DevelopLex

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Stephen Dawahare, longtime Lexington entrepreneur and real estate developer, to talk about the bold vision behind Lexington SC and how it’s become one of the most impactful developments in Central Kentucky.

What started as a soccer project has grown into a $100M+ privately funded ecosystem on Lexington’s east side, complete with pro-level facilities, youth programming, and strategic commercial development. But this isn’t just about sports. It’s about long-term city planning, infrastructure, and access - especially for kids and communities historically left out of elite athletics.

Stephen walks us through how the project came to life, what it took to move literal mountains (and rock), and why Lexington SC is built to be both economically sustainable and deeply meaningful.

Hosted by Weston Lockhart and Ross Boggess

DevelopLex is proud to be supported by:

⁠⁠SVN Stone Commercial Real Estate⁠⁠

⁠⁠Community Trust Bank⁠⁠

⁠⁠Craftsman Contractors ⁠⁠

⁠⁠Bowman

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Stephen Dawahare, longtime Lexington entrepreneur and real estate developer, to talk about the bold vision behind Lexington SC and how it’s become one of the most impactful developments in Central Kentucky.

What started as a soccer project has grown into a $100M+ privately funded ecosystem on Lexington’s east side, complete with pro-level facilities, youth programming, and strategic commercial development. But this isn’t just about sports. It’s about long-term city planning, infrastructure, and access - especially for kids and communities historically left out of elite athletics.

Stephen walks us through how the project came to life, what it took to move literal mountains (and rock), and why Lexington SC is built to be both economically sustainable and deeply meaningful.

Hosted by Weston Lockhart and Ross Boggess

DevelopLex is proud to be supported by:

⁠SVN Stone Commercial Real Estate⁠

⁠Community Trust Bank⁠

⁠Craftsman Contractors ⁠

⁠Bowman

In this episode, we partnered with Downtown Lexington Partnership to host another Downtown Deep Dive, presented by Dean Builds. This time, with the visionaries behind Gatton Park on the Town Branch - Lexington’s most ambitious public space project to date. Recorded overlooking the park’s soon-to-be-unveiled amphitheater, this conversation dives into the decade-long journey from asphalt lot to iconic green space.

Guests:

• David Dean, President of Dean Builds

• Ben Schaffer, Senior Director of Advancement & Special Events, Gatton Park

• Donald Miller, Park Director, Gatton Park

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Rebecca Burnworth - architect, code-wrangler, and the visionary force behind The Stave and District 7. From navigating building permits with tenacity to breathing new life into Kentucky’s bourbon-country landmarks, Rebecca delivers an insider’s look at how design thinking, culinary creativity, and deep local pride can spark a downtown renaissance.

We trace Lexington’s evolution from a “five-bar town” to a food-and-bev hotspot, unpack the real economics of Airbnb-driven revitalization, and learn why adaptive-reuse projects hold the key to preserving heritage while courting modern growth. Rebecca also shares her blueprint for a glass-front Vine Street plaza and explains how community-first placemaking keeps Lexington talent - and dollars - local.

Hosted by Weston Lockhart & Ross Boggess

DevelopLex is proud to be supported by:

SVN Stone Commercial Real Estate

Community Trust Bank

Craftsman Contractors

This special episode of DevelopLex was created in partnership with Commerce Lexington to capture the biggest takeaways from the 2025 Leadership Visit to Madison, Wisconsin - and bring them home to Lexington.

Every year, Commerce Lexington organizes one of the largest and longest-running intercity leadership trips in the country. Presented by Central Bank & Trust Co., the 2025 visit brought 165 Lexington-area leaders to Madison for three days of immersive learning. The goal? Study what’s working in high-performing peer cities and bring those insights back to Lexington.

Madison’s story is one of intentional growth. With a youthful population, a booming research university, and major employers like Epic Systems, it’s a city defined by its constraints - and its creativity. From land use challenges and housing affordability to civic alignment and regionalism, this episode is packed with ideas Lexington can act on.

Speakers in the order they appear:

1:52 Jason Ilstrup - President, Downtown Madison Inc.

6:37 Jennifer Mnookin - Chancellor, University of Wisconsin-Madison

8:33 Kate Dale - EVP of Brand Strategy & Communications, Destination Madison

17:10 & 22:22 Kurt Paulsen - Professor of Urban Planning, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Hosted by Ross BoggessDevelopLex is proud to be supported by:

