Historic Structures and Preservation-Worthy Sites
Louisville Metro Council declares as a matter of public policy that the preservation, protection, perpetuation, and use of places and structures having a special or distinctive character or a special historic, aesthetic, architectural, archaeological, or cultural interest or value and which serve as visible reminders of the history and heritage of this city, commonwealth, or nation is a public necessity and is required in the interest of the health, prosperity, safety, welfare, and economic well-being of the people.
To seek better ways to honor our community heritage, Mayor Greg Fischer announced the formation of the Louisville Historic Preservation Advisory Task Force on May 2, 2016. The Task Force sought to create policies to address preservation planning strategies that anticipate and identify areas where historic preservation and/or adaptive reuse should be identified. The recommendations submitted by the Task Force to city leadership in May 2017 place a high priority on identifying structures and sites worthy of preservation so that the entire Louisville community can better plan for the future. The recommendations also emphasize the need for community engagement and education to highlight the benefits of historic preservation.
In order to further the public policy and the direction of the Task Force, staff prepared a list of structures and sites worthy of preservation.
View the list of over 100 sites/structures
View the list as an interactive exhibit
When tasked with compiling this list, Historic Landmarks & Preservation Districts Commission staff started with structures/sites known to be significant. Staff then reviewed additional sites throughout Louisville Metro. However, this list is just the beginning. It is important for more citizens to have a say in what is important and worthy of preservation. We all share the goal of preserving places for future generations.
Please note that the list does not include any structures/sites located currently within Louisville's seven Local Preservation Districts or that already have been designated as Individual Landmarks. These structures and sites are already protected under Metro's historic preservation regulations.
This list is a planning tool. It does not mean that Develop Louisville or the Historic Landmarks & Preservations Districts Commission will proactively work to designate any of these structures/sites. The local designation process is generally a grassroots process that requires a property owner request, a public petition, or a resolution from Metro Council to be initiated.
