Allen Downtown Steering Committee

On Oct. 12, Allen City Council approved a recommendation by the Downtown Steering Committee and City staff to hire Stantec Consulting Services to assist with Phase 2 revitalization planning for Downtown Allen. Phase 2 is focused specifically on community input.

The next several months will offer multiple opportunities for residents, downtown business and property owners, and all community stakeholders, to participate in the visioning process. We invite everyone to join us as we "Dare to Dream" about the possibilities and opportunities for our revitalized downtown, the Heart of Allen.

In the next few weeks we will launch a new website to serve as a one-stop-shop for all the information you need to get involved or learn about the Committee's research conducted over the last four months. There will be opportunities to sign up for events, fill out surveys, join online meetings, and share your thoughts and ideas for the future of Downtown Allen.

Watch for more information soon on the City of Allen website, in the ShareAble enewsletter and on social media channels.

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.