Over the years, plans for the historic Molee Building at 425 West Muhammad Ali Boulevard between Fourth and Fifth streets have come and gone with little action. Since we last looked in, the circa 1908 property was purchased by philanthropist Christy Brown, who plans to restore the building.
Previously, real estate gurus Gant Hill and Jonathan Blue, brother of controversial developer Todd Blue, had proposed 30 to 35 apartments on the site. They sold the building for just under one million dollars earlier this year. Brown has not made her plans for the building public.
Last week, the Courier-Journal published an unusually-long article for a project with no details, but it does contain some fascinating history of the structure that’s worth checking out. It also chronicles Brown’s recent preservation efforts across the city. According to that report, an “orchestrated public relations ‘roll out’ of the intended new use after the renovation will happen later.” So it looks like we could be waiting a little while longer.
We’re excited to see what Brown has planned for the Molee Building as it’s been vacant for some 8 years and is located in a key stretch of Muhammad Ali Boulevard. It’s also located just a short block from the Louisville Armory, which could also potentially be renovated at some point. If you’re interested in the Molee, be sure to also check out its long-lost neighbor, the Henry Watterson Hotel, that was once located next door.
