Historic Landmarks and Preservation Districts Commission - 2026-01-15
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Historic Landmarks and Preservation Districts Commission approved a waiver of the two-year deed restriction for demolition at 97 Warrior Road in Indian Hills, allowing the property owners to proceed with demolition once the 30-day hold expires. The commission also recommended five National Register nominations to the State Review Board: the Portland Historic District (expanding coverage of the entire neighborhood), Holy Rosary Academy (Americana Community Center), Paul Jones/Marion E Taylor Building at 4th and Jefferson, and the Benzinger Building at 313 West Market Street.
Key Decisions (6)
Deed Restriction Waiver for 97 Warrior Road Demolition
Commission approved waiver of two-year deed restriction for demolition of historic structure at 97 Warrior Road in Indian Hills. Property was determined to be a contributing element to an eligible district (original portion of Indian Hills). Property owners Landon Brantley and Emily Traeger plan to demolish and rebuild, with construction targeted for May/early summer. The 30-day hold expires January 28, 2026.
Portland Historic District National Register Nomination
Commission recommended Portland Historic District nomination to State Review Board. District covers nearly all of Portland neighborhood with period of significance 1812-1976, significantly expanding the existing Portland Proper district. Contains approximately 4,000-5,000 properties including shotgun houses, bungalows, four squares, Victorian architecture, churches, and commercial areas. Two areas excluded: northwest corner (already listed as part of Shawnee) and eastern industrial area.
Holy Rosary Academy National Register Nomination
Commission recommended Holy Rosary Academy (now Americana Community Center) nomination to State Review Board. Building located in Louisville South End, constructed 1955, eligible under Criterion A for education and suburbanization. Originally operated as Catholic school until 1997, then Spalding University until 2002, now Americana Community Center. Family Health Centers planning expansion into building with HRSA grant funding.
Paul Jones/Marion E Taylor Building National Register Nomination
Commission recommended Paul Jones Building (also known as Marion E Taylor Building) at Southwest Corner of South 4th and West Jefferson Streets to State Review Board. Eight-story building constructed 1906, designed by Frank Mills Andrews (Kentucky State Capitol architect). Meets Criterion A for commerce. Period of significance 1906-1960. Owner pursuing historic tax credits for hotel conversion.
Benzinger Building National Register Nomination
Commission recommended Benzinger Building at 313 and 315 West Market Street to State Review Board. Five-story brick building with four-story annex, constructed 1923 by Joseph and Joseph architects after 1907 fire. Eligible under Criterion C for Chicago School of Architecture. Owner planning short-term rental conversion with historic tax credits.
Chickasaw ARC Appointments
Commission appointed three members to Chickasaw Architectural Review Committee: Dr. Frank Smith (Simmons College of Kentucky) as owner of income-producing property, Donovan Taylor as resident member, and Amira Granger as resident member. Appointments needed to review four or five pending new construction cases.
Development Activity (4)
97 Warrior Road Demolition and New Construction
Demolition of existing historic structure and new construction residential project. Construction targeted for May/early summer 2026.
Paul Jones/Marion E Taylor Building Renovation
Eight-story historic building conversion to hotel use. Currently mostly vacant with Chase Bank as major tenant planning to downsize from 80,000 to 10,000 square feet.
Benzinger Building Renovation
Five-story building with four-story annex conversion to short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO style). Developer has completed similar projects on West Main Street.
Holy Rosary Academy/Americana Community Center Expansion
HRSA grant-funded expansion of Family Health Centers medical clinic into existing building. Currently operating from trailer on property.
Market Signals (3)
Commercial Demand
Downtown Louisville office market facing significant vacancy challenges as Chase Bank plans to reduce footprint from 80,000 to 10,000 square feet in Paul Jones Building, with law firm construction costs rising from $80 to over $200 per square foot while rents have not increased in ten years.
Housing Demand
Louisville tourism industry supports addition of short-term rentals as city is approximately 10,000 hotel rooms short, creating competitive disadvantage for major conventions.
Sentiment
Historic preservation tax credit program driving adaptive reuse projects downtown, with multiple buildings pursuing National Register listing to access federal and state tax credits for renovation.