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Uptown Lexington outlines rebrand, aims to add upper-floor housing and building-improvement grants
Summary
Uptown Lexington Executive Director Travis Stewart presented the organization's rebranding and a strategic plan to Lexington City Council on Jan. 27, 2025, calling for a 30% increase in upper-floor living, a building-improvement grant pilot and new recruitment tools including a website.
Travis Stewart, executive director of Uptown Lexington, presented a rebranding and three-part strategic plan to the Lexington City Council on Jan. 27, 2025, calling for a sharper focus on “vitality, growth and connection” in the city’s historic downtown district.
Stewart said Uptown Lexington, an accredited Main Street program, has helped attract more than $75 million in investment and now wants to increase upper-floor housing by 30% “over the next year,” expand events and activities by about 10% and launch a building-improvement grant to help businesses meet code and safety requirements.
The plan follows the Main Street America four-point model and lists tactics such as property inventory, targeted recruitment packets, marketing and technical assistance through partners including UNCG design services and the State Historic Preservation Office. “We want to be the center of vitality, connection, and growth,” Stewart said.
Council members questioned how Uptown will improve representation and access to capital for diverse merchants. Stewart said Uptown partners with the Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations, offers grant-program guidance (not startup capital), hosts “lunch-and-learn” sessions and is developing a building-improvement grant to help owners bring buildings up to code rather than fund cosmetic work.
On vacancy and property availability, Stewart said vacancy in Uptown is low: “Right this minute there's only 2 vacant spaces that you could move into that are ready,” and he estimated about 10 additional empty buildings that owners keep inactive. He said a new Uptown website will list available properties, owners, square footage and rents once completed.
Stewart noted current projects using historic tax credits, including an Uptown Billiards rehabilitation “across from the police department.” He said Uptown will continue coordinating with nearby districts such as The Depot and with local stakeholders when recruiting new businesses.
Council members praised the presentation and asked for data; Stewart said Claritas and other market analysis inform recruitment and that Uptown will remain selective about business fits. He also described exploratory talks about workforce partnerships, including a tentative conversation about a culinary program with local colleges that would need further work.
The presentation packet provided a plan of work with timelines, budget estimates and committee leads; Stewart said details are available in the brochure given to councilors. He closed by noting Uptown’s 30-year accreditation and promotion plans, and asking council to “like and follow us” as Uptown rolls out the new branding.
