The Louisville Chemical Building on the corner of Jefferson and Hancock Streets has been for sale seemingly forever. At least before we first wrote about it last September. Since then, someone tagged the front windows and the graffiti was painted over with white paint blotches. Today we noticed thought bubbles on top of the white paint on top of the tags on top of the window. We’re wondering, what’s the building trying to say? Write your suggestions in the comments and we’ll choose the best one on Monday. Don’t be shy, the building certainly isn’t. When buildings talk, we listen.
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.
Latest posts by Branden Klayko (see all)
If this building could talk it would say.
Use me. I have 4 walls and a roof. I can keep you dry and warm. I can inspire you. I stand alone but I am part of something greater. I contribute to the neighborhood and the experiences of people on either side of my walls.
Study me: I was built before the thermostat and I can keep my occupants comfortable without one. My design is simple, both classical and vernacular, and dignified. We never build this well today and it’s a sign our culture is poisoned.
Care for me: I am durable but I do need the right kind of maintenance. Keep new materials away from me. You can repair and improve with the same quality and craftsmanship and we will both be better for it in the long run.
It’s going to ask how much longer it has until it is torn down.
Is it just me, or is my vision a little spotty?
“The Metro’s Business Development Corp. announced two other loans today: $60,000 for the Louisville Chemical Building at 601 E. Jefferson St…”
http://thevillevoice.com/2009/03/30/slugger-field-to-get-back-in-brew-biz/
From the Courier Journal, March 30, 2009.
Chris Poynter, a spokesman for Mayor Jerry Abramson, said the development corporation board last week approved a $60,000 low-interest loan for owners Lee Wilburn and Julia Tinnell to renovate a property at 601 E. Jefferson St. It was formerly known as the Louisville Chemical building.
The building will be renovated, including installing an elevator to make it accessible to the disabled, so it can be rented for commercial tenants.