About LDDA
Lexington Downtown Development Authority
Mission
The mission of the Lexington Downtown Development Authority (LDDA) is to promote physical and economic development, land uses, and activities that make Downtown Lexington the lively, thriving, stimulating and diverse economic, cultural, and residential heart of Central Kentucky – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. (“Downtown Lexington – 24/7/52”)
Goals
1. Implement and update the Downtown Master Plan that will continue to guide physical development of downtown.
- Encourage input from public and private sectors on the implementation of this plan.
- Promote physical and economic aspects in the development of this plan.
- Educate the public about the Downtown Master Plan.
Develop an action plan for the implementation of the Master Plan recommendations.
2. Serve as the central communication hub and information resource for downtown related issues.
- Foster a positive relationship with public and private sectors to persuade financial businesses, governmental agencies, and commercial entities to locate in the downtown area.
- Preserve, protect and enhance existing neighborhoods by cultivating relationships and supporting open communication.
- Integrate the University of Kentucky, Transylvania University and Bluegrass Community and Technical College into the downtown area by working with the administration of all institutions and by removing physical barriers and adding physical links.
- Create communication systems that assure dialogue, communication and cooperation between all entities working toward the development, improvement and stability of downtown.
- Continue to work with various Lexington Fayette Urban County Government departments to address building codes, zoning issues and other government regulations to encourage and facilitate development and redevelopment of downtown.
3. Investigate, encourage and promote a means for development consistent with an urban philosophy and complimentary to a downtown lifestyle.
- Support the development of design guidelines for downtown that advance “urban” rather than “suburban” type development as well as incorporate safety and accessibilty.
- Coordinate periodic reviews of all vacant property, buildings, and parking lots that could be used for infill and redevelopment.
Devise methods that provide business/retail opportunities for downtown. - Transform downtown into a highly desirable residential location by generating housing opportunities that meet demands of individuals wanting to live downtown and by developing strategies to address affordable housing.
- Protect and preserve downtown’s significant diverse historic and cultural heritage.
- Develop a multifaceted, user friendly, ADA compliant transportation system that makes downtown a destination.
- Develop downtown into a regional cultural and entertainment center for a diverse population.
To accomplish its mission and goals, the LDDA:
- Assists in facilitating development and redevelopment in the downtown area
- Acquires, constructs, maintains, adds to and improves any “public project"
- Develops and coordinates implementation of downtown, neighborhood, area-wide and corridor plans and policies of the LFUCG
- Establishes design and related standards for development and redevelopment
- Coordinates activities of other LFUCG supported departments, offices and corporations involved in development and redevelopment related activities
Background
In December 1999, Mayor Pam Miller formed a committee to investigate downtown revitalization. This committee produced a document entitled Downtown Revitalization Initiative September 2000, which recommended creation of a Downtown Development Authority to direct redevelopment initiatives. As a result, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) established the Lexington Downtown Development Authority, Inc. (LDDA) in December 2001 by Ordinance No. 312-2001. The LDDA is a nonprofit, non-stock corporation created pursuant to Chapter 58 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes.
Board of Directors
and Advisory Committee
Board Packets (PDFs)
Appointment and Term of Office
The initial Board of Directors, which consists of nine members, was appointed in December 2001. The mayor of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) or the mayor’s designee and such other individuals as appointed by the mayor and confirmed by a majority of LFUCG council members comprise the Board of Directors. Each board member serves a term of four years from the date of appointment; however, the initial board terms shall be staggered to allow the appointment of at least one-half of the board membership every two years.
Board Members
Mary Lee Kerr, Chair
University of Kentucky
MBA Program Director
Lexington, KY 40506-0034
Lynda M. Thomas
600 Cooper Drive
Lexington, KY 40502
Harry Richart
National City Bank
301 East Main Street, Second Floor
Lexington, KY 40507
David Freibert
Kentucky Utilities
One Quality Street
Lexington, KY 40507
Tom Harris
University of Kentucky
203 Gillis Building
Lexington, KY 40506-0033
Mayor Jim Gray
LFUCG
200 East Main Street
Lexington, KY 40507
M. Vitale Buford
c/o Stoll, Keenon & Ogden, PLLC
300 W. Vine St., Ste. 2100
Lexington, KY 40507
Lexington Fayette Housing Authority
300 West New Circle Road
Lexington, KY 40505
Advisory Committee
Bob Quick, President/CEO
Commerce Lexington
330 East Main Street
Lexington, Ky. 40507
Gary Means, Executive Director
Lexington/Fayette County Parking Authority
101 E. Vine Street, 5th Floor
Lexington, Ky. 40507
Renee Jackson, President
Downtown Lexington Corporation
101 E. Vine Street, 5th Floor
Lexington, Ky. 40507
Ed Lane, Council Member
12th District
200 East Main Street
Lexington, Ky. 40507
Bill Owen, President/CEO
Lexington Center Corporation
430 West Main Street
Lexington, Ky. 40507
LexArts
161 N. Mill Street
Lexington, Ky. 40507
Staff
Jeff Fugate – Executive Director
Brandi Berryman – Urban Architectural Designer
Mary Rankin – Administrative Assistant
Donnica Fife-Stallworth – Office Manager