LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A new redevelopment project at the corner of West Loudon Avenue and North Limestone Street will transform a historic property to a market, retail, office space and more.
The project, called GreyLine Station, is under construction with plans to open in the summer, according to property owner and neighbor, Chad Needham. It will offer low-cost retail space for local business owners, as well as a community gathering space, he said.
The long-vacant former bus garage is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Multiple business owners across the street from the project on North Limestone Street said they were looking forward to its completion.
"We’re hoping for a lot more foot traffic around this area," said Joshua O'Donnell, an assistant manager at J.Gumbo's on North Limestone Street.
Other neighbors said they're excited for the planned farmer's market, which will offer fresh food within walking distance from their homes.
But Sarah Williams, a co-owner of Wild Fig Books & Coffee on North Limestone Street, said she doesn't believe the project will benefit everyone.
"As much as that is meant for the community, I also engage and interact with people in our community who I know are never going to step foot in that building," Williams said.
Williams' store will soon have to relocate, a fate she's attributed to gentrification of the neighborhood. When big projects happen in the community, District 1 Council Member James Brown said he often hears concerns about how it will affect property values.
"Projects like that create an atmosphere of fear just because people don't know what's going to happen," he said at a recent Task Force for Communities in Transition meeting. "But as long as they're working to prevent displacement, to be inclusive of the neighborhood, I think it could be a true benefit to the community."
Brown said he's encouraged by employment opportunities that are planned for people in the surrounding neighborhood. The project is intended to be a destination for all of Lexington, Needham said.
More information about the project is available at the GreyLine Station website.
