Proposal to build student housing near historically Black Lexington neighborhood sees pushback

A proposal to build a 251-unit student housing complex near Lexington’s historically Black neighborhood of Pralltown saw pushback from local residents during a city Planning Commission meeting Thursday.

The proposal from St. Louis real estate company Subtext would rezone the neighborhood to allow mixed-use development. The complex would be built along S. Limestone, Prall Street and Montmullin Street.

Nick Nicholson, a lawyer representing the company, says it would accommodate growing enrollment at the University of Kentucky. Much of the neighborhood’s makeup has steadily shifted to college students since the 1980s.

“We believe that this is an absolute ideal location for this type of student housing complex because it is within the exact area that's been studied by the state and by (Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government) to try to address issues with this corridor and increase residential density,” Nicholson said.

But locals say the proposal would gentrify the area and displace those who have lived in the neighborhood for generations.

Teresa Forbes-Lopez has lived in the neighborhood for more than 20 years. She says it would negatively impede on its remaining historic homes.

“Pralltown is unique, and we do not need a six or eight story building to overshadow our neighborhood,” Forbes-Lopez said. “Will I be able to see the sunlight, or will I have a picture of a view of a building's backside? I don't think I want to see that.”

Other residents of the neighborhood, like incoming UK grad student Dylan Mears, expressed concerns about affordability.

“The average price in these apartments is about $1,460 per person. Where's the equity in that?” Mears said. “My current rent is $1,550 split across two people. So I only pay $775 and even that's kind of pushing it.”

The commission voted to continue the hearing October 24, delaying their decision to encourage more conversation between the neighborhood and development company.

“If we have to work on the design of the building, we can do that, and that's exactly what the final development plan is for, because this process doesn't stop here. It doesn’t even stop after council takes final action on this zone change,” Nicholson said.

The commission’s recommendation will go to the city council, who will have the final say on zoning.

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