Overview

Downtown is poised for new
growth and redevelopment

Lexington is the hub of the Urban Service Area, which has enjoyed an average annual population growth rate of 2.8 percent since 1960 with an estimated current population of 260,000. Lexington serves as the regional core of central and eastern Kentucky and, as such, functions as the medical and financial center of the area.

Lexington is home to the University of Kentucky, Transylvania University, and several other area colleges and is the national center for the thoroughbred industry.

While Lexington has experienced vigorous suburban growth, downtown remains the employment and residential nucleus of the community covering 2.2 million square feet of office space, employing approximately 12,000 people, and comprising over 1,300 businesses. More than 5,200 people maintain permanent urban residences, and approximately 39,000 people live within a two-mile proximity of the downtown area.

Downtown Master Plan

Defining the vision of what a successful downtown Lexington should and could be

Untapped potential exists for downtown to develop as a more vibrant central business, residential, retail, and entertainment district of the city. Currently, it is a busy and hustling place along Main Street during the day and a very active area on Friday and Saturday nights with predominantly younger patrons. What appears missing is a balance of activities attracting a broader range of clientele who feel downtown is a convenient, safe, and fun place.

Map, Minutes, & More Information

"DMP Principles" Presentation

Downtown Master Plan documents online

College Town Plan

Opportunities and challenges to set a high standard for the public realm within a sound architectural and commercial footing

This study was a collaboration between Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) and the University of Kentucky. The LDDA functioned as project manager/coordinator. The study resulted in a final report including separate appendices for retail and residential studies and ten general and five traffic-related recommendations. The study involves LFUCG, the University of Kentucky, Samaritan Hospital, Calvary Baptist Church, South Hill and Aylesford Neighborhoods, and other interested parties.

College Town documents online

An Adobe Acrobat PDF file of the College Town Plan is also available on CD. For more infomation call the Lexington Downtown Development Authority at (859) 425-2296.

Newtown Pike Extension Study

A key role in the redevelopment of the southern portion of downtown

The LDDA has been working with the LFUCG staff on the development of the Newtown Pike Extension Corridor Area Plan.

More Information