106-535: 38°13′49.2″N 85°45′45.5″W / 38.230333°N 85.762639°W / 38.230333; -85.762639 The St. James–Belgravia Historic District , within Old Louisville , was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. It comprises St. James Court (north) and Belgravia Court (south). It is bordered to the north by Louisville's Central Park . The area was the site of
212-494: A mulecar line was extended down Fourth to Oak in 1865. The land south of Broadway that became Old Louisville was annexed by the city in 1868, as a part of larger expansion efforts. This annexation moved the southern boundary of the city as far south as the city's House of Refuge, an area which is now the University of Louisville campus and the southern border of Old Louisville. A year later, architect Gideon Shryock called
318-408: A 600 by 900-foot (270 m) enclosed exhibition building. The Exposition was opened by President Chester Arthur and attracted nearly one million visitors in its first year. The exhibition featured the first public display of Thomas Edison 's light bulb, as well as what was billed as the largest artificial lighting display in history with 4,600 lamps, in a time when electric lighting was considered
424-412: A bachelor's degree are 28.4%. Females are 52.3% of the population, males are 47.7%. Households making less than $ 15,000 a year are 40.8%; although that is largely a function of the 27% of residents who are full-time college students. Ironically, Old Louisville has the youngest median age of any Louisville neighborhood and the highest percent of people between the ages of 20–29 (25%). Old Louisville's
530-412: A bachelor's degree are 28.4%. Females are 52.3% of the population, males are 47.7%. Households making less than $ 15,000 a year are 40.8%; although that is largely a function of the 27% of residents who are full-time college students. Ironically, Old Louisville has the youngest median age of any Louisville neighborhood and the highest percent of people between the ages of 20–29 (25%). Old Louisville's
636-696: A baseball park. The land was later cleared, buildings were erected, and it hosted the Southern Exposition from 1883 to 1887. The exhibition was held on 23 acres of open land south of Central Park. After the close of the Exposition, the buildings were razed, and William H. Slaughter began acquiring the land in 1889. By June 1890, the Courier Journal reported that William H. Slaughter purchased 52 lots of land between S. Fourth and S. Sixth Streets. The report also detailed his plan to develop
742-557: A couple decades of being built. The Great Depression in 1929, the Ohio River Flood of 1937 , and two World Wars accelerated the decline. By 1952 the deterioration in Old Louisville was obvious, but St. James and Belgravia retained much of their charm and distinctiveness. To reverse this decline and to market the value of the architecture, neighbors came together to start a fundraiser for St. James, and in 1957 they held
848-545: A decline in the early and mid-20th century. Following revitalization efforts and gentrification , Old Louisville is currently home to a diverse population with a high concentration of students and young professionals. Large-scale development in Louisville south of Broadway did not begin until the 1870s, nearly a century after what is now Downtown Louisville was first settled. The area was initially part of three different military land grants issued in 1773, and throughout
954-403: A faster rate than Louisville as a whole. This process has been described as gentrification . The area is now one of the most ethnically and economically diverse in Louisville. Crime is becoming less of a problem. While in 2003 there were 11.5 crimes per 1,000 residents, over twice the average for the city of Louisville as a whole, which was 5.0 crimes per 1,000 residents Old Louisville now has
1060-403: A faster rate than Louisville as a whole. This process has been described as gentrification . The area is now one of the most ethnically and economically diverse in Louisville. Crime is becoming less of a problem. While in 2003 there were 11.5 crimes per 1,000 residents, over twice the average for the city of Louisville as a whole, which was 5.0 crimes per 1,000 residents Old Louisville now has
1166-410: A five-story apartment building. Dr. L.S. McMurtry filed suit against Turner and Phillips Investment Company to prevent the development of the apartment building on the grounds that it violated the terms of the deed transfers for St James. The case alleged that when the property was subdivided the terms stipulated that the lots should be “used exclusively for the erection of private residences, according to
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#17327765778381272-549: A haven for the upper class, and was completely occupied by 1905. Described as "the epitome of Victorian eclecticism", the area included houses in such styles as Venetian , Colonial , Gothic and others. From 1890 to 1905 the area was home to the Amphitheatre Auditorium , which claimed the second largest stage in the United States and showcased many of the day's best actors. The structure, located at
1378-505: A house to receive members of society in the Victorian Era , the interior features elaborately carved fireplaces, stained-glass windows, high ceilings in parlors and dining rooms, with carved arched fretwork leading the way into these rooms from the reception hall with its large staircase. The interior woodwork is cherry , bird's eye maple , and golden oak . Known for its parquet flooring, the designs mimic quilt patterns and feature
1484-455: A new area of homes that would “result in the establishment of one of the most beautiful residence sites in this city of beautiful residences.” The announcement noted without explanation that this new area would be named St. James Court. Although not stated, the selection of the names St. James and Belgravia, with their connections to London, England, were meant to enhance the exclusiveness of this new area and these new homes. The plan announced in
