In case you missed it, the Pepper Rickhouse in the Distillery District quietly went on the market last week, for a cool $15.5 million. Before we get into your ideas, which we can’t wait to read, let’s take a trip down memory lane.
The Kentucky Historical Society has some great throwback photos + stories from the area’s earliest days including the construction of six warehouses on the site between 1880 and 1901.
Fast forward over a century to 2008 when investors helped breathe new life into Manchester Street, even getting the area now known as the Distillery District listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In the 2010s, the 25-acre site began to see current day tenants like Break Room, Ethereal Brewing, and Goodfellas appear on the scene. Growth continued as the former rickhouse had a flurry of businesses open on the ground floor including mainstays Brevede + Wise Bird Cider Co. Original plans to build condos were eventually abandoned.
U-Haul purchased the building for $10 million in October 2021, and in December of that year announced plans to create 1,400 climate-controlled self-storage units along the upper floors, which never came to fruition.
Which brings us to today. The 200,000-sqft building + surrounding seven acres are awaiting new ownership. So, be the broker. What would you love to see take over the top floors of this historic space?
Your answers
Our readers + followers answers ranged everywhere from silly to serious, and included everything from housing to places to eat.
Livable spaces
- “Some form of residential living.” — Tim W.
- “I’d love to see apartments go in there — small one bedroom or two bedroom, reasonably priced.” — Linda F.
- “Mixed use hotel, condos, offices, and retail.” — @lfignewton
- “Residential! Condos or apartments.” —Kristin S.
Places to eat + drink
- “A Food Hall!” — Julee A.
- “International. Food. Hall. PLEASE!!” — @maddiemackin
- “A brewery on top similar to Rhinegist would be awesome!” — @landryfields_
Attractions
- “Another @poncecitymarket in Lexington will be the best option!!!! Let’s make it happen!” — @pastagarage
- “I would love to see an art gallery or makers space or even a wellness center.” — Lucinda E.
- “More fitness studios!! This side of town doesn’t have many.” — @2chaness
Just for fun
- “What about a new Frisch’s Big Boy concept that would include a full bar, different lighting and of course the Big Boy statue?” — Gwen H.
- “BRING BACK LASER QUEST” — @corporatethug
- “One giant rooftop bar” — @thisisjoshuaa
One reader understood the assignment + submitted a detailed plan for all four floors:
“I would love to see each floor become home to something different. Maybe the top floor could be luxe penthouses, the floor below smaller affordable apartments. Below that, maybe an artist community whether that is open studio space or shared living arrangements. A space for public display and events would be great there too. Maybe space that can be converted for theatre and music, etc. On the second floor, I think additional retail would be great to have but it could also be set up with smaller spaces like Greyline Station did in order to encourage small independent businesses. A coffee shop and a few small eateries. A salon and day spa, a cool barbershop, some of the personal services that residents would be giving up easy access to by moving there. It’s such a large space and could serve so many people and interests!” — Jenn H.
