By Violet Ferguson, Commerce Lexington Inc. Public Policy Intern
I’m a member of Gen Z, and one of my top concerns for the future is securing housing that will meet my needs and budget for a young professional. I am a born and raised Lexingtonian. Like many of my generation, I dream of raising a family and owning my own home. However, this vision is dimmed by the harsh realities of the housing market across the U.S., and specifically in Lexington. 

I am going into my second year at American University in Washington, D.C. I am currently back in Lexington for the summer interning with Commerce Lexington. While living in D.C., the issue of housing has become a topic discussed by my peers and me as we are forced to think about our living arrangements for college.

While back in Lexington, I’ve learned many of my local friends feel the same stress of rapidly rising housing rates. Students and young professionals are having to live with parents or friends or live outside of Fayette County and commute to school or work opportunities because of the high costs or lack of inventory.

Commerce Lexington Among Organizations Collaborating on the Project
Transylvania University’s Marquard Field complex, home to the Pioneer baseball program for 20 years, will soon be the new home to a 12.5 acre affordable housing development. A consortium of local banks has created a joint entity to purchase the land along Radcliffe Road and Haggard Lane from the university. Local affordable housing developers will build a combination of housing types on the property.

“As Pioneers, our centuries-long commitment to achieving excellence has been guided by these core values: integrity, innovation, diversity, community and perseverance,” said President Brien Lewis. “We are proud of the role Transylvania plays as a part of the Lexington community and how this project gives us the opportunity to be part of a visionary solution.”