Lexington, August 29, 2025
News Summary
The closure of LexCity Church amid serious allegations against its former pastor has resulted in a significant property transition in Lexington. The church’s 13.8-acre property was sold for $9 million to the Ukrainian Pentecostal Church. Additionally, a portion of the property has been allocated for affordable housing for seniors, with the Wellington Park Apartments set to open in 2026. The community grapples with the implications of these changes following the pastor’s indictment.
Lexington is experiencing a significant property transition following the closure of LexCity Church at 410 Sporting Court, announced in July 2024. This decision came on the heels of serious allegations against former pastor Zachary King, who faces seven felony counts of sex crimes, including the rape of a minor. King’s trial is scheduled to begin on March 23, 2026, leaving a shadow over the church’s closure.
Following the closure announcement, LexCity Church’s lender reached out to Schrader Commercial Properties to facilitate the sale of the church’s 13.8-acre property. In November 2024, the property was sold to the Ukrainian Pentecostal Church for $9 million, exceeding the initial asking price of $8.95 million. This transaction includes a 93,328-square-foot church building, a parking lot with 600 spaces, and essential interior items such as audio/video equipment and furniture.
The Ukrainian Pentecostal Church, previously located at 1101 Brannon Road, has around 1,400 members and accommodates roughly 2,500 attendees at its Sunday services. Since relocating to the larger building at Sporting Court, the church has reduced its services from four to two to better manage its congregation.
Meanwhile, a previously sold two-acre parcel of LexCity Church property has been allocated to AU Associates, a developer focused on affordable housing for seniors. This project, known as Wellington Park Apartments, is expected to open in spring 2026, featuring 45 units—33 single-bedroom and 12 double-bedroom apartments. The estimated cost for this construction project is $11.2 million and is funded through the Kentucky Housing Corporation and Lexington’s Infrastructure and Affordable Housing Fund.
Construction on Wellington Park Apartments began in late 2024, with an access road connecting Wellington Way to Sporting Court already completed. AU Associates and housing program manager Rick McQuady have reported a high demand for affordable housing, particularly for senior citizens. Seniors interested in the Wellington Park Apartments can join an inquiry list by contacting AU Associates directly.
Current updates on Zachary King’s legal situation indicate that his case is still pending, with a status hearing scheduled for November 13, 2025. The community continues to grapple with the implications of his actions and their effects on local institutions.
Background on LexCity Church Closure
LexCity Church had been a prominent religious institution in Lexington until its abrupt closure amid scandal. The church’s leadership faced intense scrutiny after the indictment of its former pastor, which prompted a decline in attendance and ultimately led to the decision to sell the property.
New Developments in Affordable Housing
The Wellington Park Apartments aim to address a critical need for affordable housing for seniors in the area. With approximately 5,000 people of Ukrainian descent residing in Central Kentucky, including many in Nicholasville, the new establishment also serves as a community hub for this population, integrating spiritual and social support.
Project Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Previous Church | LexCity Church |
| Closure Announcement | July 2024 |
| Location | 410 Sporting Court, Lexington |
| New Owner | Ukrainian Pentecostal Church |
| Price of Sale | $9 million |
| Total Acres | 13.8 acres |
| Service Attendance | Approximately 2,500 for Sunday services |
| Affordable Housing Project | Wellington Park Apartments |
| Units | 45 total (33 single-bedroom, 12 double-bedroom) |
| Estimated Construction Cost | $11.2 million |
| Expected Opening | Spring 2026 |
FAQ
What led to the closure of LexCity Church?
The closure was a direct result of allegations against former pastor Zachary King, who has been indicted on multiple counts of felony sex crimes.
When is Zachary King’s trial scheduled?
King’s trial is set to take place on March 23, 2026.
What will happen to the property previously owned by LexCity Church?
The property has been sold to the Ukrainian Pentecostal Church and will now serve as their new place of worship.
What is the Wellington Park Apartments?
Wellington Park Apartments is an affordable housing project for seniors being developed on a two-acre parcel that was previously part of LexCity Church.
When will Wellington Park Apartments open?
The apartments are expected to open in spring 2026.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Local News
- Wikipedia: Lexington, Kentucky
- WYMT: Family Talks About Victim’s Deadly Lexington Church Shooting
- Google Search: Lexington Church Shooting
- Fox 56 News: Accused Lexington Church Shooter
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Church Shooting
- Lex18: Lexington Church Holds Service
- Google News: Lexington Church Shooting
- WLKY: Lexington Church Suspect Name
- Google Scholar: Church Violence
- The State: Local News
- WPSD: Coroner Identifies Church Shooter
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