Catalyst Sites for Redevelopment
Imagine Nicholasville Road includes recommendations for development strategies along the Nicholasville Road corridor. A key feature of these recommendations is the inclusion of redevelopment concepts for three catalyst sites within the study area. The primary goal is to identify potential spaces for which redevelopment could serve as a tool to accommodate the changing demographics, lifestyles, and businesses needs expected in the area in the future.
What is a catalyst site?
A catalyst site is a parcel or a collection of parcels with opportunity for future development. Located along all sections of the corridor, these sites were identified by the community and project stakeholders. Although Imagine Nicholasville Road only focuses on concepts for three catalyst sites, the planning team initially identified a total of 26 sites along the entire Nicholasville Road corridor, from Brannon Crossing to downtown Lexington.
The preferred concepts for the three catalyst sites are illustrative of best practices across the midwest and south, many of which have helped transform communities into more walkable destinations. These concepts are not intended as development proposals; rather, they illustrate how TOD principles can be applied to properties on Nicholasville Road, and show the types of development supported by the community.
As seen in the concepts, the scale and makeup of a potential redevelopment varies with each site’s context and characteristics. This plan’s engagement process revealed a community desire for future redevelopment that increases open space, improves access to transit, and creates a more walkable environment.
