News Summary
Construction has officially started on The Maxwell, a new student housing development in Lexington, Kentucky. The project will feature 277 fully furnished units, accommodating 655 students, and is expected to open in fall 2027. Developed by Stavroff Land and Development, the apartments will include modern amenities such as private bathrooms and in-unit laundry. The development aims to address the increasing demand for student housing as enrollment at the University of Kentucky rises, amidst neighborhood concerns regarding potential impacts on community traffic and character.
Lexington, Kentucky – Construction has officially commenced on The Maxwell, a new student housing development situated at 201 East Maxwell Street. Set to house 655 beds across 277 fully furnished units, the project is anticipated to open its doors to students in the fall of 2027. Developed by Stavroff Land and Development and constructed by Gilbane Development, this initiative represents a significant addition to the options available for student housing in the area.
Each unit in The Maxwell will provide a range of modern amenities aimed at enhancing student living. Features include private bathrooms, walk-in closets, in-unit washers and dryers, internet access, and fully equipped kitchens. The building will also offer resident amenities such as a rooftop deck, an underground parking garage with 140 spaces, covered bike storage, game-day courtyards, fire pits, grilling stations, a fitness center, coworking spaces, and pet-friendly facilities including a sauna and Jacuzzi.
The city’s planning commission granted final approval for the project in January after several design revisions delayed the initial vote. However, the transformation of the East Maxwell area, which previously consisted of homes, has sparked some controversy. There are concerns among neighbors regarding potential impacts on parking availability, traffic congestion, and the overall character of the community.
A separate, larger apartment project in the vicinity faced setbacks when a request for zoning changes was denied in 2019. Despite this, recent developments indicate a growing trend in private student housing in Lexington. Just last month, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved an 8-story apartment complex nearby that will contribute more than 500 additional apartments along East Maxwell Street. Another private developer from St. Louis is also in the planning stages of a 307-unit, 825-bed apartment building in close proximity, further adding to the student housing stock.
This rise in private apartment developments catering specifically to college students correlates with the increasing enrollment numbers at the University of Kentucky. The university is expecting around 36,700 students this coming fall, making access to high-quality housing even more critical. Currently, the university offers more than 8,000 residence hall beds on campus and plans to add nearly 650 more in a new dormitory slated for completion by 2026. As a result, nearly 85% of the incoming freshmen are projected to live on campus by fall 2024.
In designing The Maxwell, developers have made adjustments to the original plans to ensure better integration with the historic Aylesford neighborhood. This is part of a broader effort to create developments that respect the cultural and historical context of the surrounding areas. In recent years, other apartment developments have been opened on South Upper Street and Virginia Avenue, enhancing the residential options available to University of Kentucky students.
As construction progresses on The Maxwell, the project highlights the demand for more student housing in Lexington amidst rising enrollment at the University of Kentucky. With various developments underway, the city is poised to see significant changes in its residential landscape, aiming to meet the needs and expectations of its growing student population.
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Additional Resources
- Multi Housing News: Construction Starts on Student Housing near University of Kentucky
- Wikipedia: University of Kentucky
- Kentucky.com: News on Student Housing
- Google Search: Student Housing Kentucky
- Rebusiness Online: 655-Bed Student Housing Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Student Housing
- GSL Global: Gilbane Development Introduces MXWL
- Google News: Lexington Kentucky Housing
- Multi Housing News: Barings JV Acquires Student Asset
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LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
