Summer 2009 - Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation

We need your help!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Foster Pettit, President
Linda Carroll, Vice-President
Jessica Case, Secretary
Dan Poposki, Treasurer
ADVISORY BOARD
Barbara Hulette, Chair
Clyde Reynolds Carpenter
Richard DeCamp
Ann Garden
Gay Darsie Glenn
If you have any personal pictures of the HuntMorgan House or the Pope Villa, we would like to
scan them. We are creating exhibits of the houses
over time and would like to include members’
images. Please call the Trust at 859-253-0362 or
email [email protected] if you have any photos
that you would like to share.
Allison Arnett
John Hackworth
Mary Page Boyd
Nancy Iliff
Karen Brooks
Susan Jackson Keig
Marcia Gray
Zee Faulkner Kurfees
Ask yourself these questions:
John Hackworth
Gloria Martin
Bill Johnston
Mike Meuser
Tom Meng
Joyce Ockerman
Mike Meuser
Sharon Reed
Cathy Miller
Dan Rowland
Connie Jo Miller
James Thomas
Andrew Moore
Elizabeth Wagner
John Rhorer
Vivian Weil
• If our historic building were severely
damaged, but not enough to declare
a “total loss,” does our policy have
high enough coverage limits to
repair and restore the building?
• Do we have coverage if we lose our
historic rehab tax credit and have to
pay it back?
• Will our insurance company pay to
hire
experienced
restoration
craftspeople if we have a fire?
• In the event of a total loss of our
historic building, does our insurance
company give us the flexibility to
invest the insurance proceeds in a
different historic building?
Fran Taylor
Phillip Tibbs, MD
STAFF
Julie Good, Executive Director
David McKnight, Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator
THE BLUE GRASS TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION, INC.
253 Market Street • Lexington, Kentucky 40507
(859) 253-0362 • www.bluegrasstrust.org
The Blue Grass Tr ust
for Historic Preser vation, Inc.
253 Market Street
Lexington, Kentucky 40507
Non-Profit
U.S. Postage
PAID
Lexington, KY
Permit #204
If your answer for each question is
anything other than a solid “YES,” you
may need to make some changes to
your insurance plan. Understanding,
and obtaining, the right insurance for a
historic building can sometimes be
confusing, but it doesn’t have to be.
When you are insuring a historic building—
whether it is a museum, theater, church,
office, or home—there are some basics that
will help you to ensure that your building
will be around for future generations.
Is Replacement Cost Really Replacement Cost?
Probably not the way you imagine it. Most
standard insurance companies will give you
their Replacement Cost coverage form, or
Actual Cash Value coverage form, but do you
really know what you are getting? The
general definition of Replacement Cost or
Replacement Cost Value (RC or RCV) is the
cost to replace with “like and kind quality”
after a loss, without regard to depreciation.
Sound good? Not for a historic building.
Leaving your insurance company to define
“like and kind quality” doesn’t guarantee
that your decorative moldings will be
restored, or that the gargoyles on the roofline
will be replaced with matching replicas.
Most Replacement Cost policies will replace
or repair your building using similar styles,
as long as the materials are easily available
and the labor costs meet their “standard
guidelines.” That can mean no restoration
specialists, no artisan craftspeople, and no
materials that aren’t found at the local big
box hardware store.
Actual Cash Value (ACV) is even worse.
Getting the Right Insurance for
Your Historic Building
by Genny Dill | From Forum News
The general definition of ACV is the cost to
replace with “like and kind quality” after a
loss, and after deductions for “depreciation.”
Who decides what the depreciation is? The
insurance company. Ugh! There is a better
solution, but you might have to check a few
resources before finding it. Relatively new to
the insurance market is Historic
Replacement Cost. While there is not yet an
industry-standard definition, the intention of
Historic Replacement Cost coverage is to
provide you with The Three after a loss:
Replacement, Repair, and Restoration.
