Summit Design and Engineering has presented the results of a city-wide Housing Conditions Study for Lexington to Threshold, Lexington’s Housing Commission. Funded by a $50,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Planning Grant, the Housing Conditions Study assessed the state of residential properties across the City.

Summit’s team conducted a windshield survey in late October, evaluating nearly 2,100 residential properties from the public right-of-way. Each property was rated on a scale from one (in good condition) to five (appearing dilapidated). The findings revealed that 72 properties scored a three or higher, indicating significant wear or neglect, with these properties spread throughout Lexington.

In addition to the windshield survey, the study gathered input from local staff, real estate professionals, residents, and housing advocates, along with demographic data. Some of the findings included a high vacancy rate of 21%, primarily due to second homes, and that 44% of households are considered cost-burdened, spending 30% or more of their income on housing.

The study identified two main challenges: preserving and rehabilitating the current housing stock, and addressing barriers to new housing development. To tackle these issues, Summit recommended diversifying the housing stock and creating a targeted program to address the city’s most dilapidated properties.

This study is a critical step in advancing Lexington’s housing goals, as it helps to identify opportunities for revitalizing underused properties—a key solution highlighted in the CSPDC’s Regional Housing Study. With these insights in hand, the city can continue to build momentum toward improving housing conditions for all residents.

The full study is available on the Threshold Housing Commission’s webpage: : https://www.lexingtonva.gov/government/boards-and-commissions/threshold.