By Brenna Angel
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-995582.mp3
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The use of water and creating a public green space were some of the ideas addressed at a public meeting Wednesday night of the Rupp Arena Arts and Entertainment District Task Force.
The group appointed by Lexington Mayor Jim Gray has been exploring possibilities for renovation or replacement of the Lexington Center and the surrounding area. Master planner Gary Bates of the architect firm Space Group says Lexington needs to find better use for the property, especially during the winter months of December through March.
"Not all of us are fortunate enough to have front-row tickets to the North Carolina game this weekend, but in our vision, you'd be able to join 10,000 of your friends outside the arena or in a multi-purpose space in that public commons zone and be able to watch the game," said Bates.
Bates says he's drawing inspiration from Keeneland, which allows parking in grassy areas during race meets instead of covering several acres in asphalt.
Another improvement may include breaking up the convention center into multiple buildings like a campus model.
"If you're going to do such a facility in a downtown area, then you may have to start to address things other than the big box," Bates said.
One of the retail shops currently in the Lexington Center is Artique. Owner Mike Stutland says he likes big dreams, but has some concerns about the Rupp project.
"My reality would be drastically affected if they removed the retail. What do they do with a store like mine that's been an institution in Lexington for 31 years? Does that mean that I have to now reinvest and build a new store? Close my store? Is somebody going to help me do that?"
Other projects discussed Wednesday night included creating a "Cat Walk" connector between the University of Kentucky campus and the arena, bringing Town Branch Creek to the urban surface, re-purposing the First Baptist Church, making improvements to Victorian Square, using the current parking lot on High Street for a performing arts school, developing more public transportation, and connecting the area to the Distillery District.
Space Group will present final recommendations about Rupp Arena and the surrounding area to the task force in January. A feasibility study released this week found that renovating the home of UK men's basketball would cost less than half the price of building new.
Another public meeting will be held in January. The public can also submit ideas and comments at the task force's website, RuppDistrict.com.
