Lexington, Kentucky, November 19, 2025
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government is progressing with plans for a new Government Center situated at 200 West Vine Street in downtown Lexington. The project aims to consolidate municipal offices and features a renovation of the existing building along with a new addition. The facility will encompass approximately 104,000 square feet, including a parking garage. The total redevelopment cost is estimated at $86.6 million, with completion expected in 2028.
Lexington Advances Plan for New Government Center
Lexington, Kentucky – The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) is advancing plans to create a new Government Center in downtown Lexington aimed at consolidating municipal offices into a more accessible and efficient facility for residents.
Project Overview
The proposed Government Center will be situated at 200 West Vine Street, on the current site of the Truist Bank building. The redevelopment project includes the renovation of the existing building and the construction of a new addition, totaling approximately 104,000 square feet. It will also feature a 286-space parking garage with public parking, responding to longstanding parking concerns in the downtown area. The estimated total cost for the redevelopment is $86.6 million, which will cover property acquisition, design, construction, and financing costs. LFUCG intends to form a public-private partnership with the Lexington Opportunity Fund, consisting of the Greer Companies and the Webb Companies, to finance and build the Government Center. The city will acquire the property for $23.6 million and lease it back to the developer. Once completed, the city will lease the facility for 35 years at an annual cost of $3.5 million, with ownership transitioning to the city at the lease’s end. The new center is expected to open in 2028.
Rationale for the New Government Center
The current Government Center, located in the historic Lafayette Hotel at 200 E. Main St., was initially designed as a temporary facility in the 1980s. However, it has since become outdated and unable to accommodate the needs of the city’s growing population. Estimated deferred maintenance and necessary repairs amount to about $55 million, which would only cover basic upkeep and code compliance without improving efficiency, accessibility, or the working environment. The new Government Center aims to provide a modern, healthy, sustainable facility that embodies the city’s values of transparency, inclusivity, and responsible use of taxpayer funds.
Next Steps
The LFUCG Urban County Council is set to vote on the partnership proposal on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Should the council approve the deal, the project will move into the design and construction phases, ultimately leading to the anticipated opening of the new Government Center in 2028. This initiative marks a crucial advancement in modernizing municipal services and infrastructure in downtown Lexington.
Background
Efforts to establish a new Government Center have been ongoing for decades, with previous proposals carefully studied and rejected. Various properties in downtown Lexington have been evaluated for their feasibility. In 2024, LFUCG released a request for proposals for public-private partnerships dedicated to financing and constructing the new center. The Lexington Opportunity Fund’s response to this request led to the current negotiations. Once completed, the facility is expected to serve as both a modern workplace for city employees and a welcoming community space, reflecting the city’s mission for efficient and inclusive local governance.
Contact Information
For more information, residents can reach the Office of the Mayor at 200 E. Main St., Lexington, KY 40507. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is (859) 258-3100, and the email address is [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the location of the new Government Center?
The new Government Center will be located at 200 West Vine Street, the current site of the Truist Bank building in downtown Lexington.
What is the estimated cost of the redevelopment project?
The estimated total cost of the redevelopment is $86.6 million, covering property acquisition, design, construction, and financing expenses.
When is the new Government Center expected to open?
The new Government Center is expected to open in 2028.
How can residents contact the Office of the Mayor for more information?
Residents can contact the Office of the Mayor at 200 E. Main St., Lexington, KY 40507. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is (859) 258-3100, and the email address is [email protected].
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 200 West Vine Street, current site of the Truist Bank building in downtown Lexington. |
| Size | Approximately 104,000 square feet, including renovation of the existing structure and new construction. |
| Parking | 286-space parking garage with public parking spaces. |
| Cost | Estimated total redevelopment cost of $86.6 million, covering property acquisition, design, construction, and financing expenses. |
| Partnership | Public-private partnership with the Lexington Opportunity Fund, a joint venture between the Greer Companies and the Webb Companies. |
| Lease Terms | City will lease the building for 35 years at an annual cost of $3.5 million, with ownership transferring to the city at the end of the lease term. |
| Opening Date | Expected to open in 2028. |
Now Happening on X
- @LEX18News (November 18, 2025, 11:30 AM): Posts about a proposed sanctuary city policy in a Jefferson County city sparking intense city council debates over national politics and police budget, leading to significant infighting among members.
- @LEX18News (November 14, 2025, 10:45 AM): Reports a developing active situation near the 4500 block of Nicholasville Road, with Lexington police on scene responding to the incident.
- @LEX18News (November 14, 2025, 11:55 AM): Confirms Lexington Universal Academy evacuated as a precaution due to a reported bomb threat on Friday morning.
- @WKYT (November 14, 2025, 10:55 AM): Indicates part of a busy Lexington road is shut down due to an ongoing police investigation.
- @LEX18News (November 12, 2025, 1:30 PM): Updates that Bluegrass Crime Stoppers is searching for a suspect in a Halloween stabbing on Main Street and Upper Street that injured three people.
- @LEX18News (November 13, 2025, 8:30 AM): Notes Lexington’s growing homelessness crisis, with 925 people affected this year, up from 825 last year, prompting new task force efforts.
- @FOX56News (November 13, 2025, 12:05 AM): Covers Mayor Linda Gorton’s new Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness holding its first meeting to address the increasing issue.
- @KCTV5 (November 16, 2025, 9:52 PM): Reports a gas leak in Lexington, with the police department notifying the public about the incident.
- @LEX18News (November 15, 2025, 10:00 AM): Announces the opening of Lexington’s new winter weather shelter on Versailles Road, providing meals and overnight stays for the homeless through April 1.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Weather Expected in Lexington, KY
Lexington Proposes New Government Center at Former Truist Bank Building
Lexington’s ‘Stuff the Bus’ Initiative Supports Local Families
Central Kentucky Advances Industrial Development Projects
Food Drive Organized to Support Local Students and Families
Whiteshore Funding Offers Support Amid Healthcare Challenges
Lexington KY Addresses Gun Violence with Strategic Initiatives
Cardiff Lexington Corporation Announces Third Quarter Financial Results
Kentucky Plans Specialized Education Campus for Inmates
Louisville High School Football Teams Achieve Notable Victories
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
