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GLASGOW, Ky. — Construction of a new retaining wall is underway in downtown Glasgow as city officials work to stabilize a hillside behind the Barren County Attorney’s Office, opening the door to future use of the property.

Reached by phone Wednesday, Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse said the city’s priority is repairing the deteriorating retaining wall before it fails.

The retaining wall supports the elevated ground beneath a city-owned parking lot behind the county attorney’s office, preventing the hillside from shifting onto West Main Street.

“No one wants the city parking lot to end up in West Main Street,” Royse said.

The parking lot is accessible from both the public square and the steep incline along South Liberty Street.

“We have known for a long time that we need to fix it,” he said.

The retaining wall had been in need of repair, but city officials said the project became much more feasible after gaining access to the adjoining properties between the county attorney’s office and the Mitchell Terry Building.

The city acquired one of those properties in February 2024 after former Councilman Patrick Gaunce demolished his building and donated the vacant lot to Glasgow.

At the time, the City Council was divided over whether to accept the donation, with some members raising concerns about both the cost of repairing the retaining wall and the ethics of accepting the property.

The other building, which stood adjacent to the county attorney’s office, was demolished by Barren County before the city acquired the neighboring property, providing additional access for the retaining wall repairs.

In addition to rebuilding the retaining wall, crews are installing a steel staircase connecting the upper parking lot to the lower West Main Street property.

The project was originally eyes for completion in early October but city officials expect a mid-September completion, barring any weather or construction delays.

“We feel like it’s not going to take very long to do,” Royse said.

The city’s long-term plans for the property remain undecided. Royse said one idea under consideration is a small “pocket park,” though no formal plans have been approved.