Blue Sky Works Small Area Plan

TSW, in collaboration with Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and a multidisciplinary consultant team, led the development of the Blue Sky Works Small Area Plan, an effort to reimagine the future of the Blue Sky Activity Center as a modern, high-performing industrial district. Building on the area’s legacy as one of Lexington’s oldest industrial parks, TSW guided a comprehensive planning process that evaluated existing land use, infrastructure systems, and market conditions, and engaged business owners, employees, and community stakeholders to establish a shared vision for long-term growth and reinvestment.

Through this work, TSW developed a coordinated framework that aligns land-use, transportation, and economic development strategies to support the continued evolution of Blue Sky as a vital employment center. Meeting stakeholders where they are, the team hosted free lunchtime events in Blue Sky to hear directly from employees about what they wanted to see for the area. Recognizing the constraints of a largely built-out industrial area, the team focused on unlocking value through redevelopment, adaptive reuse, and targeted catalytic investments. Key recommendations include improving multimodal access and safety along Athens Boonesboro Road and the I-75 interchange, leveraging natural features into amenity spaces that serve a dual role as sustainable landscapes for enhanced stormwater treatment, modernizing zoning to support contemporary industrial users, and addressing critical infrastructure needs to increase reliability and capacity.

Ultimately, TSW’s vision for Blue Sky Works balances industrial functionality with placemaking while introducing walkability, green infrastructure, and opportunities for supportive commercial uses that enhance the daily experience of workers and strengthen economic competitiveness. The plan positions Blue Sky as a more connected, resilient, and identity-driven industrial district, providing a flexible roadmap for incremental growth that supports Lexington’s broader economic development goals.