SVN Stone Commercial Real EstateCommunity Trust BankCraftsman Contractors

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Burgess Carey, a multi-generational Lexingtonian, developer, and visionary behind some of Central Kentucky’s most forward-thinking real estate and recreation projects. From pioneering self-storage development to reclaiming a forgotten gorge to launch Boone Creek Outdoors, Burgess shares a rare blend of entrepreneurial grit, environmental stewardship, and deep civic insight.We explore Lexington’s unique development challenges - from zoning hurdles to greenbelt restrictions - and why the future will require creative, regional collaboration. Whether he’s automating flex industrial spaces or building sustainable treehouse retreats, Burgess brings clarity, purpose, and originality to the local development conversation.--Core Themes Discussed:Lexington at a Crossroads: The city is vibrant—but at a pivotal moment. The next 50 years depend on how we balance preservation and progress.From Self-Storage to Sustainability: Burgess shares how he transformed an overlooked niche into a scalable model—and why tech is changing everything.Reimagining Green Space: Not all ag land is horse farms. Burgess challenges Lexington to create interactive, publicly accessible outdoor destinations.Experience Economy in Action: Boone Creek Outdoors proves development can be immersive, environmentally regenerative, and economically sustainable.Advice for Aspiring Developers: Read the zoning code, follow the community conversation, and don’t force a deal—if it doesn’t pencil, walk away.--Highlights:Why Lexington was a self-storage pioneer long before Wall Street took noticeThe story behind Boone Creek’s abandoned gas station, leaky fuel tanks, and trout-filled transformationWhat dynamic pricing and Bluetooth locks mean for the future of light industrial real estateHow the “contractor unit” market is changing—and why it’s worth building forWhy regional planning, not just urban density, is key to solving housing and job shortages--Guest Bio:Burgess Carey is a Lexington-born developer, business owner, and founder of Boone Creek Outdoors. From building self-storage facilities in the early ‘90s to leading eco-tourism and flex industrial projects today, he brings a rare depth of perspective to what it means to create lasting value for Central Kentucky.--Hosted by Weston Lockhart & Ross BoggessDevelopLex is proud to be supported by:SVN Stone Commercial Real EstateCommunity Trust BankCraftsman Contractors

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Dallas Rose, a Lexington native whose bold approach to real estate and hospitality is helping redefine what’s possible for the city. From launching Mileta, one of Lexington’s most ambitious new restaurants, to co-developing Midland Station, a transformative downtown housing project, Dallas shares his vision for building a modern Lexington rooted in culture, creativity, and long-term growth.Whether he’s assembling complex capital stacks or crafting a pasta-forward menu, Dallas brings together national experience and local love to push Lexington forward. We explore why the city is ripe for next-level development, how public-private partnerships can unlock real opportunity, and why Lexington doesn’t have to lose its soul to grow.

---Core Themes Discussed:Lexington’s Untapped Potential: The city has all the ingredients to be world-class - it just needs bold leadership and smart development.Visionary Entrepreneurship: Dallas blends private equity strategy with a passion for culture-building through restaurants and real estate.Challenges of Local Development: Generational land ownership and fragmented parcels make it hard to build here - but that’s changing.Public-Private Collaboration: How tools like IRBs and PILOTs can drive large-scale projects like Midland Station.Preserving Identity While Growing: Growth doesn't mean giving up what makes Lexington special - especially its horse farms and historic charm.---Highlights:Why Fayette Mall was a strategic move for Mileta (not a gamble)A behind-the-scenes look at Midland Station and what makes it transformativeWhat IOS (Industrial Outdoor Storage) is—and why it’s a niche worth watchingHow Lexington compares to Sunbelt markets Dallas invested in at Goldman SachsWhy the next wave of developers must balance risk with long-term cultural investment---Guest Bio:Dallas Rose is the founder of Jade Investments, co-owner of Mileta, and a development partner on Midland Station. After years in real estate private equity at Goldman Sachs and Marlin Spring, he returned to Lexington to help shape its next chapter - with a plate in one hand and a site plan in the other.Hosted by Weston Lockhart & Ross BoggessDevelopLex is proud to be supported by:SVN Stone Commercial Real EstateCommunity Trust BankCraftsman Contractors

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Dr. Eli Capilouto, the 12th President of the University of Kentucky, to explore how UK’s campus transformation is more than bricks and mortar — it's a purpose-driven mission to advance Kentucky’s future. Since taking office in 2011, Dr. Capilouto has overseen more than $7 billion in campus development, growing UK’s total operations to $8.4 billion and turning the university into a catalyst for statewide economic, academic, and health transformation.

We dig into the decision-making behind UK’s infrastructure investments, the role of strategic partnerships, and innovative programs like UK Invest that reflect the university’s commitment to preparing students for lives of meaning and impact.

Hosted by Weston Lockhart & Ross Boggess

DevelopLex is proud to be supported by:

SVN Stone Commercial Real Estate

Community Trust Bank

Craftsman Contractors

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Price Bell, a lifelong Lexingtonian, thoroughbred farm operator, and passionate community builder. From managing his family's historic Mill Ridge Farm to leading neighborhood redevelopment efforts in North Limestone, Price brings a unique lens to the intersection of land, legacy, and leadership.

We dive deep into what it means to steward land, how creative use of public grant programs can drive real estate reinvestment, and why Lexington’s future lies in both preserving its horse country roots and innovating its urban core.

Hosted by Weston Lockhart & Ross Boggess

DevelopLex is proud to be supported by:

SVN Stone Commercial Real Estate

Community Trust Bank

Craftsman Contractors

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Clay Waller, a Lexington-based real estate investor and developer, to talk about his journey into the industry - one that started with a trial by fire. When his grandfather suddenly handed him the reins to a struggling business, Clay had to learn fast. Today, he’s built a thriving portfolio spanning residential and commercial properties, including some of Lexington’s most notable redevelopments on the North Side.

From navigating the challenges of zoning laws to bringing one of Popeyes’ top-performing locations to town, Clay shares how he spots opportunity where others see obstacles. He also dives into the importance of flex space in commercial real estate, how Lexington’s north side is primed for growth, and what city leaders can do to make development easier.

If you’re interested in real estate investing, Lexington’s economic future, or the mindset needed to seize opportunities, this episode is for you.

Hosted by Weston Lockhart

DevelopLex is proud to be supported by:

SVN Stone Commercial Real Estate

Community Trust Bank

Craftsman Contractors