Lancaster Downtown Revitalization Plan Lancaster, South Carolina

Services Provided

Comprehensive Planning
Public Engagement

People Involved

Darren Meyer
Donald Zellefrow

A comprehensive development plan for the revitalization of a growing city

MKSK led a team of planners, architects, urban economists, and marketing specialists on the development of a master plan for the revitalization of historic downtown Lancaster, South Carolina. The primary goals of the year-long planning process were to craft a clear vision for the revitalization of the district and assist the client with short-term implementation to ensure the achievement of the vision.

MKSK worked closely with city staff, local stakeholders, appointed and elected officials, and citizens to develop project goals, priorities, and major revitalization initiatives. MKSK partnered with a local non-profit to host small-scale community workshops to generate awareness of the project and solicit valuable input from often marginalized populations.

The project included 22 community meetings and an online survey that provided the foundation for many of the plan’s recommendations, including housing, business, and public space strategies.

Upon completion of the project, the city quickly adopted the plan and is now working on implementing many of its recommendations. In the short term, the city is revising its policy framework, establishing a downtown development authority, and partnering with property owners and investors to advance adaptive reuse and residential concepts. In the coming years, the city intends to cultivate and leverage new partnerships and expects to design and construct a recommended signature downtown park and festival street.