of people to support business, transit, and other services that students and the general population utilize.

Does anyone know what the road project is along Delong and Tates Creek Roads? I drive through there for everyday and the workers just kind of popped up one day.

It is not a road project. Marathon Oil is relocating an oil transmission line. This has been discussed in the H-L for weeks.