Reimagining Downtown Lincoln's Design Standards
Downtown Lincoln is the heart of our community—a place where people live, work, learn, gather, and celebrate. As Downtown continues to evolve, the City of Lincoln is updating the Downtown Design Standards to ensure new development and redevelopment contribute to a vibrant, welcoming, and enduring urban environment.
The updated standards will build on Downtown's unique character while providing clear, modern guidance for buildings, streets, public spaces, and the pedestrian experience. The goal is to encourage high-quality design that supports economic investment, enhances the public realm, promotes walkability and accessibility, and creates inviting places for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. The existing standards were created to strengthen Downtown's urban form and encourage compatible new construction, and this update will ensure they continue to reflect today's best practices and the community's vision for Downtown's future.
This project is an opportunity to celebrate what makes Downtown Lincoln special while preparing for the next generation of growth. Through collaboration with community members, property owners, developers, design professionals, and Downtown stakeholders, the updated Design Standards will help shape a Downtown that is attractive, resilient, and uniquely Lincoln for years to come.