plans for the complex began as part of the city’s 2020 comprehensive plan. development plans from six teams of developers and architects were submitted to the city in october 2001. these plans included designs for public plazas, a library branch, residential units, retail space, and a new city hall. formal design proposals were submitted in early 2002. the project was designed to consolidate city government and to anchor redevelopment of the downtown core that would reinvigorate downtown. this included the plan to turn the area into a zone with 18 hours of activity each day, instead of businesses closing at 5:00 pm when the city and county governments closed. additionally, conference space was planned to accommodate use by both city and county governments, and by private groups.