1590-417: A novelty. During the 1880s, after the exposition ended, the area between Oak and Hill Streets rapidly developed and became one of the city's most fashionable neighborhoods. According to historian Young E. Allison , 260 homes valued at a total of $ 1.6 million were constructed in Old Louisville from 1883 to 1886. The dominant styles by this time were Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque . An example of
1696-462: A part of this effort. However, the plan did spur the restoration of over 100 buildings in other parts of Old Louisville. During the 1960s many low income residents downtown who were displaced as a result of urban renewal moved into the newly converted apartments, especially on the north side of the neighborhood. The area was now considered drug ridden and undesirable by most Louisvillians. The very term Old Louisville , first becoming associated with
1802-462: A part of this effort. However, the plan did spur the restoration of over 100 buildings in other parts of Old Louisville. During the 1960s many low income residents downtown who were displaced as a result of urban renewal moved into the newly converted apartments, especially on the north side of the neighborhood. The area was now considered drug ridden and undesirable by most Louisvillians. The very term Old Louisville , first becoming associated with
1908-478: A plan of uniformity and symmetry”. Neighbors objected not only to the height of the structure, but also to the nature of rental units and a proposed restaurant in the basement of the building. The apartment building was ultimately built with all five stories and stood eighty-two feet high. The upper floors of the building were damaged by fire in February 1912, and the building was refurbished and redesigned with only
2014-523: A similar number of calls for police assistance as other parts of Louisville. The Louisville Metro Police 4th Division is responsible for a large portion of Louisville beyond Old Louisville, but is conveniently located in Central Park in Old Louisville. It had 134 officers assigned to it in 2006. Most calls are related to car break-ins and non-violent crimes. Murders are still rare, with one or two per year. Overall crime rates for both Old Louisville and
2120-463: A similar number of calls for police assistance as other parts of Louisville. The Louisville Metro Police 4th Division is responsible for a large portion of Louisville beyond Old Louisville, but is conveniently located in Central Park in Old Louisville. It had 134 officers assigned to it in 2006. Most calls are related to car break-ins and non-violent crimes. Murders are still rare, with one or two per year. Overall crime rates for both Old Louisville and
2226-476: A stable for homeowners to house their horses and carriages, and a club or restaurant for residential entertainment. In July 1890, Slaughter began working with a development group known as the Victoria Land Company to develop the court. The Victoria Land Company, composed of Messrs. John D. Taggard, John Stites, George H. Moore, and George Birob, acquired the entire tract of land from Slaughter for
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#17327765778382332-465: A total of $ 1.6 million were constructed in Old Louisville from 1883 to 1886. The dominant styles by this time were Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque . An example of the latter, which was known for its turrets, towers and bay windows , was the Conrad house at St. James Court. These styles became less prevalent in the 1890s as the remaining southern portions of Old Louisville, between Ormsby and
2438-401: Is Richardsonian -Romanesque. Made of Bedford (Indiana) limestone , it cost "at least $ 35,000" to build. Its vertical framework comes from its heavy corner towers features and turrets that are one of three shapes: coned , hexagonal , and pyramid shaped. Randomly placed on the building are carving of animals, gargoyles , and other objects, fenestration, and intricate foliation. As fitting for
2544-430: Is a historic district and neighborhood in central Louisville , Kentucky , United States. It is the third largest such district in the United States, and the largest preservation district featuring almost entirely Victorian architecture . It is also unique in that a majority of its structures are made of brick, and the neighborhood contains the highest concentration of residential homes with stained glass windows in
2650-608: Is about 1.7 square miles (4.4 km ) in area, and its population density is 7,800 persons per square mile. The best preserved portions, between Kentucky and Hill streets, have a density of over 10,000 persons per square mile. Old Louisville is broken up into five different census tracts by the US Census Bureau. There are stark differences revealed by the different tracts from north to south. Old Louisville has eight different neighborhood associations, each of which provides different infrastructure. For example, on 4th Street
2756-541: Is about 1.7 square miles (4.4 km ) in area, and its population density is 7,800 persons per square mile. The best preserved portions, between Kentucky and Hill streets, have a density of over 10,000 persons per square mile. Old Louisville is broken up into five different census tracts by the US Census Bureau. There are stark differences revealed by the different tracts from north to south. Old Louisville has eight different neighborhood associations, each of which provides different infrastructure. For example, on 4th Street
2862-541: Is also unique in that a majority of its structures are made of brick, and the neighborhood contains the highest concentration of residential homes with stained glass windows in the U.S. Many of the buildings are in the Victorian era styles of Romanesque Revival , Queen Anne , or Italianate , and many blocks have had few or no buildings razed. There are also several 20th-century buildings from 15 to 20 stories. Old Louisville consists of about forty-eight city blocks and
