Leaked EKU Master Plan Shows Phased Demolition of Entire City of Richmond

RICHMOND — Eastern Kentucky University officials confirmed Thursday that a leaked campus master plan outlining the “complete clearance of adjacent non-institutional structures” is authentic, though administrators insist the public is “dramatically misunderstanding what ‘complete clearance’ means.”

The 62-page document, titled Vision 2045: Infinite Campus, surfaced online late Monday. Page 34 contains a full-color rendering of Alumni Coliseum sitting alone in a grassy expanse labeled simply: “Richmond (Former).”

The leak comes just days after EKU announced it would demolish the Hummel Planetarium, prompting widespread concern that the university's preferred method of renovation is removal.

According to the document, demolition would proceed in phases:

• Phase I: Remove Planetarium (Complete).
• Phase II: “Eliminate Peripheral Brick.”
• Phase III: “Downtown Dissolution.”
• Phase IV: “Total Annihilation in the area formerly known as Richmond.”
• Phase V: “Eastern Kentucky — Richmond University.”

One appendix describes Richmond as “structurally nostalgic” and “a low-performing land allocation opportunity.”

University President David McFadden addressed the document Thursday afternoon.

“We are not tearing down Richmond,” McFadden said calmly. “We are simply exploring spatial freedom.”

When asked why Main Street is labeled “Future Intramural Meadow,” McFadden responded, “That's conceptual.”

Residents were less reassured.

“They already tore down half the dorms. Now they're coming for the courthouse.”

— TERRY JENKINS, LOCAL BARBER

A section titled “Full Civic Absorption Strategy” includes a bullet point reading: “Replace municipal functions with student engagement zones.”

Mayor Robert Blythe confirmed the city has not approved demolition.

“Not formally,” Blythe added.

By Thursday evening, a grassroots coalition called “Let Richmond Exist” had organized downtown. Members gathered near the planetarium holding signs that read, “You Can't Demolish Gravity” and “Hands Off Our Community.”

University officials maintain modernization requires bold action.

“We can't be afraid of empty space,” said Vice President of Facilities Laura Benton. “Sometimes you have to remove everything to build something meaningful.”

At press time, Richmond still remained physically present, though several residents reported measuring their foundations “just in case.”

EKU has not ruled out Phase V as of now.