Welcome to The Commons
Ryder Brown • November 7, 2024
A Heritage of Innovation
In the heart of Lexington, a bold vision is taking shape. Just a mile from downtown's bustling streets, The Commons spans 42 acres of possibility—where historic industrial architecture meets modern innovation, and where Kentucky's past and future converge in unexpected ways.
"We're not just developing property,"
says Daren Turner, watching as sunlight streams through the windows of a transformed tobacco warehouse. "We're creating Lexington's next great gathering place."
It's a vision that's already drawing an impressive community of pioneers and innovators.
Walk through The Commons today, and you'll find a thriving ecosystem of more than 400 professionals at work. Engineering firms like Sherman Carter Barnhart and Stantec Consulting bring creative energy to the restored industrial spaces, while skilled trades professionals—from electricians to HVAC technicians—keep Lexington running from their bases here. Manufacturing innovators like Meridian Biotech share space with dynamic entertainment venues like Battle Axes, creating an environment where work and play naturally intertwine.
But what's here now is just the beginning. The real magic lies in what's coming next.
At the heart of The Commons, a transformative entertainment district is taking shape. Anchoring this vision is a state-of-the-art, 30,000-square-foot performance venue that will redefine Central Kentucky's live entertainment scene. "The Rail," as it's known, isn't just another music venue—it's a carefully crafted 1,750-capacity space designed to host everything from national touring acts to local celebrations. With premium concert capabilities and versatile event spaces, it's expected to draw over 50,000 visitors annually to The Commons.
"We're creating a true 365-day destination," Turner explains, gesturing to the plans for the integrated outdoor lawn that will complement the venue. This green space plaza, positioned perfectly between The Rail and a new retail complex, will host outdoor concerts, festivals, and community gatherings, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor entertainment experience unique to Lexington.
The development's newest addition will be a mixed-use building that perfectly captures The Commons' blend of hospitality and local culture. Ground-floor spaces will house a carefully curated mix of restaurants and retail—think artisanal coffee shops, local bakeries, and unique dining concepts. Above, 34 short-term luxury rentals will offer comfortable accommodations for concert-goers, bourbon trail adventurers, and visitors exploring everything Lexington has to offer.
Location is key to The Commons' appeal. You'll find the University of Kentucky, Rupp Arena, and Transylvania University within a three-mile radius. The Manchester Hotel, Town Branch Park, and the historic Distillery District are less than 1.5 miles away. This proximity puts The Commons at the intersection of Lexington's past and future, making it an ideal home for businesses looking to be part of the city's next chapter.
A nearly mile-long nature trail winds through the property, soon to be adorned with art installations that celebrate local creativity. Plans for a National Pickleball facility, projected to attract over 1,000 members, add another layer of active community engagement to the mix. These amenities, combined with a serene park featuring a pond and scenic walking paths, create breathing room among the development's dynamic spaces.
Perhaps most striking is how The Commons honors its industrial heritage while boldly pushing into the future. The iconic water towers still stand sentinel over the property, but soon, they'll be joined by new landmarks—restaurants crafted from historic pump houses, modern office spaces tucked into restored warehouses, and gathering spaces that feel both fresh and familiar.
The development's PUD-3 and Industrial zoning provide flexibility for innovative concepts, while its position on Main Street ensures high visibility for businesses choosing to make their home here. It's a place where an esthetician's spa can thrive next door to a high-tech manufacturing facility and where a morning coffee at a local bakery might lead to an evening of live music under the stars.
The energy at The Commons is palpable as the sun sets behind the historic water towers. Construction crews begin to work on the Entertainment Venue, while nearby, plans are being finalized for new restaurants and retail spaces. This isn't just another development project—it's a new cultural heart for Lexington, where every detail has been considered, from preserving historic architecture to curating future experiences.
"We're building something that will be part of Lexington's story for generations to come," Turner reflects, watching people walk along the property's winding paths. In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected, The Commons offers something rare: a place where life, work, and play unite naturally, creating a new kind of urban experience that's uniquely Lexington.
A new chapter is officially set to begin in Kentucky's vibrant live-music story with the forthcoming opening of The Rail . This purpose-built, ground-up music venue will anchor developer Daren Turner's 42-acre mixed-use development in Lexington. A World-Class Venue, Locally Owned and Operated The Rail is designed to redefine Lexington's live music landscape as a locally owned and independently operated facility. Capacity: The venue offers a 2,000-person sellable capacity with a flexible layout that can scale from 1,200 to 2,000 guests. It can be configured as a general admission (GA) room or a fully seated, reduced-capacity venue. Design Focus: The design emphasizes artist comfort, a superior guest experience, and daily neighborhood engagement. Broad Programming: The Rail's strategy is to host all genres of touring acts—including country, rock, hip-hop, and metal—alongside comedy, club nights, special events, and private functions. Premium Amenities: Guests can look forward to Golden Circle mezzanine seating, private VIP decks, and The Underbelly Bar , an exclusive area for premium-seat license holders and sponsors. An Expert Team to Run the Show The project brings together an experienced team with deep roots in the independent venue sector: Operator: Industry veteran and acclaimed promoter John Peters, founder and CEO of MassConcerts , will operate The Rail. MassConcerts is one of the nation's leading independent concert-promotion and venue-management companies, recently expanding its footprint in Kentucky through the acquisition of Headliners Music Hall in Louisville and this new partnership on The Rail. Developer: Daren Turner, developer of The Commons, stated that The Rail will be " the heart of the entire development " . Partnership Team: The partnership team also includes Graham Brown, Joe Craft, David Helmers (partner in The Rail, also of Railbird Festival and Distilled In KY), and Creative Director Emily Cox (Pinnacle Nashville, Bonnaroo, etc.). "This entertainment venue will be the heart of the entire development... This will be a locally owned, independently operated venue created by and for people who live in Central Kentucky." — Daren Turner, Developer. Transforming Lexington's Cultural Scene The Rail is expected to be a major cultural asset for the city: Filling a Gap: Partner David Helmers noted that the scale of The Rail "fills a significant gap in the market ." National Recognition: Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), called The Rail a " world-class facility" and expects it to be a "national success story for the independent venue sector ." Community Impact: Mayor Linda Gorton praised the project, saying it " demonstrates Lexington's evolving cultural ambitions," and will "attract new visitors, talent, and investment while offering residents a daily destination rooted in creativity and community ." Making National Waves: Media Coverage The announcement of The Rail is not only a local story but a national one for the independent live music scene. Major industry voices and publications have highlighted its significance: National Independent Venue Association (NIVA): Stephen Parker, Executive Director of NIVA, called The Rail a "world-class facility" and expects it to be a "national success story for the independent venue sector." Pollstar & CelebrityAccess: The news was prominently featured in top music industry trades, including Pollstar and CelebrityAccess , confirming The Rail as a future key stop on national and international tours. Mark Your Calendars! The Rail is scheduled to open in October 2026 . Designed by Aaron Bivens and Josh Gilpin of Thoroughbred Design Group, with input from Production Expert Jeff Kicklighter, The Rail’s architecture blends industrial character with the warmth and material palette of the Bluegrass region. Emily Cox serves as Creative Director, shaping the venue's visual identity and guest experience. Follow the development progress on The Rail's official website .
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 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:
