Legacy Business Park breaks ground in Lexington

City leaders say the project will bring nearly 1,700 jobs and millions in tax revenue

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Construction is now underway on the new Legacy Business Park, located between Georgetown Road and I-75.

Mayor Linda Gorton, alongside other state leaders, broke ground on the 200-acre project Wednesday morning.

City officials say the Legacy Business Park is one step closer to becoming a major addition for Lexington’s economy. They credit partnerships between the city, the University of Kentucky, and the federal government for making the groundbreaking possible.

With the project officially in motion, Mayor Linda Gorton said the site will offer a range of opportunities.

“This 200-acre park includes 19 lots, totaling 147 acres for development, bike and pedestrian trails that connect to the city’s Legacy Trail, and extensive green spaces,” Gorton said.

City leaders estimate the new business park will bring nearly 1,700 jobs, close to $100 million in combined payroll, and about $6.8 million in local tax revenue.

The project comes with a price tag of $22.6 million, funded by various grants, federal money, and $10 million in taxpayer dollars.

Congressman Andy Barr said the city will quickly see a return on that investment.

“This $10 million investment really pays for itself; there’s a huge ROI with this.” Barr said. “$10 million taxpayer investment here, resulting in the spin off of economic activity that pays for itself in just 1 year easily,” said Barr.

The land where the park is being built was previously owned by the University of Kentucky. UK ultimately agreed to transfer the land to the city. University President Eli Capilouto said the project aligns with UK’s mission.

“This business park helps us further fulfill our mission and our dream of a healthier, wealthier, and wiser Kentucky,” Capilouto said.

City leaders celebrated the groundbreaking, noting it took seven years to reach this milestone.