By Harrison Stiles
Over the past year, tons of construction projects have been going on around downtown Lex. While construction is often associated with noise, dirt, and traffic problems, it has yielded some incredible opportunities. Some of the most exciting of which are brand new residential areas that are creating more chances than ever to live downtown. In this post I will be discussing some newly completed projects as well as some that are still in the works. Click any of the headings to check out local listings.
Jefferson Street Townhomes – 512 Maryland Ave.
The Jefferson Street corridor is a historic and storied piece of Lexington history. Originally established in 1815, the area has gone through many changes since then. Thanks to massive renovation efforts, Jefferson Street has once again become a lively and beautiful place to call home. You will never be short on delicious local food in this area with Stella’s Kentucky Deli, Grey Goose, and The Blue Heron Steakhouse, among many others, calling Jefferson Street their home. If you like local hangouts with great drinks, guess what? You’re in luck there too. The Green Lantern has a lot of history within its walls, and close by is West Sixth Brewing with its famous craft beer. In spite of its close proximity to downtown, the area even has a great green space nearby in Coolavin Park, which contains a stretch of the Legacy Trail. The new townhomes are high-end and located in a gated community. Each unit has loads of luxurious features such as hardwood floors, high ceilings, decks or patios, and your own garage. Click on the link to check them all out or take a virtual tour!
Field and Main Street Bank Condos – 369 E Main St.
The floors above the Field and Main Bank have been transformed into gorgeous condominiums. With 10 to 12-foot-high ceilings, open floor plans, and top of the line granite and tile, these condos will make you feel like royalty. The top floor has been transformed into a rooftop oasis with an exercise room, bar, grills, and even a putting green. They also have a parking garage, so you don’t have to worry about trying to park downtown or paying for a monthly lot space. Not to mention, the location is incredible. Being on Main Street in downtown Lexington means you’re never far from whatever you need. Carson’s is right across the street, A Cup of Commonwealth is literally around the corner if you need to get your coffee fix, and you’re a 2-minute walk from the beautiful Thoroughbred Park. Not to mention, you’re about a 10-minute walk from practically every other bar or restaurant in downtown Lexington.
Distillery Heights – 949 Tarr Trace
As we have already done a blog post on Distillery Heights, I won’t go into too much detail here, but if you’d like more info check out our previous post here. These gorgeous deluxe apartments offer its residents a perfect position near the excitement and liveliness of the distillery district while being only blocks away from downtown itself. The open concept kitchens and the sleek modern interiors are simply to die for. Blending perfectly the industrial architecture of the distillery district with modern features, I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to live here.
The Hub I & II – 500 S Upper St., 685 S Limestone St.
While these apartments will tend to appeal more to University of Kentucky students due to their incredibly convenient location, they offer much more than just close proximity to campus. The Hub on Campus – which is already up and running – boasts a rooftop pool and hot tub, a fitness center and sauna, a tanning room, a resident coffee bar, study rooms and much more! The Hub on Campus is incredibly close to local bars like Two Keys, Tin Roof, and Crumzz as well as restaurants like Canes, Pazzo’s and Local Taco. Not to mention the insane convenience of living above an actual Target store!
The Hub at Lexington II, which is currently under construction over on the corner of Limestone Street and Virginia Avenue will have similar luxuries with a massive parking garage, a rooftop pool, and all of the other amenities offered at its sister location around the corner. This location will be especially eye-catching to any undergrad or grad students in the medical field due to its proximity to UK healthcare facilities. Construction is expected to be completed around July of 2020.
The Flats at 345 – 345 Blackburn Ave.
Another product of renovation efforts around the Jefferson Street corridor, these pet-friendly, luxury apartments look absolutely incredible. As they are brand new, the interiors are modern and up to date with a fresh, sleek look. The apartments themselves have granite countertops, hardwood floors, washers and dryers, and stainless-steel appliances. The complex also houses a fitness center, a coffee bar, a gorgeous outdoor patio lounge, and even a “paw spa” where you can pamper your pet. The area is close to the distillery district where you can almost always find live music and good times as well as the Jefferson Street corridor which is home to many local restaurants and bars such as Nick Ryan’s and The Blue Heron. This area is an amazing place to live and these apartments are definitely setting the bar high for all the new developments to come.
Coming Soon: Cowgill Residential Project – 166 N MLK Blvd
Cowgill Properties is underway with the construction of even more residential housing options for those looking to move into downtown Lexington. The development is still in the early stages, but I have no doubt that when it’s completed, the complex will be another great addition to the already impressive list of downtown living opportunities.
Downtown Lexington is growing every day and has quickly become a thriving hub for businesses, people, and culture. With more opportunities than ever before to make downtown Lex your home, there’s never been a better time to move here and enjoy everything this beautiful city has to offer.