Spring Brings New Beginnings
Blue Grass Trust Offices Move to Hopemont
We are pleased to announce that the Blue Grass Trust team has successfully relocated our administrative offices into Hopemont, marking the completion of the first two phases of our Hopemont Reimagined plan!
This significant step brings us closer to our goal of transforming Hopemont into a vibrant center for historic preservation in Central Kentucky. With our administrative operations now housed within this historic landmark, we are poised to further our mission of protecting and promoting our region's rich cultural heritage. We look forward to sharing more updates as we continue to breathe new life into Hopemont and strengthen our commitment to preserving our historic places.
Blue Grass Trust Offices at Hopemont
201 N. Mill Street
Lexington, KY 40507
EDUCATION
Upcoming May deTour
Date: May 1st
Time: 6 pm
Where: Leeds Theater 37 N. Main St., Winchester, KY 40391
Dive into Winchester's history this May during National Historic Preservation Month! Join us for an unprecedented backstage access deTour of the legendary Leeds Theater.
During the deTour, we will explore the rich history and architectural beauty of this iconic venue and gain fascinating insights into the world of theater. As a special highlight during the deTour, we will get a sneak peek at "The Three Musketeers," as rehearsal will take place as we move through the venue.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the thrill of the stage firsthand!
April’s Successful Return to In-Person deTours
We had a fantastic turnout for our April deTour at the iconic First Presbyterian Church in Lexington, KY. Be sure to check out this Facebook live video from our time together, uncovering the remarkable stories behind this architectural gem.
Explore Our Educational Initiatives
ADVOCACY
Requests for Expressions of Interest for Latrobe’s Pope Villa
The Blue Grass Trust announces a $748,000 Save America's Treasures Grant to assist with rehabilitation
The Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation is pleased to release a Request for Expressions of Interest, inviting inquiries from parties interested in rehabilitating and acquiring or leasing Latrobe’s Pope Villa. Having received a prestigious Save America’s Treasures grant, the Blue Grass Trust is poised to help our selected partner revive this historic gem.
The Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation has been awarded a $748,467 Save America’s Treasures Grant from the Historic Preservation Fund, which the National Park Service administers in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute for Museum and Library Services. This generous matching grant will fund pressing repairs to Latrobe’s Pope Villa, one of early Lexington’s most elegant and sophisticated properties. The subsidized work includes the construction of a new roof, the restoration of the second-floor rotunda, masonry stabilization, and reframing throughout the building.
To ensure the continued preservation of Latrobe’s Pope Villa, the Blue Grass Trust is also seeking to facilitate a sale or lease of the building to an individual or organization with a feasible long-term use for the building and who is committed to carrying out a full rehabilitation. Any lessee or buyer who is committed to matching the Save America’s Treasures grant may take advantage of that funding (the Blue Grass Trust would then oversee the grant-approved repairs prior to any property transfer).
The Request for Expressions of Interest, along with more information about Latrobe’s Pope Villa, can be found at www.bluegrasstrust.org/lpv. Parties interested in learning more can also contact Dr. Jonathan Coleman at jcoleman@bluegrasstrust.org or 859-253-0362.
DIRECT SERVICES
Call for Historic Photographs
We are currently researching the history of the Luigart complex in Lexington’s Northside neighborhood for a National Register nomination. The property includes the old malt house-turned-dance hall at 110 Luigart Ct. and the former Star Hotel (now retail and apartments) at 754-758 N. Limestone. While we’ve uncovered a trove of archival information about the Luigarts, we are lacking historical photographs of the buildings themselves (excepting the one pictured above). We are therefore encouraging our supporters to open their albums and share whatever vintage shots they may have. Anyone with relevant material may email it to zleonard@bluegrasstrust.org.
Featured Plaque Property: 338 Merino Street
We are currently researching the history of the Luigart complex in Lexington’s Northside neighborhood for a National Register nomination. The property includes the old malt house-turned-dance hall at 110 Luigart Ct. and the former Star Hotel (now retail and apartments) at 754-758 N. Limestone. While we’ve uncovered a trove of archival information about the Luigarts, we are lacking historical photographs of the buildings themselves (excepting the one pictured above). We are therefore encouraging our supporters to open their albums and share whatever vintage shots they may have. Anyone with relevant material may email it to zleonard@bluegrasstrust.org.
