Title
City of McKinney Named Recipient of 2011 Downtown Merit Award by the International Downtown Association
Summary
MEETING DATE: October 18, 2011
DEPARTMENT: Development Services - Planning
CONTACT: Guy R. Giersch, Historic Preservation Officer
Kevin Spath, AICP, Assistant Director of Planning
ITEM SUMMARY:
• Recently, McKinney’s Historic Downtown Square was awarded a “Downtown Merit Award for Public Space” by the International Downtown Association (IDA). The Merit Award recognizes the capital improvements that have enhanced the urban design, physical function and economic viability of the downtown and the community.
• The City’s submittal, entitled “Renaissance of the Downtown Square - McKinney, Texas,” was one of only 11 projects (out of 63 submissions) recognized at the annual IDA Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina on September 24, 2011.
• This award is a direct result of the steadfast commitment to the Historic Downtown Square by City leadership, City staff, and citizens-including specific recognition of 4 projects over the past 10 years:
• Rehabilitation of the Historic Collin County Courthouse into the McKinney Performance Arts Center (1999 - 2006)
• Town Center Study Initiative (2006 - 2011)
• Redesign/Reconstruction of the Downtown Square (2006 -- 2008)
• Downtown Wayfinding System (2005 - 2008)
• According to David Downey, IDA President and CEO, "each year the IDA Awards Jury recognizes organizations that utilize best practices in our industry. The Renaissance of the Downtown Square in McKinney, Texas is a shining example of excellent downtown management that delivers real results."
• The Washington, D.C. based International Downtown Association is a champion for vital and livable urban centers and strives to inform, influence, and inspire downtown leaders and advocates.