With the Historic Replacement Cost
coverage form, you can rest easily, knowing
that if your building suffers a catastrophe,
your insurance company understands the
building’s special needs for repair and
restoration.
How Much Coverage Do We Need?
Whether your building is historic or
newer, if you have not upgraded your
building’s coverage limit in the last five
years, you are probably severely
underinsured. Increased costs for labor, fuel,
and the global imbalance of supply and
demand for building materials have caused
dramatic construction cost increases over the
last five years, even for the basics. According
to Marshall & Swift/Boeckh, a nationally
recognized construction cost valuation
model used for modern structures,
construction costs increased 10 to 15% on
the national average between 2004 and
2005. Some materials, such as plumbing
supplies, increased by a dramatic 100%!
Post–Katrina, Rita, and Ike, those price hikes
are far more substantial, with some reports
showing upward of 35% or more in
increased construction costs between 2005
and 2008.
If your underinsured building also has a
policy with a co-insurance clause, then you
are in trouble. Most standard property
policies contain a co-insurance clause, but
unfortunately most people don’t know what
it means.
A co-insurance clause requires the policy
holder to maintain a minimum limit of
property insurance, in the form of a
percentage of the actual cost to replace the
property. Usually that percentage is 80 or
90%. Failure to maintain that limit of
coverage allows the insurance company to
decrease your claim payment by the same
percentage as you are underinsured.
For example, if you have a policy with an
80% co-insurance clause, and a building that
would cost $1,000,000 to replace, you must
have a minimum of $800,000 in coverage on
the building to avoid a penalty. If you have
just $500,000 in coverage then your claim
(continued on page 9)
Message from the President
Waco and The Bybees Exhibit at the Hopewell Museum
by The Hopewell Museum
Greetings from Market Street,
The Blue Grass Trust has been the
leading and consistent voice in Central
Kentucky in support of the importance
of preserving as many as possible of
our
historic
buildings
and
neighborhoods. When the Thomas
Foster Pettit
Hart house, built in 1797 on North
2008-2009
Mill Street, was torn down for a
BGT President
parking lot 55 years ago, the Blue
Grass Trust was created by Joe and Lucy Graves and other
citizens who believed that this was a great loss. The HuntMorgan House was purchased and restored by the Trust
at that time to save it from a similar fate.
The Thomas Hart house, at the corner of West Second
and North Mill Streets, was later owned by John
Bradford, the publisher of Kentucky’s first newspaper, the
Kentucky Gazette. It was the site of the marriage of Henry
Clay to Lucretia Hart, and still later it was the home of
John Hunt Morgan and his bride, Rebecca Bruce. In the
20th Century, the house was owned and occupied by
Laura Clay, the daughter of Cassius Clay, who was one of
the leading suffragists in the nation. That site is still a
parking lot in 2009.
The purchase by the Blue Grass Trust in 1988 of the
fire-ravaged former home of U.S. Senator John Pope on
326 Grosvenor Avenue is one of the more ambitious of its
efforts to preserve important buildings in Lexington. As
many old houses have experienced, this dwelling was
altered greatly through the years as the different styles
changed. However, this project was recognized as very
special, because its original design was created by
Benjamin Latrobe, the father of American architecture
(1764-1820). Latrobe was the original architect for the
U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The Trust has obtained
several major grants to restore this property to the
Latrobe design. The exterior is largely finished and much
effort to restore the interior remains. Mike Meuser,
attorney and tireless volunteer, has helped to lead this
remarkable work.
These are two of the more glamorous examples of the
work of the Blue Grass Trust, but its efforts continue
unabated to educate our citizens and governmental
officials about the historic and economic benefit to
Lexington of having our significant historic buildings
preserved.
Tourism is a very big part of Lexington’s economic
health. When hundreds of thousands of visitors come to
our community in 2010 for the Alltech World Equestrian
Games, they will go first to see our historic sites and
2
neighborhoods when they are not involved in the Games.
It works that way throughout the world at all times, and
those cities which have interesting histories and know
how to protect and promote them will always do well.
