Preservation Louisville, Inc.

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Preserving Louisville's Architecture (May 10 - 18, 2008)
National Preservation Month/Hometown Tourist Month

The Brennan House Historic Home (1868) is hosting an exhibit co-sponsored by the Louisville Historical League called “Preserving Louisville’s Architecture: A Retrospective”. This exhibit will highlight different endangered historic properties in the Metro Louisville area. The Brennan House Historic Home will be open for tours including this special exhibit in conjunction with Metro Louisville’s “Hometown Tourist Month” and also National Preservation Month. The exhibit will be open May 10th - May 18th Monday-Friday 11:00am–2:00pm & Saturday/Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm. Admission is $5.00, be a hometown tourist, show your KY or IN driver’s license for Buy one Get one Free admission.

Inner City ‘Contextual’ Buildings Listed in 2007: While not as architectural or historically significant, these buildings provide the background and ‘fabric’ of Louisville’s inner city neighborhoods. They are simple, basic structures that give a sense of place to their community. These buildings are currently being demolished without much notice or concern. But, with their continued loss, Louisville is losing its distinctive character and uniqueness.	Colonial Gardens
Water Co. Block Historic Buildings	Endangered 3rd St.
Listed in 2005: Located in the downtown block bounded by Third, Muhammad Ali, Second, and Liberty Streets. This block was originally scheduled to be the new arena locations, which has since been relocated to Third and West Main district. These structures are architecturally and historically significant.	Odd Fellows Hall
Victorian House on Frankfort Avenue Listed in 2005: 2225 Frankfort Avenue, adjacent to Ginny’s Diner, in the Clifton neighborhood. In 2000, this house was in decent, livable condition. But, by 2004, the owner had allowed it to greatly deteriorate and has attempted to demolish it. It currently is for sale by calling 797-8770. The Clifton neighborhood has vigorously opposed its destruction and views it as a significant part of the historic Frankfort Avenue commercial corridor.	Victorian House
Oeschli House in St. Matthews Listed in 2005: Located in St. Matthews, at the corner of Westport Road and Ridgeway. Built in 1840, this two-story brick house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was originally constructed by Dr. John Lewis and purchased in 1893 by Joseph Oeschli. Several renovation attempts have been proposed in recent years. Currently it is for sale by calling 897-1051.	Oeschli House in St. Matthews
Park Hill District / Industrial Buildings
Listed in 2008: The Park Hill district (bounded by Algonquin Parkway to the south; Sixth Street on the east; Fifthteenth Street on the west; and Broadway to the north) was once Louisville’s manufacturing and industrial heartland. Thousands of Louisvillians worked here and created products used by millions of Americans. Companies like: American Standard, Henry Vogt, and Mengel. Now this district lays dormant awaiting revitalization. In the interim though, beautiful substantial structures are being threatened with deterioration and demolition. A masterplan is currently underway for this area which hopefully will provide a blueprint to save these buildings and provide economic stimulus for rebirth.
Tyler Settlement Rural Historic District Listed in 1999: this area is in the Taylorsville Road and Tucker Station Road area of southeastern Jefferson County. It is near the Blackacre nature preserve. While the Tyler homestead is not immediately threatened, the surrounding countryside is being rapidly developed with residential and commercial properties. Residents in the area are working to preserve the scenic character and beauty of this district.
Colgate Building and Clock in Jeffersonville Listed in 2006: In 2005, the Colgate Company announced that it would close this landmark Jeffersonville, In., facility. The fate of the brick buildings (which were once a state prison) and the signature clock were in doubt. Since this announcement, Colgate has indicated it would allow the Clock to remain in Jeffersonville. Until a final resolution of the buildings reuse and the Clock’s permanent home, this property will remain on the list.
Historic Properties within the Proposed New Bridge Route Listed in 1999: Since the announcement that a major overhaul of the interstate and bridge transportation system, all of the historic properties within the proposed routes were placed on this list. The League continues to monitor this process and attend hearings where necessary to assist in protecting these structures. This entry will remain on the list until a final proposal has been determined and all of the buildings fate has been resolved.
Kosmosdale Depot Listed in 2002: This is the last remaining remnant of a once thriving residential district that served as home to workers for the nearby Kosmosdale cement company. All of the other houses and buildings have since been demolished. Through the efforts of River Fields, this structure has been saved for now and the League continues to monitor its status. An adjacent land-owner seeks to have it demolished. It is owned by the railroad company whose tracks are next to this old depot.
Ouerbacker House Listed in 2005: the Samuel Ouerbacker House at 1735 West Jefferson in the Russell neighborhood is a beautiful landmark structure. Designed by noted local architect Arthur Loomis, this building is in very poor condition. It is owned by the City of Louisville and is for sale. You can call 574-6929 for more information regarding this exquisite building’s condition.