News Summary
Construction has started on MXWL, a new student housing complex at the University of Kentucky. Located on East Maxwell Street, it will offer 277 units and 655 beds, with amenities such as a fitness center, rooftop deck, and pet-friendly facilities. Set to open for the fall academic semester in 2027, the project has adapted its design to meet community standards after initial approval challenges. The development reflects the growing demand for student housing, fueled by increasing enrollment at the university.
Lexington, KY – Construction is officially underway on MXWL, a new student housing complex designed for the University of Kentucky students. Located at 201 East Maxwell Street, the development will consist of 277 units and provide a total of 655 beds for students, with plans to open its doors in time for the fall 2027 academic semester. The project is being carried out by Ohio-based Stavroff Land and Development, with construction managed by Gilbane Development.
MXWL will feature fully furnished units, each equipped with private bathrooms, walk-in closets, in-unit washers and dryers, high-speed internet access, and fully equipped kitchens. The complex will also include a range of amenities aimed at enhancing student life, including game-day courtyards, fire pits, grilling stations, outdoor lounges, a fitness center, coworking spaces, and pet-friendly facilities, which will come with a sauna and a Jacuzzi. An underground garage will offer 140 dedicated parking spaces for residents.
One of the highlights of the MXWL development will be its rooftop deck, providing scenic views of the university and downtown Lexington, enhancing the overall living experience for students.
While the project is now moving forward, it faced challenges during the approval process. Initially, the Lexington Urban County Planning Commission postponed the final approval of the plans due to significant design variances from the original submission. In response to these concerns, the developers revised their proposal to better integrate the designs with the character of the historic Aylesford neighborhood. Revised plans received approval from the planning commission in early 2025.
Originally proposed in 2019, the project sought to build a ten-story housing complex. However, this plan was rejected due to concerns regarding the height impacting the neighborhood’s aesthetic. MXWL has since been scaled down to six stories in height to address these issues.
The need for new student housing is underscored by recent enrollment statistics at the University of Kentucky, the state’s flagship public university. The university’s enrollment is projected to reach 36,161 students for the 2024-2025 academic year, representing a 7% increase from the previous year. This growing enrollment is part of a wider trend, as demand for student housing continues to rise across the United States. Yardi Matrix data indicates a preleasing rate of 79.9% among surveyed universities for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year, an increase of 150 basis points compared to the previous year. Over 90% of student housing units in 30 surveyed institutions have been preleased as of May, showcasing a significant improvement in the market.
In addition to MXWL, approximately 500 new apartments are set to be available along East Maxwell Street, amidst plans for further developments from private student housing developers. However, the expansion of student housing has raised community concerns regarding traffic, parking issues, and the potential impact on the character of the area as more housing units are built close to the university.
The construction of MXWL is indicative of the booming demand for student housing in Lexington, reflecting broader trends in higher education enrollment and the urban landscape surrounding the University of Kentucky. As developers continue to respond to these needs, the future of student living in the area is poised for significant changes as new facilities emerge.
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Additional Resources
- Multi-Housing News – Construction Starts on Student Housing near University of Kentucky
- Kentucky.com – News on Fayette County
- JLL – Sale of 170 Unit Student Housing in Kentucky
- Wikipedia: Student Housing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
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