RD1 Ground Breaking Ceremony

Ryder Brown • November 7, 2024

A New Chapter in Lexington's Bourbon Story

A group of people are standing in a field next to barrels.
Earlier this year, we celebrated a pivotal moment at The Commons as RD1 Spirits broke ground on their highly anticipated $4.8 million brand destination. The 10,215-square-foot facility will serve as an anchor tenant in our entertainment district, marking a significant milestone in both The Commons' development and Lexington's bourbon heritage.

Project Highlights

  • Investment: $4.8 million state-of-the-art facility
  • Size: 10,215 square feet of experiential space
  • Location: 113 Turner Commons Way, prime positioning at the entertainment district entrance
  • Expected Opening: Spring 2025

Facility Features

  • Interactive bourbon history exhibits
  • Four private tasting rooms
  • Glass-enclosed R&D lab
  • VIP speakeasy
  • Craft cocktail bar
  • Outdoor seating on both levels
  • Gift shop
  • Private event spaces
  • An artist 's impression of a large building with a lot of people in front of it.

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  • A man is walking in a room with a map of the world on the wall.

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  • There is a large tree in the middle of the room.

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  • A man is walking through a room with tables and shelves.

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  • A man and woman are standing in front of a wall with a picture of a glass on it.

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  • A group of people are standing outside of a building.

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  • A woman is standing in front of a large bottle of whiskey in a room.

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  • A group of people are standing in a room with a large bottle of whiskey.

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  • A group of people are standing in a room with a tree in the middle.

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Construction Progress Update

Construction is well underway, with the foundation work completed and structural elements beginning to take shape. The project remains on schedule for its anticipated Spring 2025 opening, when it will welcome bourbon enthusiasts and create 11 new full-time positions in our community.

A large house is being built in the middle of a dirt field.

Economic Impact

The project has received strong support from state leadership, including $521,000 in incentives from the Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority, highlighting its importance to both local and state tourism initiatives.

What it Means for The Commons

RD1 Distillery represents more than just a new tenant – it's a cornerstone of our vision for The Commons. As an anchor tenant, RD1 will help drive foot traffic and complement our growing entertainment, dining, and retail ecosystem. Their presence strengthens our commitment to creating a dynamic, mixed-use destination that truly unites life, work, and play in Lexington.



"RD1 complements our diverse tenants and embodies our mission of 'Uniting Life, Work, and Play.' Their innovative approach to bourbon and commitment to creating memorable experiences will undoubtedly enrich The Commons' ecosystem." - Daren Turner, CEO of The Commons

News Links

Now Open at The Commons: RD1 Distillery

By Ryder Brown • May 21, 2025
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.

Construction Progress Update: May 2025

By 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:
Pickleball Kingdom exterior building rendering

Pickleball Kingdom Is Coming to The Commons

By Ryder Brown • February 11, 2025
Pickleball Kingdom is coming to The Commons, bringing a premier indoor pickleball facility to Lexington. Set to open in the summer of 2025, the 42,300-square-foot space will feature 17 professional-grade courts, tournaments, leagues, and community events.
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