Lexington, August 23, 2025
News Summary
The city of Lexington has seen a major real estate deal with the sale of the historic Dr. James Steele office for $600,000. The 3½-acre property, featuring a 100-year-old home, has been vacant for over a decade. Buyer James Kirkland leads a group of investors, although future plans remain undisclosed. The sale reflects Lexington’s increasing appeal, driven by recent developments on Main Street and a growing population. The area is poised for further commercial growth with upcoming restaurants and traffic improvements.
Historic Lexington Property Sold for $600,000 Amid Rising Main Street Development
The city of Lexington has witnessed a significant real estate transaction with the sale of the former office of Dr. James Steele for $600,000. The property, located at 401 W. Main St., covers approximately 3½ acres and features a 100-year-old home that once served as a medical office.
The buyer, James Kirkland, leads a group of investors, although specific plans for the property have not been revealed. The site has remained vacant for over a decade and offers potential tax credits due to its historic status and as an abandoned structure.
This former medical office was operated by Dr. Steele and partner Dr. Albert Thomas from April 1956 until the early 1980s. Its prime location near the intersection of two significant commercial corridors in Lexington has made it an attractive investment opportunity.
Lexington’s Growing Appeal
Lexington has seen substantial improvements, including the development of a pedestrian park and the Icehouse Amphitheater, along with traffic enhancements that have bolstered the area’s appeal. In recent years, Main Street has transformed, with an influx of new dining and retail options, such as O’Hara’s Public House, Keg Cowboys, The Auburn Mermaid Boutique, and Turntable City. This renaissance has spurred growth in the town’s population, which increased by 1.5% in 2019, exceeding the growth rate of South Carolina as a whole.
The city’s population has surged by 24% over the past decade, surpassing 22,000 residents. This demographic expansion is largely driven by the attractiveness of local schools that entice new families to the area.
Traffic and Business Potential
Approximately 40,000 cars travel daily along W. Main Street, indicating a substantial potential customer base for businesses that could establish themselves in the area. Following the closure of RF’s Corner Grill, a new Mexican restaurant named Na’cho Margarita is set to open at 712 W. Main St.. Additionally, a modern steakhouse concept will debut at 101 W. Main St. in January 2025. Renovations for this new establishment will focus on maintaining the building’s historic charm while offering an upscale yet approachable dining experience centered around high-quality ingredients.
Historical Value and Community Support
The sale has garnered appreciation from the seller, Tracy Steele, who expressed gratitude to local real estate professionals for connecting with buyers who value both the historical significance and developmental potential of the property. The ongoing transformation of Lexington’s Main Street signifies a thriving community that embraces both its past and its future.
FAQ
What property was sold in Lexington?
The former office of Dr. James Steele at 401 W. Main St., which includes a 100-year-old home and encompasses 3½ acres, was sold for $600,000.
Who bought the property and what are their plans?
James Kirkland leads the group of investors who purchased the property, but specific plans for its future have not been made public.
What developments are occurring on Main Street in Lexington?
Main Street in Lexington has seen the opening of new restaurants like O’Hara’s Public House and Keg Cowboys, and shops such as Turntable City. Additionally, significant improvements, including a new park and amphitheater, have enhanced the area.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Property Location | 401 W. Main St., Lexington |
| Sale Price | $600,000 |
| Size | 3½ acres |
| Building Age | 100 years old |
| Previous Use | Doctor’s Office |
| Buyer Group Lead | James Kirkland |
| Area Traffic | Approximately 40,000 cars daily |
| Upcoming Developments | Na’cho Margarita, Modern Steakhouse |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Historic Doctor’s Office Sold for $600,000
- Wikipedia: Lexington, South Carolina
- The State: Local News
- Google Search: Lexington, South Carolina
- WLTX: Lexington Hotel Proposal
- Google Scholar: Lexington, South Carolina
- Cola Daily: Modern Steakhouse Coming to Lexington
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Lexington Downtown Growth
- Google News: Lexington, South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
