photo by: Evergy

A screenshot from a previous public meeting shows renderings for a proposed Evergy substation in central Lawrence.

The Evergy energy company will soon host an open house to share information about its plans to build an $8.5 million substation in central Lawrence.

Evergy announced in January 2021 that it had purchased land near Kasold Drive and Bob Billings Parkway, near the University of Kansas’ West Campus, for the construction of the new substation. An Evergy spokesperson told the Journal-World at the time that the new substation would replace an existing substation in the same area, but would be significantly bigger to improve service.

The proposed site for the new substation is on land currently zoned as part of KU’s university district, and it will require special permits that must be reviewed by the Planning Commission and approved by the City Commission. Evergy began that process last year, but it was delayed so that the company could discuss concerns from nearby residents. The open house, which is scheduled for April 7, will share updated details on the project.

Evergy submitted the applications for a special use permit, rezoning and preliminary plat for the project last summer. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to defer the application at a meeting in June 2021. Commissioners called for the deferral to allow Evergy time to “engage with neighbors” and provide further information on several subjects, according to meeting minutes. Those included noise mitigation/dampening, suitability of location, bufferyard conditions and additional power lines, among other topics.

One informational meeting was held in May of last year, and Evergy re-evaluated its design based on feedback provided from the community at that time, according to an announcement about the open house. As part of the open house, Evergy will share “updated project details.” The open house will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. April 7 at Arterra Event Gallery, 2161 Quail Creek Drive.

A video of the first meeting, as well details about the project are available on the project webpage, evergy.com/FreeState. The webpage includes the following details about the substation project, which has been named the Free State Substation Project.

•The substation will be surrounded by a 9- to 10-foot-tall stonecast wall and feature security lighting that can be turned on and off as needed. The four steel poles within the substation will be approximately 65 feet tall.

•Evergy will build a short section of transmission line to connect the new substation to the power grid.

•The existing transmission line south of the substation will be reduced in height by approximately 20 to 35 feet, leaving the existing distribution line in place.

•A temporary access road will be built for construction purposes and removed once the substation is operational.

•A permanent access road will be built from Bob Billings Parkway and Westbrooke Drive to the substation to avoid traffic through neighboring residential areas when maintenance is needed.

•Once the new substation is operational, the existing substation near KU’s campus at West 19th Street and Meadowlark Lane will be removed.

Planning Director Jeff Crick said that at this time Evergy had not let the planning office know if there was a particular date for returning its application to the Planning Commission for consideration. The Planning Commission’s recommendation will go to the City Commission for ultimate consideration.