Blanton's Landing Feasibility Study Frankfort, Kentucky
Services Provided
Feasibility Study
Urban Design
People Involved
Andy Knight
Casey Elmer
Awards
2021 KYASLA Merit Award
Improving access to an underutilized riverfront and transforming it into a destination
As one of the first projects resulting from the completed Downtown Frankfort Master Plan, Blanton’s Landing will be the City of Frankfort’s premier urban waterfront destination along the banks of the Kentucky River. The capital city of the Commonwealth of Kentucky has a rich history in community and politics, and bourbon—one of Kentucky’s leading tourism draws with the internationally recognized Bourbon Trail and world class distilleries like Buffalo Trace distillery located in Frankfort.
As the prime planning and design consultant for the Blanton’s Landing Feasibility Study, MKSK led a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and programming consultants to deliver a visionary and realistic transformation of downtown Frankfort’s south bank along the Kentucky River. The scope of the feasibility study includes engagement with stakeholders and the public, evaluation of existing conditions along the urban riverfront and waterway, development of alternative conceptual designs, cost estimating and budgeting, program development, and discovery of funding opportunities.
The conceptual design includes a combination of a land-based promenade and floating piers and docks, connecting multiple destinations and businesses along the riverbank. The existing conditions also presented an elevation challenge between the city and the river that provided opportunities for overlooks extending from the city’s grid, and a new urban park along the eastern end of Blanton’s Landing designed to host a variety of downtown events including concerts and markets. The design also integrates access to the water for recreation and pleasure that currently does not exist. The inclusion of kayak/canoe storage and put-in features provide the much-needed facilities for local organizations and enthusiasts to program with activities, and ultimately contribute to the downtown Frankfort economy.
Following this feasibility study, the MKSK team will begin preparing documentation for phased implementation, leading a team of engineers and architects to realize the vision established during the feasibility study.
