The Metropolitan Planning Commission, in cooperation with the City of Knoxville, is sponsoring a series of public workshops beginning in March to discuss design guidelines for downtown.

 The first workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the East Tennessee History Center, 610 S. Gay St. Topics to be discussed will include downtown's unique qualities, what people find pleasing and what aspects of design should be enhanced over time.MPC staff will provide an overview of typical design guideline considerations, drawing from local observations and other cities' approaches.Those attending will be asked to give their opinions on building design, sidewalks, streets and public spaces.Urban design guidelines were recommended in the City of Knoxville's Downtown Improvement Strategy, which noted that other cities have used such guidelines to improve their downtown's aesthetics and pedestrian activity.Additional workshops will be held this spring and summer to discuss with citizens various alternatives that the City and MPC could pursue regarding such guidelines.For more information, please contact MPC staff members Mike Carberry, Ann Bennett or Anne Wallace at 865-215-2500.