2968-447: Is distinctly different in two important ways, however. First, Belgravia is on a significantly smaller scale. Whereas homes on St. James may average around 7,000 sq. ft. per house, homes on Belgravia average around 3,000-3,500 sq. ft. The common spaces are also reduced in size. Those size reductions lead to the second distinction from St. James, and that is that Belgravia is strictly a pedestrian court. There are two parallel sidewalks running
3074-454: Is located north of the University of Louisville 's main campus and south of Broadway and Downtown Louisville , in the central portion of the modern city. The neighborhood hosts the annual St. James Court Art Show on the first weekend in October. Old Louisville was built as a suburb of Louisville starting in the 1870s, nearly a century after the city was founded. It was initially called
3180-454: Is well known for its architecture, with styles ranging from Federal to Queen Anne . Very few antebellum buildings remain, and the most impressive buildings were built in the late 19th century. There are a few Italianate , Beaux-Arts and Second Empire -style houses, but Victorian styles dominate. Victorian Gothic styles are commonly seen. Many styles in Old Louisville are united by their use of red sandstone trim, which became popular by
3286-454: Is well known for its architecture, with styles ranging from Federal to Queen Anne . Very few antebellum buildings remain, and the most impressive buildings were built in the late 19th century. There are a few Italianate , Beaux-Arts and Second Empire -style houses, but Victorian styles dominate. Victorian Gothic styles are commonly seen. Many styles in Old Louisville are united by their use of red sandstone trim, which became popular by
St. James–Belgravia Historic District - Misplaced Pages Continue
3392-754: The Civil War . By 1875, a new park had been built near St. James Court. Old Louisville is also home to the Ferguson Mansion , built by Edwin Hite Ferguson. Ferguson commissioned the Louisville architectural firm of Cobb and Dodd —the same firm responsible for designing the Seelbach Hotel and the new capitol building in Frankfort —to design his home in 1901. Construction of the mansion took four years (1901–1905) and cost $ 100,000, which
3498-584: The Conrad–Caldwell House , and the Pink Palace . The history of St. James and Belgravia Courts is part of the broader story of what is now known as Old Louisville . As the city continued to develop south of the Ohio River, areas like this were used for various purposes over time. The land that is today St. James and Belgravia was at one time used for truck-farming and by 1875 became the site of
3604-687: The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival every summer, the Actors Theatre of Louisville Production Studio, and the Conrad-Caldwell House . The area of 6th and Hill Streets in the neighborhood was the setting of the best selling novel Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch by Louisvillian Alice Hegan Rice . Today there is a non-profit counseling and services center, named Cabbage Patch Settlement House for
3710-406: The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival every summer, the Actors Theatre of Louisville Production Studio, and the Conrad-Caldwell House . The area of 6th and Hill Streets in the neighborhood was the setting of the best selling novel Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch by Louisvillian Alice Hegan Rice . Today there is a non-profit counseling and services center, named Cabbage Patch Settlement House for
3816-566: The Society Directory of Louisville having Old Louisville addresses. The directory also listed the reception days and hours of Old Louisville's leading ladies, which varied by street (such as Tuesdays on Fourth Street or Thursdays on Second). Old Louisville gradually declined as many of its wealthy inhabitants moved to newer streetcar suburbs such as Cherokee Triangle or built estates in areas east of Louisville recently connected by railroad such as Anchorage and Glenview . Many of
3922-499: The Southern Exposition and now hosts the St. James Court Art Show which takes place annually the first weekend of October. Belgravia Court takes its name from Belgravia , an affluent district in London, England . Belgravia Court has no immediate street access for vehicles and is a "walking court" with a common green area and parallel sidewalks. St. James Court features two important houses:
4028-407: The 1870s, nearly a century after what is now Downtown Louisville was first settled. The area was initially part of three different military land grants issued in 1773, and throughout the early and mid-19th century the land passed through the hands of several speculators while much of it was used as farmland. Some of the land south of Broadway was still in its natural state during this time, such as
4134-531: The 1880s to the point that the Courier-Journal said that "few new residences are going up in Louisville in which it is not being used". Another common Victorian style in the area is Richardsonian Romanesque . Aside from the best represented styles of architecture listed above, Old Louisville also has several great examples of the Chateauesque style of architecture in select buildings throughout
4240-406: The 1880s to the point that the Courier-Journal said that "few new residences are going up in Louisville in which it is not being used". Another common Victorian style in the area is Richardsonian Romanesque . Aside from the best represented styles of architecture listed above, Old Louisville also has several great examples of the Chateauesque style of architecture in select buildings throughout
4346-630: The 1920s, the Fergusons sold the home to the Pearson family, and it served as the Pearson Funeral Home until the mid-1970s. The house also provided the headquarters for John Y. Brown Jr. 's successful 1979 gubernatorial campaign. In 1986, the mansion became the headquarters of The Filson Historical Society . At its peak in the late 19th century, Old Louisville was the center of Louisville's high society, with nearly all persons listed in
