A tipster wrote in last week to tell us about the demolition of the Executive Inn on Phillips Lane by the Watterson Expressway: Executive Inn. It’s tumbling down. The wrecking balls are out, and it’s quite a sight to see.” We finally made it out to the demolition site today to snap a few photos to bring you all the destruction.
The old hotel’s web site is online, but simply states: “Thank you for 45 years of patronage! It has been our pleasure serving you.” The building was built like a concrete bunker making demolition with a wrecking ball a long and arduous task, so the rubble and ruins will likely be around a few more weeks.
Founder and Editor at Broken Sidewalk
Branden founded Broken Sidewalk in 2008 while practicing architecture in Louisville. He continued the site for seven years while living in New York City, returning to Louisville in 2016. Branden is a graduate of the College of Architecture at Washington University in St. Louis, and has covered architecture, design, and urbanism for The Architect's Newspaper, Designers & Books, Inhabitat, and the American Institute of Architects.
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So what is going in place of the old Executive Inn? Also wasn't the Executive Inn and Executive West owned by the the same people?
I know the Executive Inn West has gone through a name change / new ownership and some renovations.
Probably another “disposable” building. This is the kind of construction that shouldn’t exist because it may be durable but it is not repairable or adaptable.
Load-bearing masonry.
Load-bearing masonry.
Load-bearing masonry.
Human scale.
Traditionally designed.
Natural materials.
Love-able.
I absolutely loved this hotel and it’s furnishings. Such a shame to see it go much less the lack of appreciation.
@jimmy –
It wasn’t maintained well or ever updated. The owners used a band-aid approach to upkeep. The fitness facility which they sold memberships to was a dump.
I, for one, am glad to see it gone. Goodbye and good riddance to bad rubbish. Wonder where the cockroaches are staying now?