The historic Palmer Pharmacy is once again serving Lexington’s East End | Opinion
May is Historic Preservation Month, a time to celebrate the rich history of our community and the efforts to preserve the places that tell our stories. This year, United Way of the Bluegrass has an exciting story to share, one that embodies the spirit of revitalization and community impact: the transformation of the historic Palmer Pharmacy in Lexington into the Marksbury Family WayPoint Center at the Historic Palmer Pharmacy.
The significance of this location cannot be understated. The Palmer Pharmacy holds a meaningful place in the city’s history as the first Rexall pharmacy owned and operated by an African America in the United States. Built in 1961 by Dr. Zirl Palmer Sr., the pharmacy also housed a luncheonette and doctor’s office. Dr. Palmer’s establishment of the pharmacy was a pioneering achievement, breaking barriers in a time of racial segregation.
This building, once a hub of activity, was left abandoned for years, subject to deterioration — until UWBG, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, and the Marksbury Family Foundation joined forces to bring new life to this iconic mid-century modern space. A debt of gratitude is owed to the Bluegrass Trust for Historic Preservation for its advocacy and awareness campaign which helped keep the building’s history and cultural value in the public discourse.
Though it needed significant renovation to bring it back to its former glory, it withstood the test of time and endured as a symbol of resilience and entrepreneurship, embodying the spirit of the Black community in Lexington. The careful renovation done by the United Way and Long Construction honors its history, ensuring that this East End treasure, once again, is restored into a vibrant community resource. This particular WayPoint Center is the first to be wholly owned and operated by the United Way and will serve as a hub for the community, offering not only hallmark social services but also community meeting space and offices. It will be a place to honor Dr. Palmer’s legacy and contributions to the Lexington community as well as the rich history of the East End.
The Marksbury Family WayPoint Center at the Historic Palmer Pharmacy is the result of a generous gift from the Marksbury Family Foundation, marking the largest program-based grant in the history of the United Way of the Bluegrass. The opening of this new location signifies a substantial expansion, moving the East End WayPoint Center from a single room in the Charles Young Center to a permanent home of over 3,000 square feet. Our doors officially opened on May 13.
As we celebrate Historic Preservation Month, let us also celebrate the revitalization of historic spaces like the Palmer Pharmacy, transforming them into vibrant community centers that serve as beacons of hope and support for generations to come. The Marksbury Family WayPoint Center stands as a testament to the power of preservation and community collaboration, ensuring that our history continues to inspire and enrich our future.
Dr. Kenneth Jones is the Board Chair of the United Way of the Bluegrass.
