June 24 - Update

Despite our 331 signatures, the city won't accept our Change.org petition to save 749 E Jefferson and 223A S Clay from demolition.   They require the signatures to be in ink, so I'll be at 749 E Jefferson St gathering signatures every Monday and Tuesday from 6:00 to 6:30pm beginning today June 24 until the petitions are due July 11.  That’s 6pm June 24, 25, July 1, 2, 8, 9.  I'll have a strengthened petition to share, and I’ll be there sharing history and old photos of these buildings (like the one from 1951 above), and I'll be explaining all the ways these facades can be restored (I’ve restored a similar facade myself).

I'll be with my wife Nicole and our two dachshund puppies, there will be music and lemonade, so bring the kids and grandkids and everyone can learn about this area’s history.  

Many you have shared this petition - thank you!!  Similarly, If anyone would like to help me gather signatures, or would simply like to view the updated petition, I'd be elated to send you a copy: you can reach me at kevindohn@gmail.com

Please share this update with neighbors and local family and friends!  We're so close to saving these two beauties!!!

- Kevin Dohn

 

 

June 12 - Petition to save two historic buildings in NULU

Rabbit Hole is requesting to demolish these two historic buildings in NULU to make way for their expansion.  

The two buildings slated for demolition are a quaint solid brick shotgun house at 223A S Clay St and a three-story solid brick Italianate building at 749 E Jefferson St: both likely dating to before the Civil War.  

Photos of the structures and the wrecking application are below.  If you live in Metro Louisville, we need your signature (the city requires at least 200 signatures)!  If you live in the area shown in red, we especially need your signature (at least 101 signatures)!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've worked in design for 20+ years and historic renovation on a similar pre-Civil War solid brick building for the last eight years and I can confirm both structures slated for demolition would renovate beautifully.  These buildings are not just architectural treasures; they represent our shared history and cultural heritage, and they are becoming an increasingly rare sight amidst NULU development as many similar structures have been torn down without organized support like this.  Preserving them is crucial for maintaining the unique character of our community.  A few days in the city directory archives will tell you of the scores of businesses and residents that called these structures their home, not to mention Muhammad Ali’s boxing gym shared the same block: these structures have “seen” more than any of us currently living.

As a progressive designer, I'm all for modern development, but it is best done creatively incorporating historic structures, and Rabbit Hole can easily afford to do this.  Once these centuries-old structures are gone, they won't ever come back.

Please join me in urging city officials to designate these buildings as landmarks, halt the demolition plans, and explore alternative solutions that honor our past while embracing future growth. Sign this petition to protect Louisville's historic legacy!

Thank you!

Kevin Dohn

Architectural Designer

 

PETITION TO THE CITY

Petition Requesting Individual Local Landmark Designation for 223A South Clay St and 749 East Jefferson St.

We, the residents of Louisville Metro hereby request that the Louisville Metro Historic Landmarks and Preservation Districts Commission conduct a study and hold a public hearing to determine if 223A S. Clay St and 749 East Jefferson St should be established as an Individual Local Landmark pursuant to LMCO 32.260 (I) as amended on August 8, 2019. The boundaries are identified on the attached map. We request designation in an effort to protect the significant historic structure or property in the face of anticipated change.  Once these centuries-old structures are gone, they won't ever come back. 

The history and significance of the structures proposed for designation:

The two buildings slated for demolition are a quaint solid brick shotgun house at 223A S Clay St and a three-story solid brick Italianate building at 749 E Jefferson St: both likely dating to before the Civil War.  A designer and historic renovation preservationist has confirmed both structures slated for demolition would renovate beautifully. These buildings are not just architectural treasures; they represent our shared history and cultural heritage, and they are becoming an increasingly rare sight amidst NULU development as many similar structures have been torn down without organized support like this.  Preserving them is crucial for maintaining the unique character of our community.  A few days in the city directory archives will tell you of the scores of businesses and residents that called these structures their home, not to mention Muhammad Ali’s boxing gym was right across the street from this shotgun house: these structures have “seen” more than any of us currently living.

We support modern development, but it is best done creatively incorporating historic structures, and Rabbit Hole can easily afford to do this.  Once these centuries-old structures are gone, they won't ever come back.  Please help us halt the demolition plans and explore alternative solutions that honor our past while embracing future growth.

We understand that the Commission may only designate a structure or property if it receives a petition requesting such designation and the petition contains the verified signatures and addresses of no fewer than 200 residents of the Louisville Metro required by Section 32.260(I) of the Amended Landmarks Ordinance effective August 8, 2019.