Photo: A rendering of the MXWL, a 277-unit, 655-bed purpose-built student housing community adjacent to the University of Kentucky Campus in Lexington. | Photo Credit: Courtesy of Gilbane
By Lindsey Coulter
At a glance:
- Location: Lexington, KY, adjacent to the University of Kentucky campus
- Opening Date: Fall 2027
- Community Size: 277 units, 655 beds
- Unit Features: Fully furnished, private bathrooms, walk-in closets, in-unit washers and dryers, high-speed internet, fully equipped kitchens with energy-efficient appliances
- Amenities: Game-day courtyards, fire pits, grilling stations, outdoor lounges, state-of-the-art fitness center, coworking spaces, sauna, jacuzzi, secure underground parking garage with 140 spaces
- Unique Features: Rooftop deck with views of the University and downtown Lexington, pet-friendly accommodations, covered bike storage
- Construction Start: June 2025
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Gilbane Development recently began construction of the MXWL, a purpose-built student housing community designed to provide an elevated living experience for students at the University of Kentucky. Located directly adjacent to the university campus, MXWL is set to open in fall 2027and will combine modern amenities with the rich traditions of Lexington to create a vibrant living space for students.
The 277-unit, 655-bed community will offer a mix of unit types and a wide range of amenities aimed at fostering student success both socially and academically. The contemporary design aims to honor the area’s historical aesthetic while also prioritizing wellness and community.
“At MXWL, we’ve prioritized student education, and their comfort, convenience, and connection to the University of Kentucky,” said Michael Apt, development director at Gilbane Development, in a statement. “We’re creating more than a residence—we’re building a community that allows students to thrive socially, academically and personally.”
Each fully furnished unit at MXWL will offer private bathrooms, walk-in closets, in-unit washers and dryers, high-speed internet, and a fully equipped kitchen with energy-efficient appliances. In addition to the in-unit amenities, MXWL will feature a range of communal spaces designed to encourage social interaction and academic collaboration. These include game-day courtyards, fire pits, grilling stations, outdoor lounges, a state-of-the-art fitness center, coworking spaces, a sauna and a jacuzzi. The community also includes a secure underground parking garage with 140 dedicated spaces.
The project’s three exterior courtyards and a rooftop deck will offer views of both the university and downtown Lexington. Other exterior amenities will include covered bike storage.
Construction on the project began in June 2025, with the goal of delivering a top-tier student living experience by fall 2027.
“MXWL is designed to not only provide a place to live but also to create a community where students can feel connected, grow, and succeed,” said Apt in a statement.