Preservation Under Pressure
185 E. Maxwell Street demolition, June 2026
Demolition By Private Owner:
The Core Spaces Strategy
As the Stavroff and Subtext developers are radically reshaping western Aylesford with their ongoing construction projects, the two blocks bounded by E. Maxwell, Rose, Lyndhurst, and Stone remain under threat from private equity firm Core Spaces. Having raised 1.6 billion dollars to construct private luxury dorms, Core Spaces has convinced the owners of these properties to demolish their own National Register-listed buildings.
Last year, Council denied Core Spaces' request for a rezoning to B-2A, which would have allowed their new 8-story Hub to fill the entire block bounded by Rose and E. Maxwell. Since then, no development plans nor rezoning requests have been submitted for either site, and no neighborhood outreach has occurred. Visit our social media accounts for the history of the affected buildings and account of their architectural importance.
We urge our supporters to write to their councilmembers and protest Core Spaces' unprecedented abuse of the rezoning process. Paying off property owners to demolish their own assets allows Core Spaces to avoid mandated compliance with the comprehensive plan - when they next seek a rezoning, they may simply claim that no historic, affordable housing existed on the sites when they acquired them. This loophole may be legal, but it is deeply unethical and should be addressed immediately.
Homes on Lyndhurt Place targeted for demolition, July 2026.
EDUCATION
Upcoming August 2026 deTour
Georgetown College
Join us on Wednesday, August 5, at 6:00 p.m. for our deTour of Georgetown College, one of Kentucky's oldest institutions of higher education. Founded in 1829, Georgetown College's historic campus reflects nearly 200 years of educational, architectural, and community history. This guided walking tour will explore several of the campus's landmark buildings, highlighting their architectural significance, the people who shaped the college's legacy, and the ongoing preservation efforts that ensure these historic places continue to inspire future generations. We will gather outside the The John L. Hill Chapel, 400 E College St, Georgetown, KY where parking will be available, as well as on-street parking around campus. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended!
2026 AUGUST DETOUR
The John L. Hill Chapel
400 E College St, Georgetown, KY 40324
Wednesday, August 5
6 PM
Recap: July 2026 deTour
Elmside
On Wednesday, July 8, Blue Grass Trust hosted an exclusive tour of the National Register-listed Brand-Barrow House, also known as Elmside, and it was a wonderful evening! Originally constructed in the Greek Revival style after 1830 by hemp manufacturer William Moses Brand, the property underwent a major remodel in 1905 under Dr. David Barrow, adding Classical Revival elements that led the Herald to declare it "the most elegant job of interior decoration ever put up in the city of Lexington." Today, Elmside houses Integrity Architecture, whose thoughtful stewardship continues to ensure the preservation of this architectural treasure.
ADVOCACY
Willmott House at Former Spring Valley Golf Club Slated for Demolition
In mid-June, Ball Homes applied for a permit to demolish the John W. Willmott House on Sandersville Road, one of architect Robert McMeekin's grandest residential projects. Development plans submitted as recently as March depicted this building remaining as a proposed clubhouse. We notified city staff of this discrepancy and received confirmation that the construction of any new, larger structure would require a major amendment to the plan and Commission approval. Because of our intervention, Building Inspection submitted a letter to Ball Homes requesting an additional explanation for the demolition. We then made contact with Ball Homes' general counsel and proposed a National Register designation, which would make any rehabilitation eligible for historic tax credits.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Woodland Triangle,1950. Library of Congress.
A Win for Woodland Triangle
We have good news to share about Woodland Triangle! Colorado-based Titan Investments has officially dropped its proposal to demolish several historic commercial buildings at the corner of Woodland Avenue and East High Street and replace them with a seven-story student apartment complex. Following intense pushback from neighbors at a May 28 community meeting, the developer announced it would not move forward with the project, citing the level of local opposition.
Blue Grass Trust has been in communication with property owners in the affected area and is working alongside the Aylesford Place Neighborhood Association on next steps for protection. While the immediate threat has passed, we remain engaged with the neighborhood and will continue to monitor development pressures in this corridor. The Woodland Triangle commercial area is a cherished part of Lexington's urban fabric and well-worth protecting.
DIRECT SERVICES
Two Nominations Advance Toward the National Register of Historic Places
On June 26, Blue Grass Trust staff members Erica Friis and Zak Leonard traveled to Frankfort to present their respective National Register of Historic Places nominations before the Kentucky Historic Preservation Review Board. Erica presented the nomination for the John G. Epping Bottling Works and Zak presented the nomination for the American Cigar Company/Ken-Rad Lamp Plant. Both nominations were approved by the board, a significant milestone in what is a thorough and often lengthy process. From here, the nominations will be forwarded by the State Historic Preservation Office to the National Park Service in Washington, D.C., where they will undergo federal review before a final determination of eligibility for listing on the National Register.
National Register listing is one of the most meaningful recognitions a historic property can receive, offering not only formal acknowledgment of a place's architectural and cultural significance, but also opening the door to preservation incentives, increased public awareness, and a stronger platform for long-term stewardship.
Dr. Leonard Presents on Aylesford Advocacy Work at Cornell University
Blue Grass Trust is spreading the word about our advocacy work. On June 13th, Dr. Zak Leonard presented at the Cornell University Historic Preservation Planning Alumni's 50th Anniversary Symposium. There, he informed federal and state governmental personnel, nonprofit leaders, and faculty about our campaign to safeguard affordable, historic housing in the Aylesford neighborhood. Audience members were deeply sympathetic, and commended our opposition to The Maxwell, Subtext, and Core Spaces developments.
