Judge Rules In Favor Of CentrePointe

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Posted: 8:21 AM Jul 22, 2008
Last Updated: 5:46 PM Jul 22, 2008

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A Fayette circuit judge ruled in favor of the controversial CentrePointe project today. Judge Pamela Goodwine says she found no legal basis for an injunction on demolition of eight buildings. That means demolition can begin as soon as possible.

The hearing began Tuesday morning over the demolition of eight buildings in between Main and Vine Streets.

A group called Preserve Lexington was seeking an injunction to stop the Webb Companies from tearing down buildings on South Upper Street.

Circuit Judge Pamela Goodwine has said she wanted to hear both sides of the controversial proposal.

This morning attorneys for Preserve Lexington presented their case saying they want to Webbs to incorporate the historic buildings into the building's design. In the afternoon, CentrePointe's developers argued their case. The judge issued her ruling just before 5 P.M.

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Posted by: Jason Location: Lexington on Jul 25, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Hey Anonymous THEY'RE NOT HISTORIC, JUST OLD

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 23, 2008 at 07:37 PM
Why is there so much animosity towards history and preservation? You know, you can still tear something down even if it is historic. Maybe you shouldn't, but it happens all the time. And if I hear one more person say, "they're not historic, just old" I'm going to vomit. That is a simpleton's argument. The first step to something being historic is being old. There is not enough space allowed here to go through the reasons those buidlings qualify as historic, but if you understand the historic development of Lexington, you understand the importance of the retail businesses that were concentrated there and housed by those buildings. You understand that they are part of a bigger historic picture that is being chipped away piece by piece. And yes, there is indeed some architectural significance too! I hope for the sake of Lexington I am wrong about this project, but if that pesky thing called HISTORY is any indicator, the Webbs may leave you sorry you supported it.

Posted by: Paul Location: Lex on Jul 23, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Ahhh seperation anxiety....Of course tear them down, time is money, and after that white elephant is built and the Webbs can't fill it, it will only cost us the taxpayers even more money, so I say level it quick, build it so we can get on with Local Corporate Welfare

Posted by: racegirl Location: Corbin on Jul 23, 2008 at 10:08 AM
I agree that people want things better but want nothing to change! That is ridiculous! Like Lexington, London/Laurel County residents are the same exact way. They want to think that the town is superior but don't want to think progressively. They didn't even want zoning of any kind but wanted to get rid of an asphalt plant that was being built in a little suburb . . . what kind of logic is that?!

Posted by: Joe W. Location: Zoe on Jul 23, 2008 at 01:49 AM
David said it best time to start building.The buildings weren't beautiful or historic they were eyesores that had been altered so many times,that no one knew what they looked like!Time for progress to begin.

Posted by: Chris Location: Lexington on Jul 22, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Thank you! Im glad they finally came to thier senses and started this much needed project!

Posted by: Steve Location: Lawrenceburg on Jul 22, 2008 at 10:59 PM
I've heard a lot about this block of buildings being "historic" bet have yet to hear a convincing argument as to WHY they are historic. Old? Certainly. Historic? Not so much.

Posted by: Charles Location: Pikeville on Jul 22, 2008 at 08:26 PM
I commute to Lexington weekly and although this matter doesn't pertain to me like it does actual Fayette Countians, I still wish to say that a new high rise would by all means benefit the city. Lexington is growing therefore it only makes sense to "go up" to save space.

Posted by: Mark Location: Lexington on Jul 22, 2008 at 05:48 PM
World Coal Center II anyone?

Posted by: Alice Location: Lexington on Jul 22, 2008 at 05:37 PM
The huge numbers of people that have shown up at public meetings in opposition to CentrePointe show that most people in Lexington don't want to see this monstrosity built. Let's make sure that what's left of our downtown is protected. I'd like to see some laws passed that prevent owners from letting their properties deteriorate into eysores.

Posted by: Danny Location: Lexington on Jul 22, 2008 at 05:21 PM
I wish the people from the 1800's would just get over it. Times change and people do too and it's time to boost Lexington's appearance and this new skyscraper is just what we need. After this one is built, we should tear down another old block and build another one.

Posted by: David Location: Georgetown on Jul 22, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Hopefully demolition is underway now before more time is wasted in the court system.

Posted by: sarah Location: lexington on Jul 22, 2008 at 04:46 PM
As a downtown resident I care. A lot. A project that involves the community will turn out to be a much greater investment in Lexington in the long haul. Haste generally seems to make waste. Or so I think.

Posted by: Danae Location: Lex on Jul 22, 2008 at 03:45 PM
beauty is in the eye of the beholder... I think it would be a real shame to permit the needless destruction of our beautiful and historic downtown buildings.

Posted by: Me Location: Lextown on Jul 22, 2008 at 03:32 PM
It is futile to try and stop progression. Times are changing, as we all can see as well as feel. This development will bring many jobs and quite a bit of money to Lexington. Times are hard, but noone wants to do anything about making things better. Casinos would have brought the State alot more money, but noone wanted to be 'immorale', so now other states and cities are growing in funds, why, because none wants to do anything, afraid of change. Time to grow up folks.

Posted by: Matt Location: Lexington on Jul 22, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Tear down the buildings if your must, but make their sacrifice worth it. The proposed design is simply mediocre and doesn't stand out. We can do much better than proposed phallic symbol hotel. Lexington needs something unique.

Posted by: Brandon Location: Lexington on Jul 22, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Just tear them down already. Who really cares they have already closed.

Posted by: Larry Location: Lexington on Jul 22, 2008 at 12:43 PM
People in Lexington will be left in the cold. The project is wasted money down the toilet.

Posted by: Chris Location: LEX on Jul 22, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Let the building go up! I would imagine a overwhelming majority of the city wants to see this beautiful devolpment go forward. I think this block is currently an eyesore and makes our downtown area look sad.

Posted by: Melissa Location: Lexington on Jul 22, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Tear 'em down and go on down the road

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