Lexington Residents Protest Demolition of Historic Blue Grass Apartments

Lexington, Kentucky – A peaceful protest unfolded this week over the planned demolition of the historic Blue Grass Apartments on Versailles Road. Residents from the surrounding working-class neighborhoods gathered to express their concerns and frustrations about the decision to raze the building, which many believe holds significant charm and history.

The protest was mainly fueled by a permit issued on August 13, signaling the next steps for demolition after a planning commission vote in 2021. Members of the commission voted 7-2 in favor of allowing Speedway to build a gas station on the site of the iconic apartments, leaving many residents feeling unheard and disappointed.

Leading the demonstration was local resident Paula Singer, who has been vocal about her opposition to the plans since hearing about them in December 2020. “This has been a long time coming,” Singer shared, as she handed out flyers to passersby. “I just love the charm of Blue Grass Apartments. We need more units like this that have character.”

Supporters of the protest echoed Singer’s sentiments, reflecting a broader concern over the city’s trend towards the demolition of historic buildings for corporate interests. “The building is in perfectly fine shape,” remarked Amy Clark, “It’s really discouraging that this is happening all over town.” Many in attendance shared a sense of nostalgia, recalling better times when communities were vibrant and full of unique architectural beauty.

Former Lexington Council member Peggy Henson was also among the crowd. Frustrated by how the building has deteriorated and the imminent loss of its presence, she expressed, “I really hate to see something like this that was beautiful at one time, just go away without any say from the community.” Once a charming abode for families, the Blue Grass Apartments have become a target for development, igniting passionate debates surrounding community preservation.

As the protest continued, Councilmember Jennifer Reynolds, representing the 11th district, joined in spirit, expressing her dissatisfaction with the demolition plans. In a phone interview, she stated, “It is disappointing to see the demolition of historic buildings when we have so much potential to repurpose them instead.” Reynolds emphasized the importance of considering the opinions and needs of the community before making drastic decisions that affect the neighborhood’s vibe and character.

In the protest, signs filled with messages like “Save Our Apartments” and “Preserve Our History” adorned the scene, showcasing residents’ determination to stand against what they believe is an erasure of local identity. The atmosphere was a mix of anger and hope, as many attendees hoped to find a way to sway the planning commission’s decision or at least raise awareness about the ongoing issue of historic demolitions.

Many attendees of the protest fear the loss of not just the Blue Grass Apartments, but a wider pattern of demolishing historical landmarks across Lexington. The sentiment was clear: the unique fabric of their community is at risk with these kinds of developments. As more businesses push for expansion, many residents worry about losing the sense of place that defines their neighborhoods.

This protest is a culmination of nearly four years of organizing and voices rising up against the tide of rapid development. “It’s been a tough fight, but we’re not giving up easily,” Singer said. Despite the odds stacked against the community, the energy of the protestors and their message resonated strongly, drawing attention to their cause.

While no official date has been set for the demolition just yet, the issuance of the permit looms heavy in the air. As residents of Lexington await a final decision, the call for preservation and respect for their neighborhood’s history remains unwavering. The ongoing dialogues surrounding these issues underscore a growing sentiment: the need for community involvement and historic preservation is not just a matter of nostalgia—it is about protecting the identity of Lexington itself.

In the coming weeks, residents plan to continue their campaign, seeking to engage their local leaders in discussions about better alternatives to development that would take into account the historical and cultural significance of such buildings. “We just want to make sure our voices are heard and that we can preserve what makes our city special,” concluded Clark, hopeful for change, even against the backdrop of impending demolition.

As the community gears up for the long haul ahead, one thing is clear: the Blue Grass Apartments may come down, but the spirit of the residents fighting to save their home will prove hard to erase.