In 2023, a space study of the downtown Government Center campus was conducted. This study produced recommendations for program and space needs for a future consolidated City Hall. The goals are to be welcoming to all residents, an active civic hub for the city and a great place to work.
Project overview
Guiding principles
- Steering committee guidance is incorporated to drive toward viable recommendations.
- Department needs are addressed to optimize space by sharing amenities and unique needs.
- Feasibility of recommendation implementation to be balanced with the level of change management.
- Recommendations will balance LFUCG’s best interests with departments’ unique space requirements and priorities.
Suggested implementation
Cost estimates across four options deliver the 160,000 gross square foot space. These options show how the space requirement can be achieved.
Implementation options
A. Essential modifications
Demolish the Government Center garage and replace it with surface parking. Renovate the Government Center and Phoenix building. Leave the Switow building.
Estimated costs: $78 – $107 million
Estimated gross square footage: 237,000
B. Intensive modifications
Demolish the Government Center garage and build an extension on the garage footprint. Renovate and expand the Government Center building. Leave both Phoenix and Switow buildings.
Estimated costs: $94 – $135 million
Estimated gross square footage: 214,000
C. Relocation
Buy an existing office facility and renovate the building. Leave all current facilities.
Estimated costs: $69 – $107 million
Estimated gross square footage: 160,000
D. Ground-up construction
Identify the best-fit location and build a new Government Center. Leave all current facilities.
Estimated costs: $89 – $139 million
Estimated gross square footage: 160,000
Next steps
LFUCG should consider the following when considering a new or renovated Government Center.
- Who will champion the change management approach for the new working methods? Who will support the transition to an open environment?
- Will LFUCG invest in technology for enhanced remote work and hybrid collaboration?
- Is LFUCG willing to leave the current Government Center, though it could create public and economic challenges if the space remains vacant for an extended period?
- Is LFUCG willing to acquire a large downtown office building? It would take a subject property off the tax rolls.
- Are there parts of town that LFUCG could revitalize with a large-scale ground-up development?
- Is LFUCG willing to explore a public-private partnership agreement if it can reduce upfront capital for Options B, C or D?
Project teams
Project lead
Brandi Peacher
Steering committee
Mayor Linda Gorton, Mayor of Lexington
Tyler Scott, Mayor’s Chief of Staff
Sally Hamilton, Chief Administrative Officer(CAO)
Glenn Brown, Deputy CAO
Chris Ford, Commissioner of General Services
Erin Hensley, Commissioner of Finance
Ken Armstrong, Commissioner of Public Safety
Aldona Valicenti, Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Chad Cottle, Deputy CIO
Whitney Baxter, District 9 Councilmember
Fred Brown, District 8 Councilmember
Tactical team
Chris Ford, Commissioner of General Services
Hilary Angelucci, Office of Chief Administrative Officer
Jamshid Baradaran, Director of Facilities & Fleet Management
Mark Arnold, Deputy Director for Facilities Management
Lisa Grober, Project Manager for Capital Projects Management
Josh Ives, Project Manager for Capital Projects Management
David Pugh, Facilities Superintendent
Chris Litton, Project Program Manager
Kent Morris, Security Supervisor
Eric Hobson, Public Safety
James Bush, Program Manager for Environmental Services
Mike Nugent, Director of Computer Services
Stacey Maynard, Council Administrator