Lexington Seeks Developer for New City Government Center

Lexington has initiated a renewed search for a private developer to assist in finding a new home for the majority of its government operations. The city released a request for proposals (RFP) for a new, 100,000-square-foot government center in September, with proposals due by November 8.

This effort marks another attempt in a long-standing quest to replace the current government home located at 200 E. Main Street. Since 2016, the city has invested over $475,000 in studies regarding this project. Earlier this year, an RFP led to two bids, both of which were ultimately rejected. Project manager Brandi Peacher indicated that this new RFP is different, emphasizing a smaller footprint and allowing developers to propose using the city’s existing buildings on Main Street, whether for renovation or demolition.

An analysis conducted in 2023 by Ernst & Young and Kersey and Kersey determined that the city requires approximately 160,000 square feet of space. Currently, the city occupies 248,000 square feet across three locations: the main government center, the Switow building at 212 E. Main Street, and the Phoenix building at 101 E. Vine Street.

Unlike the previous proposal, which aimed to replace offices in the Phoenix building—a facility that handles many of the city’s development-related services—this current RFP allows the city to retain that building, significantly reducing potential costs associated with excessive square footage.

The city hopes to establish a public-private partnership that would lead to eventual ownership of the new facility. Additional plans include identifying potential land sites within the downtown core. The current city center, once the Lafayette Hotel completed in 1920, was initially intended as a temporary solution when local government operations merged in the late 1970s. Over the years, the building has required significant renovations and presents challenges for individuals with mobility issues, impacting accessibility and navigation.

Efforts to secure a new government center in the past have yielded limited success. Notable past proposals included leasing the former Lexington Herald-Leader building and exploring options to utilize the Central Library building or the land at Phoenix Park. Additionally, a proposal to establish a new government center at what is now known as City Center was considered, but ultimately fell through.

Looking ahead, Peacher stated that the city aims to determine the feasibility of a new government center by early next year, ahead of Mayor Linda Gorton’s budget proposal scheduled for late April.