If you’re in the area, be sure to visit Historic Old Louisville, a neighborhood gaining national attention. It is located at 1340 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40208. The historic district was built between 1880 and 1890 and once boasted some of the city’s most expensive residential properties. Take a walking tour through Old Louisville and learn about its history. You’ll hear the personal stories of neighborhood residents and get an inside look at Derby City’s history.
Old Louisville has a unique mix of Victorian architecture. You’ll find homes designed by Kenneth McDonald, L. Pike Campbell, and Cornelius A. Curtin, among others. Among the most interesting examples is the 529-531, which features a fish scale shingle gable and an Eastlake porch sheltering the entrance. These houses were once homes of wealthy Louisville families but now are open to the public for tours.
After the Civil War, Louisville began to expand as a manufacturing center and as a result, many of these homes have been converted into apartments. These historic homes line Broadway and Ormsby Avenue, which are now residential areas. While these areas were popular in the early years of the 20th century, the affluent eventually moved to newer neighborhoods. A great article to read.
Another popular style of architecture in Old Louisville is the Chateauesque style. This style was popular in the 19th century and is similar to the Renaissance Revival style. Its rounded bays and heavy arches are indicative of this architectural style. The buildings are often dated between 1880 and 1900. There are several buildings that have the distinction of being the city’s largest and most elaborate.
Visitors to the city should be aware that Louisville is a very walkable city. You can explore Old Louisville on foot or by taking a guided tour. The University of Louisville’s campus is adjacent to this historic neighborhood. It has an active student population and features apartment buildings. However, be prepared for some congestion. The neighborhood has gaslamp enclaves and can get quite crowded at times.
Old Louisville experienced tremendous growth after the Civil War. One of the largest stimuli to expansion in the area was the Southern Exposition of 1883. It was held in the area between Fourth and Sixth Streets and covered an area 900 by 600 feet. Thomas Edison personally turned the switch for the exposition. The exposition also saw the debut of the electric trolley, which moved through lighted tunnels.
There are several styles of architecture in Historic Old Louisville. The Victorian Gothic style captures the romanticism of medieval buildings. Victorian Gothic buildings have tall, narrow windows, lancet arches, and steeply pitched gables. These buildings were built in the 1870s and 1880s. Another style that is very popular in the city is the Italianate style. It was first introduced in Italy and was popular in Old Louisville. This style has pillared verandas.
The era of the automobile in Louisville brought many changes to the neighborhood. Automobile dealerships and other businesses took over many of the homes in Old Louisville. Families began to look to the growing suburbs in the east and west of the city. Improvements in public utilities and the introduction of the electric streetcar made it easier for these families to move to these new areas. Browse next article
