Lexington has seen renewed discussions surrounding a proposed six-story apartment complex aimed at University of Kentucky students. Developers from Stavroff Land and Development will revisit design changes following considerable concerns raised by planning commission members during a meeting on December 12, 2024.
The project, approved for a zone change in December 2023, will occupy properties on East Maxwell Street, nestled between Stone Street and Lexington Avenue. The development, designed to include 238 units, generated considerable pushback from local residents during its initial approval stages.
During the meeting, members expressed alarm over alterations from the preliminary to final development plans. The initial proposal featured large windows and varying facades, alongside six town homes positioned along the Stone Street perimeter—the latter aimed at softening the building’s overall appearance. However, the final rendering presented by the developers reflected fewer windows and the removal of the town homes, which were deemed unfeasible due to necessary easements from Kentucky Utilities.
Lawyer for the developers, Jon Woodall, stated that a 20-foot easement on both Stone and East Maxwell Street sides necessitated pushing the entire building further back, making the original plan for town homes no longer possible. The updated design included five apartment entrances along the Stone Street side, but neighbors and commission members voiced that these changes represented a significant downgrade from what was initially proposed.
Concerns voiced by community members included claims of a “bait and switch” and a strong feeling that the new plans strayed too far from the original vision. “I am really troubled with what I’m seeing now. I think it’s a gigantic step down,” remarked Planning Commissioner Graham Pohl, who is an architect. His sentiments aligned with those of residents who feared losing the character of their neighborhood amidst the backdrop of ongoing changes.
The development requires the demolition of several homes currently in use as student housing. The contentious location of the proposed complex has a history, as a prior zone change for an even larger student housing project was rejected by the planning commission in 2019.
In light of the pushback and discrepancies between the preliminary and final plans, the developers have agreed to make adjustments and present their revised plans at the next meeting scheduled for January 16, 2025.
