Groundbreaking ceremony held for Frankfort, Ky., transit center

State and local dignitaries gathered May 9 to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new transit center and garage in Frankfort, Ky. The transit center is part of Frankfort’s plans to redevelop the former Capital Plaza site and is a key element of the city’s Downtown Frankfort Masterplan.

“It’s exciting to kick off construction on this project in our capital city that will create a modern, more efficient public transit hub that will serve the city for decades to come and highlight the history and arts in the area,” said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.

Gov. Beshear presented Frankfort municipal and transit officials in July 2022 to present $6.75 million in funds to support the project. The combination of federal funding comes from $5.5 million in allocated funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act and $1.25 million in Federal Transit Administration formula grants for rural areas that were administered through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).

“Our Kentucky families depend on public transportation options and a robust infrastructure system to get to school and work,” Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said. “Team Kentucky is working hard to ensure our communities have safe and efficient transportation systems in place for our people and for ongoing economic growth, such as the redevelopment of this vital city center in Frankfort.”

The proposed facility will consist of a 5,000-square-foot ground-level building that will house Frankfort Transit administrative offices, as well as public space for transit users. Officials says there will be an exhibit on the history of the North Frankfort area and the predominantly African American homes and businesses that were relocated from the neighborhood during urban renewal. Several interior spaces will include public art.

“Public art creates interesting and beautiful places in our hometown that positively impact economic development as well. It also reflects the identity of our diverse communities, and we look forward to partnering with the city on this innovative project,” Melanie VanHouten of Josephine Sculpture Park said.

Above the ground-level building will be a 300-space parking structure, which will be used by Frankfort Transit operations, the general public and nearby hotel and commercial development. Plans include infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations. Messer Construction was awarded the design-build contract for the garage.

“This transit center is the first step in the mixed-use redevelopment of the former Capital Plaza site and a catalyst for the activation of our Downtown Frankfort Masterplan,” Frankfort Mayor Lane Wilkerson said. “We are incredibly grateful to Gov. Beshear and Secretary Gray for their support of this project. We look forward to the extension of Washington Street, new housing, businesses and a more vibrant neighborhood that connects to our historic downtown.”