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.