New WayPoint Center to assist the under-served opens in Lexington’s east-end neighborhood

The new United Way of the Bluegrass Marksbury Family WayPoint Center has opened in Lexington’s east-end neighborhood.

The renovation of the center, which previously was a vacant building that at one point was slated for demolition, was funded by the Marksbury Family Foundation. It will provide opportunities for under-served families and individuals to take advantage of resources and programming necessary for promotion and growth.

“Families and individuals will find a range of services and programs to help them achieve their goals and overcome barriers, whether it’s assistance with financial empowerment, health and wellness, job readiness or education, we have something for everyone,” said Timothy Johnson, president and CEO of UWBG. “Our staff and partners are here to listen, to guide and to empower all of our participants to reach their full potential and get on the pathway that’s leading a thriving life.”

UWBG’s Waypoint initiative is to create centers that serve as “a one-stop shop” where nonprofit organizations can meet with people in the community to offer help.

The first two WayPoint Centers in Lexington opened at the Charles Young Center and the Black & Williams Center. There is also a WayPoint Center at the Paris-Bourbon County YMCA.

Johnson previously said he’d like to open seven to eight WayPoint Centers in the region over the next five years. The new location is at the intersection of East Fifth and Chestnut streets.

“It will help us build a more welcoming and more inclusive community,” said Gov. Andy Beshear, who was present for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday along with other elected leaders. “As long as I’m governor, you’re going to hear me say every time we need to that diversity will always be an asset and equity and inclusion are values that we should embrace. Today, Lexington is showing its values and what it’s willing to invest in.”

Logan Marksbury, president of Marksbury Family Foundation, said the foundation is proud to be a part of the center. She added they knew renovating the Historic Palmer Pharmacy building and turning it into a WayPoint Center was a special project when they learned about it.

“We knew there couldn’t be any more appropriate location for the Waypoint Center of the east-end neighborhood,” Marksbury said. “It was an automatic yes to commit to do our part and fund the renovation of this building.”

History of the Palmer Pharmacy building

The journey to open the Marksbury Family Foundation WayPoint Center was a long one. In 2015, the city acquired the building as part of a settlement agreement with the Catholic Action Center, which used the building as part of its day shelter for the homeless.

However, the city soon found the building had multiple problems, including asbestos and a shoddy roof. When the city floated it may have to demolish the building, supporters in the historic preservation community and on the city’s East Side protested, saying the building was historic and important to the Black community.

In February 2023, Mayor Linda Gorton reached an agreement with UWBG to give it possession of the building and build the new WayPoint Center. Gorton said giving the building to UWBG was one of the best things her administration has done since taking office.

“I want to congratulate everyone at the United Way,” Gorton said. “I know that a lot of good will is going to come from this wonderful investment.”

The building was first owned by Zirl Palmer, a Black pharmacist, who opened a pharmacy in the building in 1961. It was the first Rexall pharmacy franchise that was owned by an African American in the United States, according to Johnson.

Palmer was the third Black pharmacist to practice in Lexington, Johnson added.

Palmer was also a community advocate and philanthropist. He was the first African American to serve on the UK Board of Trustees, helped organize Community Action of Lexington–Fayette County and was a World War II veteran.

Palmer also served on the local branch of the NAACP, Chamber of Commerce and Kentucky Human Rights Commission, according to Johnson.

“Dr. Palmer’s impact extended way beyond the pharmacy and his luncheonette, touching lives and aspects of community life from sports to education to health care,” Johnson said. “He was a trailblazer, breaking barriers in business, advocating for civil rights and dedicating his life to serving his community.”

Later Palmer opened a second pharmacy in the West End Plaza near Georgetown Street. On Sept. 4, 1968, a bomb planted by a former Ku Klux Klan member detonated. Palmer, his wife and daughter were trapped in the rubble for hours before rescuers were able to pull them out.

Palmer retired shortly after the bombing.

“Dr. Palmer’s life and legacy exemplifies the importance of being a good neighbor, and now United Way of the Bluegrass is carrying on that legacy with our partners in this community, and together we can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors and build a stronger, more resilient and thriving community for all,” Johnson said.

Beshear said the new WayPoint Center could not be in a better location. He also gave an acclamation to members of the Marksbury Family Foundation.

“Together we can strive everyday for the inches that become the miles of progress,” Beshear said.