St. James–Belgravia Historic District - Misplaced Pages Continue
4452-514: The 1960s. These developments are apparently unique to Louisville. Two of the three major four-year universities in Louisville are located adjacent to Old Louisville, with Spalding University to the north and the University of Louisville to the south. DuPont Manual High School , a public magnet school , and Presentation Academy , a Catholic girls' high school, are also located in Old Louisville. The neighborhood contains The Filson Historical Society , Louisville's Central Park, which features
4558-514: The 1960s. These developments are apparently unique to Louisville. Two of the three major four-year universities in Louisville are located adjacent to Old Louisville, with Spalding University to the north and the University of Louisville to the south. DuPont Manual High School , a public magnet school , and Presentation Academy , a Catholic girls' high school, are also located in Old Louisville. The neighborhood contains The Filson Historical Society , Louisville's Central Park, which features
4664-413: The 1990s. New residents were not just college students using the area as housing, but also young professionals who wanted to live in Old Louisville. The Courier-Journal 's Velocity weekly has reported the area as a hip, emerging center of culture in Louisville. This change is reflected in numerous coffeehouses, restaurants and bars opening in Old Louisville in the 1990s and early 2000s targeting at
4770-413: The 1990s. New residents were not just college students using the area as housing, but also young professionals who wanted to live in Old Louisville. The Courier-Journal 's Velocity weekly has reported the area as a hip, emerging center of culture in Louisville. This change is reflected in numerous coffeehouses, restaurants and bars opening in Old Louisville in the 1990s and early 2000s targeting at
4876-602: The 50-acre (200,000 m ) tract between Broadway and Breckenridge, known as Jacob's Woods, a popular picnic ground as late as 1845. A major attraction was Oakland Race Track. Country estates had been built in the area as early as the 1830s, and some of Louisville's great early mansions, predominantly in the Italianate style, were built along Broadway, very near Old Louisville, before the Civil War. Development from 1850 to 1870 occurred between Broadway and Kentucky Street,
4982-567: The Courier Journal in June 1890 described the layout of the homes, sidewalks, streets, trees, and common green space. What would have been S. Fifth Street became an open green space that was 800 feet long by 125 feet wide and flanked by single lane streets flanking the green space. Homes were set back from the streets paralleling the central green space. The planned homes were fronted by sidewalks and rows of shade trees. In this original design,
5088-610: The House of Refuge. The principal road through the suburb at this time was Central Plank Road, which became Third Street. The emerging area was called the Southern Extension by this time. Growth south of Oak was very slow until the Southern Exposition was held annually in the area from 1883 to 1887. At the urging of Courier Journal editor Henry Watterson , the city held the Southern Exposition, which in
5194-532: The House of refuge, were filled in, predominantly with buildings in the Chateauesque and Renaissance Revival styles. This included one of Old Louisville's most famous sections, St. James Court, developed starting in 1890 and envisioned as a haven for the upper class, and was completely occupied by 1905. Described as "the epitome of Victorian eclecticism", the area included houses in such styles as Venetian , Colonial , Gothic and others. From 1890 to 1905
5300-412: The Louisville architectural firm of Cobb and Dodd —the same firm responsible for designing the Seelbach Hotel and the new capitol building in Frankfort —to design his home in 1901. Construction of the mansion took four years (1901–1905) and cost $ 100,000, which was approximately ten times the cost of the neighboring Victorian homes. At the time, the mansion was the most expensive home in Louisville. In
5406-478: The Southern Extension, and the name "Old Louisville" did not come into use until the 1960s. Old Louisville was initially home to some of Louisville's wealthiest residents, but saw a decline in the early and mid-20th century. Following revitalization efforts and gentrification , Old Louisville is currently home to a diverse population with a high concentration of students and young professionals. Large-scale development in Louisville south of Broadway did not begin until
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#17327765778385512-424: The U.S. Many of the buildings are in the Victorian era styles of Romanesque Revival , Queen Anne , or Italianate , and many blocks have had few or no buildings razed. There are also several 20th-century buildings from 15 to 20 stories. Old Louisville consists of about forty-eight city blocks and is located north of the University of Louisville 's main campus and south of Broadway and Downtown Louisville , in
5618-497: The activists' efforts, the area was made a historic preservation district in 1975. The area has continued to improve, with new restaurants and shops opening and many students, and young professionals moving into the area. Property owners, who once cheaply converted the old houses to apartments, have invested more in improvements since the 1980s, and several properties have been converted into luxury condominiums. The median home value more than doubled between 1990 and 2000, increasing at
5724-497: The activists' efforts, the area was made a historic preservation district in 1975. The area has continued to improve, with new restaurants and shops opening and many students, and young professionals moving into the area. Property owners, who once cheaply converted the old houses to apartments, have invested more in improvements since the 1980s, and several properties have been converted into luxury condominiums. The median home value more than doubled between 1990 and 2000, increasing at
