Construction Progress Update: May 2025
Ryder Brown • May 1, 2025
We're excited to share the latest construction milestones at The Commons! Our vibrant, mixed-use development continues to evolve, bringing our vision of community-centered spaces closer to reality.
Here's what's new:
RD1 Distillery
- Status: Interior fit-up complete; tenant currently moving in.
- Highlights: Landscaping and new seating installation underway to enhance the outdoor paver area.
- Projected Completion: Final touches ongoing.

Retail & Short-Term Rental Building
- Status: Foundation work initiated.
- Highlights: Structural steel set to arrive in early June, marking significant construction progress.
- Projected Completion: Updates forthcoming as steelwork begins.

Pickleball Kingdom
- Status: Red iron structure erected; exterior panel installation in progress.
- Highlights: Mezzanine installation starting next week, elevating the facility's interior layout.
- Projected Completion: Continuing progress, updates ongoing.

Watertower Café
- Status: Wall framing completed; roof trusses in place.
- Highlights: Steel roofing installation begins Monday—key visual milestone.
- Projected Completion: Scheduled for June completion.

Stay tuned as we continue to build spaces that foster community connection, recreation, and enjoyment right here in Lexington.
For leasing opportunities or more information, please contact:
Amy Mellinger
amy@balrealestate.com | 859-619-5369
We’re thrilled to officially welcome RD1 Spirits to The Commons—a major milestone not just for our development, but for the city of Lexington and Kentucky’s legendary Bourbon Trail. RD1 Distillery is more than just a tasting room. It's an immersive brand destination, research lab, and full-blown bourbon experience rolled into one. Clocking in at over 10,000 square feet—triple the size of their former Distillery District space—RD1 now anchors our 42-acre mixed-use development with a bold new chapter in Lexington’s bourbon legacy. What to Expect Inside Inside, guests are treated to: A wraparound bourbon bar Two private tasting rooms A VIP lab experience with R&D Master Distiller, Dr. Jarrad Gollihue A hidden speakeasy for private groups "RD1 Forest," an indoor zone focused on wood science and bourbon finishing A gift shop featuring exclusive releases only available at The Commons RD1's approach to bourbon is experimental, sensory-driven, and rooted in Kentucky heritage. With over 50 wood finishes tested on-site annually, their R&D setup invites you to explore new flavors—and maybe even bottle one to take home. Fueling Growth in West Lexington This isn’t just a new distillery. It’s a catalyst for tourism and economic growth on Lexington’s west side. As the official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail here at The Commons, RD1 is projected to welcome 30,000+ visitors each year. The energy is real, the impact is tangible, and the experience is unforgettable. Plan Your Visit Come visit RD1 Distillery at The Commons: 113 Turner Commons Way, Suite 110 . Open daily with tastings, tours, and plenty of reasons to come back again and again. Check out their website to learn more.

We're excited to announce the latest addition to The Commons community - Gym Blue, an innovative fitness concept that opened its doors in November 2023 at 170 Turner Commons Way Suite #140. Founded by Lexington natives Ashley and Dale Beatty, this state-of-the-art facility brings a fresh approach to fitness and wellness to our development. The facility's strategic position within The Commons makes it easily accessible for both local residents and visitors.