Construction Begins on New Student Housing MXWL in Lexington

Rendering of MXWL student housing development in Lexington

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News Summary

Gilbane Development has started construction on MXWL, a 655-bed student housing facility at 201 E. Maxwell St., aimed at supporting the University of Kentucky’s growing student population. The six-story building will include 277 fully furnished units with modern amenities, catering to the needs of students. Despite initial setbacks in planning approvals, the project has progressed to meet community standards, addressing the rising demand for student accommodation in the area. The development is set to provide significant amenities while navigating community feedback regarding neighborhood changes.

Lexington, KY – Gilbane Development has officially commenced construction on MXWL, a new 655-bed student housing development located at 201 E. Maxwell St. This project aims to cater to the increasing demand for student housing near the University of Kentucky, which currently has an enrollment of 36,161 students for the 2024-25 academic year. The construction, which kicked off in June 2023, is projected to be completed by fall 2027.

MXWL will consist of 277 fully furnished units, ensuring bed-to-bath parity for residents. Each unit is designed to include private bathrooms, walk-in closets, in-unit washer/dryer, high-speed internet, and a fully equipped kitchen. The development is set to offer a variety of amenities to enhance the student living experience, including a rooftop deck, game-day courtyards, fire pits, grilling stations, outdoor lounges, coworking spaces, a fitness center with a sauna, and covered bike storage.

Developed by the Dallas-based Humphreys & Partners Architects, MXWL has a proposed six-story building structure. This is a change from an earlier height proposal that was rejected in 2019, reflecting the project team’s adaptability and commitment to meeting city and community planning standards. The building will also include a 140-space underground parking garage, providing dedicated parking facilities for its residents.

Despite its advancements, the development faced initial challenges. In December 2024, the Lexington Urban County Planning Commission postponed approval, citing significant deviations from the original plans. Following community feedback and further revisions, the developer submitted a new design that closely aligned with the city’s expectations and the neighborhood’s needs. As a result, the updated plans received approval from the planning commission in January 2025.

The demand for student housing is emphasized by recent trends in university enrollment across the United States, which has seen an increase of 1.8% year-over-year. Additionally, preleasing rates for student accommodations have shown promising growth, with a reported occupancy rate of 79.9% among surveyed universities for the 2025-2026 academic year. This trend illustrates a strengthening market for student housing developments, particularly in proximity to large universities like the University of Kentucky.

The broader context surrounding the MXWL project highlights ongoing controversies in Lexington regarding rising student housing developments. Local residents have raised concerns about the impact of new constructions on neighborhood character and the pressure they place on parking resources. As student populations grow, these issues are becoming increasingly relevant in discussions about urban development and community planning in the city.

With the initiation of MXWL, Gilbane Development not only addresses the pressing need for student accommodation but also navigates the complex dynamics between development, community feedback, and infrastructure. As the project progresses, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on both student life and the local community.