5830-439: The area "a growing and beautiful suburban locality". By 1876 about a quarter of the area was occupied. Development continued as lots were sold southward to present day Oak Street, about a third of the way between Broadway and the House of Refuge. The principal road through the suburb at this time was Central Plank Road, which became Third Street. The emerging area was called the Southern Extension by this time. Growth south of Oak
5936-413: The area as early as the 1830s, and some of Louisville's great early mansions, predominantly in the Italianate style, were built along Broadway, very near Old Louisville, before the Civil War. Development from 1850 to 1870 occurred between Broadway and Kentucky Street, the northern extreme of what came to be called Old Louisville. North-south city streets were extended throughout the area in the 1850s, and
6042-413: The area in the 1940s, had mostly negative connotations initially, as historian Samuel W. Thomas put it, "In an Era where architectural styles were changing dramatically, old meant out of fashion". One of the first to take an active role in preserving and revitalizing Old Louisville was Louisville Courier Journal writer J. Douglas Nunn. In 1960, he began a vigorous public information campaign concerning
6148-413: The area in the 1940s, had mostly negative connotations initially, as historian Samuel W. Thomas put it, "In an Era where architectural styles were changing dramatically, old meant out of fashion". One of the first to take an active role in preserving and revitalizing Old Louisville was Louisville Courier Journal writer J. Douglas Nunn. In 1960, he began a vigorous public information campaign concerning
6254-425: The area was home to the Amphitheatre Auditorium , which claimed the second largest stage in the United States and showcased many of the day's best actors. The structure, located at the corner of 4th and Hill Streets, was razed after its owner William Norton Jr. died. Another form of entertainment in the area was baseball, with the game first being played by 1860 and an early ballpark at Fourth and Ormsby emerging after
6360-518: The area. For example, one of these examples is a residential building, a mansion, at 400 Belgravia Court, which is a "walking court" where the mansions face a park like walk rather than a street. This specific building was completed in 1897 and one of its first residents was William H. Wathen, M.D., an eminent medical educator in Louisville from a family of successful distillers. Although some portions have been razed, many entire blocks remain almost untouched, and historian Theodore M. Brown said "it remains
6466-518: The area. For example, one of these examples is a residential building, a mansion, at 400 Belgravia Court, which is a "walking court" where the mansions face a park like walk rather than a street. This specific building was completed in 1897 and one of its first residents was William H. Wathen, M.D., an eminent medical educator in Louisville from a family of successful distillers. Although some portions have been razed, many entire blocks remain almost untouched, and historian Theodore M. Brown said "it remains
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#17327765778386572-560: The area. Nunn compared it to neighborhoods such as Georgetown in Washington, D.C. and Beacon Hill in Boston. In 1961 Nunn took a leave of absence from his job and started "Restoration, Inc.", a group that restored ten homes in Old Louisville's Belgravia Court in 1961. This spurred interest in preservation that led many local activists to move to the area, and led to the first use of the name "Old Louisville" in print in that year. With
6678-448: The area. Nunn compared it to neighborhoods such as Georgetown in Washington, D.C. and Beacon Hill in Boston. In 1961 Nunn took a leave of absence from his job and started "Restoration, Inc.", a group that restored ten homes in Old Louisville's Belgravia Court in 1961. This spurred interest in preservation that led many local activists to move to the area, and led to the first use of the name "Old Louisville" in print in that year. With
6784-461: The central portion of the modern city. The neighborhood hosts the annual St. James Court Art Show on the first weekend in October. Old Louisville was built as a suburb of Louisville starting in the 1870s, nearly a century after the city was founded. It was initially called the Southern Extension, and the name "Old Louisville" did not come into use until the 1960s. Old Louisville was initially home to some of Louisville's wealthiest residents, but saw
6890-514: The city as a whole increased sharply in 2005 over the 2004 rate, although there was a decline again the first half of 2006. Old Louisville features the largest collection of pedestrian-only streets of any U.S. neighborhood. Eleven such "courts", where houses face each other across a grass median with sidewalks, were built in the neighborhood from 1891 to the 1920s. Most of the courts are centered off of 4th Street. Belgravia Court and Fountain Court were
6996-462: The city as a whole increased sharply in 2005 over the 2004 rate, although there was a decline again the first half of 2006. Old Louisville features the largest collection of pedestrian-only streets of any U.S. neighborhood. Eleven such "courts", where houses face each other across a grass median with sidewalks, were built in the neighborhood from 1891 to the 1920s. Most of the courts are centered off of 4th Street. Belgravia Court and Fountain Court were
7102-407: The city's House of Refuge, an area which is now the University of Louisville campus and the southern border of Old Louisville. A year later, architect Gideon Shryock called the area "a growing and beautiful suburban locality". By 1876 about a quarter of the area was occupied. Development continued as lots were sold southward to present day Oak Street, about a third of the way between Broadway and
