PROJECT & DEVELOPMENT
The Old Farmer’s Co-op Project
Built in 1930, the Lexington Farmer’s Co-op building had fallen into a state of disrepair by 2015 after having been vacant for years. When Michael Tesh purchased the property, the historic building was within weeks of being condemned. At just over 21,000 square feet the renovation took just over 8 months to bring the property back to life, transforming the historic property into an upscale boutique fitness center that helped jump start the renaissance in Uptown Lexington. The renovation won multiple awards including the Best Uptown Renovation in Lexington in 2016. The Old Farmer’s Co-op building was the home of City Fitness until the property was sold in 2021.
Red Donuts, 2nd and Main, Textur Salon
Purchased in 2017, 117, 115, 113 North Main had not only been vacant for years, it was the biggest eyesore on Main Street. Historically significant, the property is best known as The Lexington Hotel. The Hotel was made famous in 1956 when a young performer from Memphis named Elvis Pressley stayed at the hotel. Pressley’s performance at the local YMCA was one of his last shows before becoming famous on the Ed Sullivan Show. Despite its significance, the property had continued to decline following a fire at the property in 1978. Tesh applied for municipal window and facade grants as well as historical tax credits to offset the cost of renovating the property. When complete, the property that had been an eyesore and vacant, became the home of three new businesses; Red Donut, 2nd and Main, and Textur Salon. Tesh split the property and worked with the business owners to help them purchase their lease space. The project won Uptown Lexington’s Best Renovation Award.
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East 2nd Market
The property that was once a grocery store, was unrecognizable and completely full of junk, being used as storage for an adjacent boarding house. Tesh purchased the property with the intent to tear the building down in 2017 to add additional parking for his adjacent business. Once his crews cleaned and completely demoed the property they discovered the property had good bones and was a candidate for restoration. Applying for and receiving municipal grants and historical tax credits to offset renovation costs made the restoration a viable project. Upon completion, Tesh actively marketed and recruited The Lexington Bike Shop to the space to add to the growing number of new businesses adding to Historical Uptown Lexington.
The Railroad Street Market
The Railroad Street Market is the next project by Michael Tesh and will be marketed by Tesh Realty. Originally known as The Candy Factory and later as Dixie, then Lexington Furniture, this project will be the next big addition to Lexington’s Depot District. Located behind the Breeden Amphitheater and in front of the proposed Amtrak Station, this project will begin March 2022. Because of this project’s history and importance to the community, we want to document and share the transformation. ****This would be a good interactive/ gate spot to drive traffic
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