Whiskey Row, Home of Bourbon Industry, Given Landmark Status
By bbqandbourbon on Jun 29, 2010 in Featured, Kentucky Bourbon
The historic buildings in downtown that are the birthplace of the bourbon industry in Kentucky have been designated a historic landmark.
Located in the 100 block of West Main Street, an area known as Whiskey Row, the buildings are abandoned and delapidated.
150 years ago, this area was the center of the bourbon
“Once they’re gone, they’re gone,”
said Nick Morris of the Louisville Historical League.
“Architecturally, they’re also spectacular collection of iron front buildings,”
said Carolyn Brooks, a historic preservation consultant.
A developer wants to tear down the buildings, but retain the facade that is unique to the Iron Quarter. The rest of the buildings would be demolished due to safety reasons, according to the developer.
The landmark designation doesn’t mean the buildings can’t be torn down. Developers will have to get approval of a Metro committee and the Waterfront Development Corporation to make changes to the buildings.
Thirty-five years ago, I worked on the first of the renovations on West Main. Like they say, “once they’re gone they’re gone.” America has few buildings, much less whole area’s that are of any historical interest. Tear it down and it’s a cultural lobotomy. Moroever, Unless those buildings have structural problems, they shouldn’t be pulled down, even though the facade is saved.
Gonzo | Sep 10, 2010 | Reply