7208-426: The corner of 4th and Hill Streets, was razed after its owner William Norton Jr. died. Another form of entertainment in the area was baseball, with the game first being played by 1860 and an early ballpark at Fourth and Ormsby emerging after the Civil War . By 1875, a new park had been built near St. James Court. Old Louisville is also home to the Ferguson Mansion , built by Edwin Hite Ferguson. Ferguson commissioned
7314-498: The current three stories. Most homes on St. James (and Belgravia Court) were built between 1892 and 1905. Unfortunately, it was not long after the area was developed that the seeds of its decline took root and grew. A longer summary of the decline of Old Louisville provides more detail, but those same factors quickly affected St. James and Belgravia Courts. Changes in transportation (autos, street cars, and rail) and increased costs for domestic help made these homes less desirable within
7420-434: The early and mid-19th century the land passed through the hands of several speculators while much of it was used as farmland. Some of the land south of Broadway was still in its natural state during this time, such as the 50-acre (200,000 m ) tract between Broadway and Breckenridge, known as Jacob's Woods, a popular picnic ground as late as 1845. A major attraction was Oakland Race Track. Country estates had been built in
7526-408: The first St. James Court Art Show . Belgravia Court was also developed by the Victoria Land Company simultaneously with St. James Court. St. James runs north and south between Fourth and Sixth Streets, while Belgravia runs perpendicular to St. James and crosses it near the south end Hill Street intersection. There is little documentation for the design and planning of Belgravia, and it appears that it
7632-420: The first ones to be built in 1891 and are the most well known. Later ones included Reeser and Kensington (1910), which were built with large Victorian styled apartments instead of single family homes; and Eutropia and Rose Courts, which were the last ones built in the 1920s and featured small, single story houses. Belgravia and St. James Court were partially rehabilitated as a part of the urban renewal that began in
7738-420: The first ones to be built in 1891 and are the most well known. Later ones included Reeser and Kensington (1910), which were built with large Victorian styled apartments instead of single family homes; and Eutropia and Rose Courts, which were the last ones built in the 1920s and featured small, single story houses. Belgravia and St. James Court were partially rehabilitated as a part of the urban renewal that began in
7844-445: The first public display of Thomas Edison 's light bulb, as well as what was billed as the largest artificial lighting display in history with 4,600 lamps, in a time when electric lighting was considered a novelty. During the 1880s, after the exposition ended, the area between Oak and Hill Streets rapidly developed and became one of the city's most fashionable neighborhoods. According to historian Young E. Allison , 260 homes valued at
7950-686: The headquarters of The Filson Historical Society . At its peak in the late 19th century, Old Louisville was the center of Louisville's high society, with nearly all persons listed in the Society Directory of Louisville having Old Louisville addresses. The directory also listed the reception days and hours of Old Louisville's leading ladies, which varied by street (such as Tuesdays on Fourth Street or Thursdays on Second). Old Louisville gradually declined as many of its wealthy inhabitants moved to newer streetcar suburbs such as Cherokee Triangle or built estates in areas east of Louisville recently connected by railroad such as Anchorage and Glenview . Many of
8056-409: The landscape plan also called for three fountains, although only one was eventually installed. The orientation of the long, wide central green space and the tall shade trees lining the perimeter echo the pattern of the central nave of a cathedral with trees forming columns and a canopied vault overhead. Walking the length of the central green space delivers a sense of progression and expansiveness given
8162-595: The large homes in Old Louisville were converted to boarding houses during the Great Depression , and the Ohio River flood of 1937 caused many of the remaining wealthy households to move above the river's flood plain. The gradual abandonment of Old Louisville by the wealthy was a reflection of changing lifestyles brought on by technology. Many homes of Old Louisville were originally built as mansions that would require several servants to maintain. Because of
8268-471: The large homes in Old Louisville were converted to boarding houses during the Great Depression , and the Ohio River flood of 1937 caused many of the remaining wealthy households to move above the river's flood plain. The gradual abandonment of Old Louisville by the wealthy was a reflection of changing lifestyles brought on by technology. Many homes of Old Louisville were originally built as mansions that would require several servants to maintain. Because of
8374-479: The latter, which was known for its turrets, towers and bay windows , was the Conrad house at St. James Court. These styles became less prevalent in the 1890s as the remaining southern portions of Old Louisville, between Ormsby and the House of refuge, were filled in, predominantly with buildings in the Chateauesque and Renaissance Revival styles. This included one of Old Louisville's most famous sections, St. James Court, developed starting in 1890 and envisioned as
8480-442: The length of the court that mirror the one-way streets on St. James, but no access for carriages in the 1890s or later for automobiles. The architect Philip Johnson , who toured Belgravia in 1952, said that Belgravia was “a wonderful place”. He appreciated Belgravia because “of the sense of enclosed space you get in there. And no cars honking, tearing the spaces apart.” The Conrad–Caldwell House , once nicknamed "Conrad's Castle" ,
