73. Rebecca Burnworth on Airbnb Economics, Adaptive Reuse, and Lexington’s Dining Renaissance

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:

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Community Trust Bank

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