The officers of the Trust appreciate greatly the support
of the members, sponsors and patrons who supply the
financial help for the Trust to continue to fulfill its
purposes. Of course, the many volunteers bring real life
and energy to the Trust in reaching its goals. As an
example, the Antiques and Garden Show, which takes
enormous work and coordination, enjoyed a 10%
increase in attendance this year. That result in the current
economic climate is certainly noteworthy, and continues
to produce vital revenue for the Trust while promoting
the recognition of the Trust and its importance to
Lexington. Much thanks is due leading volunteers of the
show: Allison Arnett, Denise Nierzwicki, Andrea Gottler
and Faith Harders.
As I close my thoughts for this newsletter, I must tip
my hat to Julie Good, our relatively new executive
director, who has brought youth, energy and wisdom to
her job, which makes the work of the Trust much easier
and a lot more fun.
P R E S E R V A T I O N
M A T T E R S
A beautiful exhibit of more than 160 pieces of 1920s and
30s Central Kentucky Art Pottery opened at the Hopewell
Museum on May 27. Titled “Waco and the Bybees: Central
Kentucky Art Pottery, 1900 to 1935”, it’s the first-ever exhibit
devoted to the art pottery of Cornelison Pottery, Waco Pottery
and the Bybee Pottery Company lines of Genuine Bybee and
Selden Bybee.
The exhibit, which continues until September 27, is
funded in part by the Kentucky Humanities Council and the
National Endowment for the Humanities.
“We surveyed more than 20 collectors and more than
1700 pieces to select the 160 examples we felt best
represented the work of these potteries,” said exhibit cocurator Margaret Layton. The pottery is valued for its design
and complex glazes and becoming sought-after nationally, but
is still sometimes unrecognized even in central Kentucky.
“It’s a gorgeous exhibit with pottery like I’ve never seen
before,” said Hopewell Director Nancy Smith. “But it’s also a
study of the potteries that created this art, a sociological study
about the potteries’ place in the Appalachian Arts and Crafts
Movement, and a study about potters’ shift from nineteenth
century Kentucky stoneware to modern pottery.”
To put the exhibit into perspective, the only previous exhibit of this
pottery, at the Speed Museum two years ago, featured 31 pieces of Central
Kentucky Art Pottery from the 1920s and 1930s. The Hopewell exhibit has
more than five times as many pieces.
The exhibit opening was a day-long “Waco and the Bybees” Symposium
on May 30. The highlights of the day were longtime Bybee potter Harvey
Conner and Lois Easterling, daughter of the last owner of the Waco Pottery,
sharing their “Memories of Waco and Bybee”. Second most popular were
the Collector’s Panel and “Show and Tell”, when attendees shared pieces
from their collections or sought identification of mystery pieces.
“It has been a great pleasure to recognize the artistry of the Madison
County potters of almost a century ago,” said Hackley. “With recognition,
we believe the Central Kentucky Art pottery will emerge to take its place
with the likes of Weller, Roseville, Fulper, Teco, and, some would say, even
Rookwood.” Hackley, an internationally known folk art dealer, is a former
Kentucky State University ceramics and design instructor, a potter, and
collector of Kentucky pottery and he has a degree in sculpture and ceramics.
“This is a very special exhibit that is going to attract pottery lovers from
across the United States to Paris this summer,” said Louisville pottery
collector Kendall Scally.
The Hopewell Museum has reprinted a 1924 “Genuine Bybee” catalog
and a 1927 “Selden Bybee” catalog in a “Waco and the Bybees Handbook” and will
be selling copies of the 16 page handbook for $15. The two catalogs are filled with
photos and model numbers of the two lines of potteries, so that collectors will
have — for the first time — a reference handbook of forms that were made.
Copies can be ordered at the Hopewell Museum website
www.hopewellmuseum.org, or by emailing [email protected].
