The Lexington Planning Commission meeting on September 25, 2025, focused on a significant zoning change request for a property located at 251 to 273 East Maxwell Street and 256 to 271 Kalmia Avenue. The proposal seeks to change the zoning from medium density residential (R-4) to downtown frame business (B-2A) to facilitate the construction of a high-density residential structure.

The applicant plans to develop a building with 322 residential units, an internal parking garage with 36 parking spaces, and accommodations for 200 bike parking spaces. The proposed structure will vary in height from 63 to 85 feet and is strategically located between the University of Kentucky campus and downtown Lexington, making it a prime site for high-density residential development.

During the meeting, staff highlighted the importance of the project in addressing housing density and promoting multimodal transportation options. The design has evolved in response to feedback, incorporating features such as townhomes along the street frontages to enhance pedestrian activity and improve the streetscape. The applicant has also committed to replacing existing trees with new street trees, addressing concerns about green space and tree canopy loss.

The commission discussed the historical context of the area, noting that many existing structures were built in the 1920s and have been converted to multifamily residences. While the exact number of current dwelling units on the site was not provided, it was confirmed that the majority of the properties are currently used for multifamily housing.

Staff recommended approval of the zoning change, emphasizing that it aligns with the comprehensive plan's goals for increasing residential density along arterial corridors. The proposal includes conditional zoning restrictions to prevent inappropriate uses, ensuring the character of the Maxwell Street corridor is maintained.

The meeting concluded with a call for further questions from the commission, indicating ongoing interest in the development's impact on the neighborhood and its alignment with city planning objectives.