top of page
241247 Renders.png

A proposed mixed-use housing development at the edge of Downtown Lexington

Thoughtful Design, Community-Driven

The vision for 185 Maxwell has evolved through direct conversations with neighbors, city leaders, and stakeholders. In response to community feedback, we’ve made key design changes to ensure the project reflects the scale, character, and needs of the neighborhood:

​

  • Reduced building height by 3 stories at the eastern end

  • Stepped design from 8 → 6 → 4 stories along Lexington Ave to soften transition into the neighborhood

  • Townhome-style walkout units added along Lexington for a more human-scale street frontage

  • Increased setbacks along the northern property line to reduce impact

  • Street trees added along both Lexington Ave and Maxwell St to enhance the pedestrian experience

  • Additional parking included to better serve residents and the community

​

These updates reflect our commitment to designing with intention—and to being a respectful, long-term neighbor Lexington.

Project Highlights

01.

Thoughtful Plan

185 Maxwell reflects a thoughtful, community-driven approach, shaped by our deep engagement with Lexington’s vision and residents' priorities. The development enhances the neighborhood’s character, improves housing options, and aligns with the city’s growth goals.

02.

Neighborhood Scale

The building steps down from eight stories to six then four stories as it extends northeast along Lexington Avenue, creating a transition in scale that enhances pedestrian experience, respects the surrounding streetscape, and integrates with the fabric of the neighborhood.

03.

Expertly Managed

With in-house professional management, 185 Maxwell will ensure that parking, landscaping, and community spaces are consistently well-maintained, creating a seamless, high-quality experience for residents and neighbors alike. This commitment to upkeep enhances curb appeal, sustainability, and long-term value for the entire community.

Bridging Downtown and the University of Kentucky

185 Maxwell is a proposed multifamily development at the corner of Maxwell and Lexington, situated between Downtown Lexington and the University of Kentucky. Developed by Subtext, the project features 825 beds across 307 units of studio to four-bedroom floor plans. The professionally managed building features 353 parking spaces in the attached garage, full-time staff and security, and 1,500 SF of community retail.

241247 Renders.png

Project Details

Status

Pre-Development

Address

185 E Maxwell Street

Residential

825 Beds | 307 Units

Parking

353 Spaces

Neighborhood

185 Maxwell is located at the edge of the Aylesford Place Neighborhood, directly across from the University of Kentucky's campus to the northeast, creating a new connection to downtown. With thoughtful planning for the community in mind, the development minimizes impact along the campus corridor and adds to the character of the neighborhood.

​​

This project will elevate the multifamily experience by replacing aging rental properties with modern, professionally managed, high-quality housing. Importantly, the transition is designed to be seamless and considerate, ensuring that no residents are displaced while bringing a fresh, future-focused housing option to the community.

185 Maxwell_Aerial (1)_edited.jpg

185 Maxwell offers students the ultimate convenience next to campus, paired with a high-quality living experience that fosters success. This development enhances student life while enriching the broader community with a vibrant, connected environment.

- Brandt Stiles, Co-Founder of Subtext

Get in Touch

Property Address:

185 E Maxwell Street

Lexington, KY 40508

Thanks for submitting!

© 2025 by Subtext.

bottom of page