Lexington city council members continue to investigate where best to house government offices in the future. City leaders have debated building a new city hall for years. Tuesday council members heard a consultant’s report on recommendations to address exterior issues on the current government center.
Architect Kevin Geogh said there’s been masonry damage above the Main Street entrance to city hall. But, Geogh doesn’t envision parts of the building front falling off. “It’s unlikely. It’s only in should there be really a heavy event, a rain event, a high wind event, or a seismic event, then it could be a concern. The gravity is going to hold it there a very long time, but we don’t like to just rely on that,” said Geogh.
The estimated cost of exterior improvements is just over $5 million. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said she believes potential safety issues need attention and building-exterior fixes could make the high rise structure more attractive for a future buyer. Gorton said a move to a new city hall is the longer term answer. Gorton was asked if moving into a new city hall in five years is a reasonable expectation. “I can’t really say a timeframe, but I think it would be possible, if there’s consensus about what to do about city hall, that we could in five years have a new one,” noted Gorton.
The urban county government center on Main Street originally housed a hotel. Gorton cites a consultant report which indicates about 80% of the current usable space in the current city hall would be suitable for a hotel, while 60% of the building would be suitable for office space.?
People like you value experienced, knowledgeable and award-winning journalism that covers meaningful stories in Central and Eastern Kentucky. To support more stories and interviews like this one, please consider making a contribution.