8586-401: The neighborhood, from around Kentucky Street to Broadway, was razed. Many buildings south of Lee Street, and nearly all south of Avery Street (renamed Cardinal Boulevard) were razed for the construction of Noe Middle School , expansions to DuPont Manual High School and the University of Louisville , and expansions to industry east of Floyd Street. From 1965 to 1971, 639 buildings were razed as
8692-401: The neighborhood, from around Kentucky Street to Broadway, was razed. Many buildings south of Lee Street, and nearly all south of Avery Street (renamed Cardinal Boulevard) were razed for the construction of Noe Middle School , expansions to DuPont Manual High School and the University of Louisville , and expansions to industry east of Floyd Street. From 1965 to 1971, 639 buildings were razed as
8798-400: The northern extreme of what came to be called Old Louisville. North-south city streets were extended throughout the area in the 1850s, and a mulecar line was extended down Fourth to Oak in 1865. The land south of Broadway that became Old Louisville was annexed by the city in 1868, as a part of larger expansion efforts. This annexation moved the southern boundary of the city as far south as
8904-615: The novel, on 6th Street at Magnolia Avenue, which serves children of low-income families. During the Christmas holiday season a number of private homes are toured in the Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour. Old Louisville's boundaries are Kentucky Street to the north, Avery Street (Cardinal Boulevard) to the south, I-65 to the east, the CSX railroad tracks to the west. Originally, the neighborhood extended all
9010-423: The novel, on 6th Street at Magnolia Avenue, which serves children of low-income families. During the Christmas holiday season a number of private homes are toured in the Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour. Old Louisville's boundaries are Kentucky Street to the north, Avery Street (Cardinal Boulevard) to the south, I-65 to the east, the CSX railroad tracks to the west. Originally, the neighborhood extended all
9116-444: The only nineteenth-century segment of the city that is mostly intact". Some American Craftsman style houses can be found in Old Louisville, which were built as infills. As of 2000, the population of Old Louisville was 11,043, of which 55.9% are white, 35.0% are black, 6.3% are listed as other, and 2.3% are Hispanic. College graduates are 24.5%, people without a high school degree are 22.6%, and people with college experience without
9222-444: The only nineteenth-century segment of the city that is mostly intact". Some American Craftsman style houses can be found in Old Louisville, which were built as infills. As of 2000, the population of Old Louisville was 11,043, of which 55.9% are white, 35.0% are black, 6.3% are listed as other, and 2.3% are Hispanic. College graduates are 24.5%, people without a high school degree are 22.6%, and people with college experience without
9328-443: The overall proportions. The cathedral pattern continues with the dual streets forming aisles, a second row of trees providing additional columns, and the homes themselves forming proportional chapels along the perimeters. None of the surviving reports note a designer nor a specific precedent. The overall design, symmetry, and proportions of all the elements harmonize well together. Slaughter's plan in 1890 included later developments of
9434-515: The price of $ 300,000. Leading residents of the city acquired lots from the Victoria Land Company and built homes over the next decade. Each home is unique and represents a distinctive expression of Victorian architecture and of Louisville's prosperity and growth. Nearly all the lots were sold and developed into single family homes. One lot directly across from the central fountain was sold by the Victoria Land Company to Oscar Turner Jr. The Phillips Investment Company began developing this lot in 1895 into
9540-413: The relatively high wages offered by manufacturing jobs, servants were no longer affordable to all but the wealthiest families by the mid-20th century. Interurban rail lines, and increasingly automobiles, meant that the wealthy no longer had to live so close to their businesses, and many chose to live in what had previously been summer homes in the county's east end. The lifestyle that created Old Louisville
9646-413: The relatively high wages offered by manufacturing jobs, servants were no longer affordable to all but the wealthiest families by the mid-20th century. Interurban rail lines, and increasingly automobiles, meant that the wealthy no longer had to live so close to their businesses, and many chose to live in what had previously been summer homes in the county's east end. The lifestyle that created Old Louisville
9752-464: The residents of the Court. The Jefferson County Women's Christian Temperance Union purchased the property on May 28, 1948, and held the property until September 1972. Old Louisville Old Louisville is a historic district and neighborhood in central Louisville , Kentucky , United States. It is the third largest such district in the United States, and the largest preservation district featuring almost entirely Victorian architecture . It
9858-414: The street lights are designed as old lamp posts and trash cans are ornamented with fleurs-de-lis , while on St. James Court there are gas lamp posts, 3rd and 2nd Streets have small light posts on the sidewalks, and Ouerbacker Court has cast iron decorative gates. After years of decline with abandoned buildings and high elderly populations, the demographics of Old Louisville began to change noticeably in
9964-414: The street lights are designed as old lamp posts and trash cans are ornamented with fleurs-de-lis , while on St. James Court there are gas lamp posts, 3rd and 2nd Streets have small light posts on the sidewalks, and Ouerbacker Court has cast iron decorative gates. After years of decline with abandoned buildings and high elderly populations, the demographics of Old Louisville began to change noticeably in
