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The Cornerstone building serves as the gateway to an emerging innovation district that will further connect the university with the city of Lexington. It is designed to foster a wide range of idea-sharing, event-hosting and programmatic opportunities around the concepts of innovation, creativity, technology, entrepreneurship and economic development.

As a way to elevate the role of community partners and nonprofits in this innovation ecosystem, The Cornerstone seeks to establish a formal partnership with a different community organization for each academic year. 

Partnership Reports

CivicLex

CivicLex was the Community Innovation Partner from 2023-2025. The partnership focused on transforming the Cornerstone space into a community civic hub. 

Read more about CivicLex Here

FoodChain

FoodChain was the Community Innovation Partner from 2022-2023. Through the partnership, FoodChain put a vertical aquaponics system in the Cornerstone building as a way to educate viewers on food systems. 

Read more about FoodChain here

IN THE NEWS —

Fayette Alliance hosts student gallery on vacant land reuse in Lexington

Community Innovation Partner, Fayette Alliance hosted a gallery reception on Friday, Dec. 5, as part of Reimagine Lexington, a project that asks University of Kentucky students to propose new uses for vacant spaces across the city.

UK announces Fayette Alliance as 2025-26 Cornerstone Community Innovation Partner

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 28, 2025) — The University of Kentucky is pleased to announce Fayette Alliance as its next Cornerstone Community Innovation Partner (CIP) for the 2025-26 academic year. Fayette Alliance will maintain an ongoing presence at The Cornerstone, advancing community engagement with students, faculty and staff and deepening the connection between the university and the wider Lexington community. The CIP program is part of UK's Economic Development Collaborative. 

University of Kentucky's Community Innovation Partner, CivicLex, hosts Pumpkins, Policy, and Paint Brushes workshop

The University of Kentucky Community Innovation Partner (CIP), CivicLex hosted a Pumpkins, Policy, and Paint Brushes Workshop, on Wednesday, October 11th, at the Cornerstone. The event brought together students, faculty, community members and local leaders with the aim of fostering civic engagement and strengthening ties between the local community and its leaders.