Urban Renewal through the Lens of Unsuccessful Projects: The Pralltown Neighborhood of Lexington, Kentucky

This article examines the Pralltown neighborhood of Lexington, Kentucky, and the concept of the “unsuccessful” urban renewal project. Pralltown was created for and by freed slaves following the Civil War, and for virtually its entire existence, it has endured public policy efforts to change the neighborhood in order to address its real or perceived failings. By framing the two urban renewal projects proposed for Pralltown as points in a long line of reform efforts, this article draws attention to the persistent need for residents of postbellum African American neighborhoods to devote time and energy countering policies of marginalization.