Fayette County was initially established in 1780 as part of Virginia and later became part of the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1792. Lexington was the county seat until the city and county consolidated in 1974 and is now governed by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG). Lexington-Fayette County’s population was 322,570 people as of the 2020 Census and continues to experience growth. As a mid-size urban region, Lexington is represented by various strong local leaders, volunteers, and residents who live and/or work in and around the county. There are a variety of stakeholder groups, including but not limited to the LFUCG Planning Department, Parks and Recreation Department, Fiscal Court, Lexington Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and Bluegrass Community Foundation, among others, that envision enhancing the quality of life for its community members. 

As communities settle and develop, varied needs and decisions result in different land use patterns. The area in and around current day Jefferson Street is situated on the northwest side of the broader downtown area. Earlier in Fayette County history, Smithtown, an African American hamlet, was established in this part of town. As the city grew, this location became the suburbs of Lexington and ultimately part of the central urban fabric. However, with time, the area has gone through aging concerns and revitalization efforts. There exists an extraordinary opportunity to revive and further enhance the area to become a vibrant recreation, cultural, and environmental destination while also increasing community ties. This neighborhood has mixed land use and various features and amenities that residents, business owners, visitors, and users can access. The corridor also has much potential to become a livelier neighborhood and environment where residents (families and friends) gather and share their stories, business owners thrive, visitors experience culture, and users engage in and be physically active and healthy while strengthening their wellness.

In Fall 2024, the University of Kentucky, Department of Landscape Architecture (UKLA) students enrolled in LA 324 Landscape Architecture Design Studio IV: Community Engagement and Design partnered with the LFUCG Division of Planning, Division of Parks and Recreation, and Food Chain (non-profit), among other interested groups, focusing on planning and designing the broader Jefferson Street Corridor and neighborhood area. Various ideas such as integrating recreational and educational opportunities in the urban area were explored. Additionally, at a broader scale, the students also identified opportunities for enhancing connectivity to and from this neighborhood to enhance quality life needs. UKLA partnered with key partners and interested community members to further engage the community in identifying voices that could enhance the urban landscape and improve the community’s environment and quality of life. 

During 15 weeks, UKLA students researched, analyzed, planned, designed, and presented public open space design proposals focused on exploring the Jefferson Street Corridor and neighborhood area. UKLA students facilitated a design workshop with community stakeholders during the information gathering process and later conducted an online survey. Based on research and community voices, UKLA supported and complemented the community’s vision for interpreting, reflecting, and reviving a historically and culturally rich urban landscape. Six student teams developed and presented their proposals to community members and professionals. The ideas seeded through the service-learning opportunity received positive feedback. There was a sense of excitement from the LFUCG Division of Planning, Parks and Recreation Department, Food Chain, West Sixth Brewery, Smithtown Neighborhood Association, Northside Neighborhood Association, and numerous residents, volunteers, visitors seeking quality of life where they live, work, play and visit.