Lexington’s Historic Downtown combines 200 years of history with urban renewal and amenities that attract hip residents who appreciate being in close quarters with cultural events, art galleries, a lively nightlife and culinary scene, and a handful of distinctive homes built from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. The area’s landmarks are many: Transylvania University (which once rivaled Harvard and Yale), the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning (once the Lexington Public Library, funded by a gift from steel magnate Andrew Carnegie), the Bodley-Bullock House, Gratz Park, the Hunt-Morgan House, the Opera House and the residential corridors of West Second and Third streets.
“I love walking to work, particularly through the campus of Transylvania, my alma mater, and through Gratz Park on my way to ArtsPlace,” said Maury Sparrow, communications director for LexArts. “The diversity of architecture is amazing and a new discovery is always around the corner. The magnificent homes on West Second and West Third streets continue to amaze me.”
A handful of historic Greek Revival, Colonial Revival and Victorian homes built by professionals and business owners of the day – some of whom owned hemp factories or served in the Civil War– remain. Many are being revitalized with loving care by private owners such as Sparrow, and efforts by the Bluegrass Trust for Historic Preservation are going a long way in preserving the area’s historic charm. The city is also playing a part in reviewing changes and advising homeowners on how to best preserve their properties.
The draws of the area are many. Residents can see the University of Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team or the likes of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra play at Rupp Arena; attend Broadway Live and Troubadour shows at the Opera House; shop an eclectic array of businesses; and eat, drink and be merry at a long list of Lexington’s trendiest spots.
“Our ‘Cheers’ is LeDeauville, only three blocks from our home,” said Sparrow. “This little French bistro is a magnificent treasure of the neighborhood. And dinner? Dudley’s! I’ve been going to Dudley’s for 30-plus years, and Debbie and her staff never disappoint.”
“There are so many great places to dine,” Sparrow continued. “We like to mix it up…Distilled at Gratz Park, Buddha Lounge, Table Three Ten, and more.”
-Neighborhood description by Rena Baer
Historic Downtown Residential Real Estate by the Numbers:
Total single family residences: 841
Number of homes sold last year*: 38
Percentage of homes sold last year: 4.52%
Number of homes sold this year**: 62
Percentage of homes sold this year: 7.37%
Median sale price: $252,500
Median sale price percentage increase/decrease from last year to this year: 19.67%
* For the sake of this article, “last year” refers to the period between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015
** ”This year” refers to the period between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016
