Allen Downtown Steering Committee

Downtown Steering Committee (DSC) research is more than halfway complete for Downtown Allen revitalization Phase 1. At the Sept. 28 City Council workshop, the DSC gave an update on research performed by the following focus groups: Ownership and Zoning, Community Use, Finance and Economic Development, Community Outreach, Learning from Other Communities, Communication, and Public Relations. Research included information about existing conditions and opportunities in the area designated as the Central Business District.

The Committee also discussed the selection process for an experienced, qualified consulting team to assist in Phase 2 of the downtown planning process. Phase 2 will include an extensive community engagement program offering multiple opportunities for community members to provide input on preferences, and to hear about potential options for the revitalization of Downtown Allen.

Four firms applied to the City's Request for Proposal (RFP). Following interviews with DSC members and City staff, a preferred firm was selected, and a recommended contract is being finalized to be presented for approval at the Oct. 12 Council meeting. Upon approval, the consultant will immediately begin work with the DSC and City staff. 

Public engagement opportunities are being planned for the first weekend in December in conjunction with Allen's Holly Jolly Celebration. Watch the website and social media for more details in the coming weeks.

The Downtown Steering Committee selection team is in the process of reviewing proposals received in response to the Request for Proposal (RFP), that was released in August. The RFP requested qualified consulting firms to assist with Phase 2 of the Downtown Revitalization Project. In October, the Committee and City staff will make a recommendation to Mayor and City Council as to which firm is most qualified.

In Phase 2, the selected firm will work with the Committee and City staff to create a plan for a variety of opportunities for community engagement as we all work together to build a vision for our city center – Old Downtown Allen. Several platforms and venues will be available to ensure that everyone can be part of the process. These will include online/virtual and in-person opportunities beginning in early 2022.

With the information gathered, a preliminary vision will be developed and presented to the community for input and adjustments.

The Downtown Steering Committee (DSC) met for the third time Wednesday, Aug. 25. The group shared progress updates in these focus areas:

• Community Use
• Finances and Economic Development
• Learning From Other Communities
• Community Outreach Practices
• Ownership and Zoning

The teams are working hard and have accomplished about three-fourths of the tasks identified in Phase 1. The Committee plans to complete this work over the next month. Another meeting takes place in September to finalize the Phase 1 report to be presented to the Mayor and City Council in early October.  

The DSC also will evaluate proposals from consultants who responded to the RFP, which defined work to be completed in Phase 2 focusing on Community Engagement and Outreach as well as Visioning for downtown. The Committee will present a recommendation to the Mayor and City Council in late October.