LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington is making room for more housing options in a significant location and for people looking to find a place within their budget.

The Alcove is one of the latest developments for affordable housing in the Winburn neighborhood of northern Lexington.

Jennifer Velazquez is a full-time mom and lived in the Winburn neighborhood before Alcove opened. She said unforeseen circumstances meant that her family quickly needed a new space, which is what they found at the Alcove. 

The Alcove has 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units and residents have modernized features like marble countertops. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)

“And they were still building and working there and we were like the first people in,” Velazquez said. “And then they called us and told us we were approved and stuff.”

The city of Lexington says The Alcove is for working families who earn up to 60% of the area’s median income or up to $53,580 annually for a family of four.

Velazquez says she got help to secure a unit from the people who work for the apartments.

People like Property Manager Oliver Mabson are ready to offer support. 

“As soon as we get the keys to open those doors, people were ready to roll,” Mabson said. 

There are 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units. The apartments also offer amenities like an outdoor sitting area and playground.

There’s also a clubhouse with a lounge area, a fitness center and a community room.

“I don’t know how many times you’ve been into an affordable housing complex, but when’s the last time you’ve seen granite countertops or a sliding shower with a glass door?” Mabson said. “And I’ve had several years of housing experience, and this is the first for me even.”

The Alcove includes special amenities like a clubhouse, fitness center, a park and more. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)

The city says the apartments represent a $46 million investment in the area.

“You know there used to be an old connotation that said anything that served or valued the underserved community was a negative connotation or it came with a negative connotation, or it was going to be over and done within a matter of months, so we want to raise the bar and show people that’s no longer the expectancy with what affordable housing stands for,” Mabson explained. 

Financing for The Alcove came from R4 capital funding and Kentucky Housing. The Lexington Affordable Housing Fund also provided a $1.25 million in financing.