LEX18.com - Lexington, KY

Posted: Oct 2, 2009 12:53 PM
Updated: Oct 2, 2009 2:21 PM

Fifth Third Bank on Friday announced that it will give $750,000 to the DLC Foundation to be used to build a multi-use pavilion in Cheapside Park in Lexington.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to enhance the positive momentum of economic development in our downtown,” said Sam Barnes, Fifth Third Bank Central Kentucky President & CEO. “The Fifth Third Bank Pavilion can provide a central location for entertainment, education and gathering. A mantra we have worked hard to live by in our 20 years in Central Kentucky is that ‘to build a strong bank, you must help build a strong community.’ We foresee the pavilion as another progressive step for the city, the DLC and Fifth Third to reach our common goal of building a brighter tomorrow for the Bluegrass.”

The pavilion will be called Fifth Third Pavilion, said Renee Jackson, Director of the DLC Foundation and President of the Downtown Lexington Corporation.  “I want to encourage other corporate citizens to contribute to our foundation, which supports projects designed to strengthen downtown,” Jackson said.

Lexington mayor Jim Newberry said Fifth Third Pavilion, plus the new streetscapes already under construction along South Limestone Street and very soon on Vine and Main streets, are transforming downtown. “This is an exciting day in our city. A day when we can look forward to a beautiful, inviting downtown and a pavilion that will serve as a permanent home for Farmers Market, while welcoming many other types of events, such as weddings, concerts or classes.  I want to thank Sam Barnes and Fifth Third Bank for their generous support and thank the DLC Foundation for its involvement,” he said. “Today’s gift represents a public / private partnership that demonstrates the importance of a shared sense of responsibility for our community.”

Although plans are still being finalized, the pavilion will cover approximately 5,700 square feet, including an enclosed area of approximately 1,500 square feet plus an open-air, covered area of approximately 4,200 square feet that could accommodate approximately 28 farmers on market day.  Current plans call for a metal roof and glass exterior walls. 

The building will be heated with green radiant heat, and visitors will be cooled with fans and even mist on really hot days.

The Urban County Council accepted the gift and approved the name at its meeting Thursday night. The Parks Advisory Board also approved the concept.

Newberry said the plan will reinforce the entertainment district that is developing in the Cheapside / Victorian Square area.  “There’s already a lot of activity downtown and very soon there will be much more,” he said.

Newberry proposed the streetscape changes, which grew out of the Downtown Master Plan, early this year. The changes are based on award-winning plans developed in 2008 by KKG Studios, consultants based in Covington. Incorporating extensive public input, the plans include curb-side rain gardens and a promenade with raised pools of water tracing the path of historic Town Branch along Vine Street.  Work is currently underway on South Limestone, between the Avenue of Champions and Vine Street, and will begin soon on Main and Vine streets, between Broadway and Limestone Street.  In addition, plans are being completed for Main and Vine streets, between Limestone Street and Elm Tree Lane.

Newberry said the projects will be completed in time for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, beginning next September.  “Although we want to put our best foot forward while the world is visiting, what’s most important is the many benefits these improvements will bring to our downtown well into the future,” Newberry said.