10070-522: The way to Broadway on the north, Attwood Street on the south, and Floyd Street on the East; but the northern part was mostly razed for parking lots and light industry , the southern area between Attwood and Avery Streets (now Cardinal Blvd) was razed when the University of Louisville doubled the size of its main campus, and I-65 was built through the area in the 1960s, which created a physical barrier between it and Shelby Park neighborhood. Old Louisville
10176-471: The way to Broadway on the north, Attwood Street on the south, and Floyd Street on the East; but the northern part was mostly razed for parking lots and light industry , the southern area between Attwood and Avery Streets (now Cardinal Blvd) was razed when the University of Louisville doubled the size of its main campus, and I-65 was built through the area in the 1960s, which created a physical barrier between it and Shelby Park neighborhood. Old Louisville
10282-466: The woodwork in the room. The St. James Court Historic Foundation, Inc, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, has owned the building since 1987, and uses it for a museum. The building complex also offers rental spaces for a variety of uses. Located at the corner of St. James and Belgravia Courts, the Pink Palace, built in 1891, was not originally a home, but an exclusive Gentleman's Club and Casino for
10388-557: The words of Watterson, was meant to "advance the material welfare of the producing classes of the South and West." It was held on 45 acres (180,000 m ) at the heart of Old Louisville, where St. James Court and Central Park (originally Dupont Square) would eventually be located, and included a 600 by 900-foot (270 m) enclosed exhibition building. The Exposition was opened by President Chester Arthur and attracted nearly one million visitors in its first year. The exhibition featured
10494-507: The younger crowd. Old Louisville is one of the most liberal neighborhoods in Louisville and the state of Kentucky. In 2004 , it voted for Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry by a 60% margin and against a successful proposal to amend the state constitution to define marriage as "between one man and one woman" by a 66% margin. 38°13′48″N 85°45′47″W / 38.22995°N 85.76297°W / 38.22995; -85.76297 Old Louisville Old Louisville
10600-446: Was an author and political appointee under President Grover Cleveland.) From those first houses in 1891 through 1901/1902, buyers purchased lots and built homes in a variety of late Victorian styles. Belgravia's design copies that of St. James with a central common green space that is flanked by parallel sidewalks and two rows of tall shade trees. It also resembles the cathedral pattern of nave, aisles, columns, and side chapels. Belgravia
10706-405: Was approximately ten times the cost of the neighboring Victorian homes. At the time, the mansion was the most expensive home in Louisville. In the 1920s, the Fergusons sold the home to the Pearson family, and it served as the Pearson Funeral Home until the mid-1970s. The house also provided the headquarters for John Y. Brown Jr. 's successful 1979 gubernatorial campaign. In 1986, the mansion became
10812-533: Was built 1893 by Arthur Loomis for Theophile Conrad and his wife, Mary. Mr. Conrad found his fortune in the tanning business. After Conrad died on February 13, 1905, William E. Caldwell bought it for his family's residence and called it their home for 35 years. In 1947 the local Presbyterian church acquired it, and for the next forty years it was the Rose Anna Hughes Presbyterian Retirement Home. This building's style
10918-563: Was effectively obsolete. In the interwar period , many of the neighborhood's old mansions were hastily converted into apartments to house the growing labor supply, a practice encouraged by the federal government at the time through low-interest loans. However, after World War II, with the housing shortage solved by large-scale suburban development affordable to the middle class, vacancy rates in Old Louisville surged. To attract renters, landlords in Old Louisville had to lower rents dramatically, attracting less affluent tenants. A large section of
11024-563: Was effectively obsolete. In the interwar period , many of the neighborhood's old mansions were hastily converted into apartments to house the growing labor supply, a practice encouraged by the federal government at the time through low-interest loans. However, after World War II, with the housing shortage solved by large-scale suburban development affordable to the middle class, vacancy rates in Old Louisville surged. To attract renters, landlords in Old Louisville had to lower rents dramatically, attracting less affluent tenants. A large section of
11130-557: Was simply part of the larger plan for the St. James area. The Courier Journal reports deed transfers contemporaneous with those of St. James from the Victoria Land Company to individuals who purchased lots and built homes. The first three houses built on the court were originally numbered 3, 7 and 9 but are now numbered 504, 510 and 512. Mr. Southern K. Davie, a dealer in leaf tobacco, built the home at 504. The first residents of number 510 were newly weds Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin H. Ridgely. (Mr. Ridgely
11236-510: Was very slow until the Southern Exposition was held annually in the area from 1883 to 1887. At the urging of Courier Journal editor Henry Watterson , the city held the Southern Exposition, which in the words of Watterson, was meant to "advance the material welfare of the producing classes of the South and West." It was held on 45 acres (180,000 m ) at the heart of Old Louisville, where St. James Court and Central Park (originally Dupont Square) would eventually be located, and included
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