March 19. By Dave Vieser. The choice of who should craft a Downtown Master Plan is down to two firms: Kimley Horne and Bolton & Menk.

Both firms have extensive experience in the region.

Seven different consultants, all from the metro Charlotte area, had originally responded to a request for proposals (RFP) on the development of a master plan to guide development for the 137-acre downtown area along Catawba Avenue and Main Street.

Over the years it has been developed and redeveloped in piecemeal fashion, a reality reflected in the RFP.

Susan Johnson

Background

Bolton & Menk is currently providing the town with grant writing services, according to Planning Director Rox Burhans. Bolton & Menk acquired Cole, Jenest and Stone several years ago and their former firm had worked on several private development projects in Cornelius. Kimley Horne has been and continues to be used by the town and many other municipalities.

Quotable

“Creating a Downtown Master Plan is important because it will provide the strategic vision for how we identify and attract new businesses that will support smart-managed growth, future economic development and enrich how Cornelius residents live, work and play within our community,” said Susan Johnson, a member of the Cornelius Town Board.

If the interview process yields a finalist, town staff will work with the finalist to develop a project scope of work and contract that will ultimately be approved by the Town Board of Commissioners.