The re-development of what was once the Davis Bottom area near downtown Lexington has been a lengthy process. Ground has been broken on a project signaling more progress.
Officials gathered at the physical starting point for the building of a 38 hundred square foot community center off DeRoode Street. In addition to a gym, it will house conference rooms, a technology room, space dedicated to the unique history of the neighborhood, and office space for the Lexington Community Land Trust. Mayor Linda Gorton said the community along with federal and state players have worked on revitalization for 25 years.
“It’s a multi-partner effort. And anytime you get multiple partners like that, it takes more time,” said Gorton.
Along with new affordable rental units, there are longer-term plans for single-family housing and ongoing hopes for commercial development in the Davis Park area.
Community Land Trust President and almost six-decade resident Byron Mitchell said work is underway on 73 affordable rental units with plans for a workforce development presence.
“And now we’re going put right in here…houses…single family homes is coming in here connected with the park, so oh yeah all this will be taken up,” said Mitchell.
“How long will it take to do all that, you think?” Asked Weku’s Stu Johnson
“Oh it’s gonna be some years, it’s gonna be some years. If it done took 60 years to get this part of it, we have some years to go but it’s not gonna be too far off,” said Mitchell.
Mitchell said the room devoted to the history of Davis Bottom is expected to include historical pictures. The area, once home to many Appalachian born residents and African Americans, was established in 1865.
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