P R E S E R V A T I O N
M A T T E R S
The Hopewell Museum is located at the corner of 8th
and Pleasant Streets, Paris, KY (859-987-7274) and is
open Wednesday through Saturday, 12:00 noon until
5:00 pm; Sunday 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm, and by
appointment. Admission is $3.00 per adult and free for
students, children and members.
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Craftsman
2 0 0 9 P R E S E R VA T I O NPreservation
A WA
R Award
DS
Preservation Craftsman Award
Given to a building industry craftsman who has exhibited a strong
commitment to quality craftsmanship for historic buildings.
Given to a government agency or official for service to
preservation movement or to a specific project.
Awarded to
Awarded to
Public Service to Preservation
Mike Egan & Larry Daviduski
Clay Lancaster Heritage Education
The Preservation Craftsman Award is given this year to two men
who demonstrate a real love and respect for Historic Preservation.
Those who have hired them know of their detailed drawings on
interior walls or blocks of wood to show the owner the detail before
the execution. One homeowner knew of the quality of their work
and finally said he didn’t need to see a drawing because anything
they built would be so superior – “just build the damn thing,” he
said. Their interior trim details, casework and cornice work and
knowledge of wood is superior.
They have a genuine appreciation for downtown Lexington
where they’ve eaten at all the local restaurants; but the Friday ritual
almost always means Dudley’s. Most of us don’t know and don’t get
invited to “The Carpenter’s Ball;” but the real heart and soul of our
community’s craftsmen are always there.
Mike Egan and Larry Daviduski have worked together on and off
since 1982. For awhile they were working with Phase IV and then
took independent work in neighborhoods. Once they started in an
area like Merino Street they would stay for years – moving from
house to house and ultimately even working for Tom Cheek who
owns several properties in the area.
They are not strangers to Gratz Park either, having worked on
the Hunt Morgan House and the Gaines home a few doors down.
They were also heavily involved in the restoration of 609 West Short
Street, home of Mark and Megan Naylor where they were a part of
a team doing diligent trim detail throughout that home.
Further afield, their projects include historic sites in Bourbon
County and Jessamine County and even the Jack Jouett House, in
Woodford County. This rural homestead includes a 1780s frontier
stone cabin and a 1797 Federal-style brick cottage featuring a
formal parlor, dining room and three bedrooms.
Most recently, Mike and Larry have been on East Third Street.
They moved from 122 East Third to 120 East Third and now 126
East Third where their current cornice work can be easily admired.
Community Preservation
Barbara Hulette Award
Lucy Shropshire Crump Volunteer Award
Thank you to
Caudill’s Climatemaster
for their help cleaning the
BGT’s storage room!
Thank you to
Lucy Graves Advocacy Award
Clyde Carpenter Adaptive Re-use Award
Betty Hoopes Volunteer Service Award
for their help cleaning
the BGT’s offices!
John Wesley Hunt Award
BLUE GRASS TRUST HERITAGE SOCIETY MEMBERS
as of July 1, 2009
The Blue Grass Trust Heritage Society consists of individuals
whose estates include gifts, revocable or irrevocable, to the
Trust. Their patronage enables the Trust to continue its mission
of education, service, and advocacy. Please consider including
the Trust in your estate planning and join the growing number of
those whose legacies will benefit the Trust. If your estate
planning includes the Trust and your name is not on our list,
please call the Trust office at 859-253-0362. We are most grateful
to the Heritage Society members for their generosity.
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Dr. and Mrs. Gayle V. Alexander
Ms. Jane Hamilton Blachly
Mrs. Hazel Bush
Ms. Rose Jewell Collier
Mr. and Mrs. Richard DeCamp
Dr. and Mrs. Elvis Donaldson, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Floyd
Mr. and Mrs. John Hackworth
Ms. Liz Harper
Ms. Gail Hendrickson Hart
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hulette
Ms. Norma Jean Gibson
Mr. Charles Jones
Mr. and Mrs. William Johnston
Mrs. Zee Faulkner Kurfees
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Milward
Mr. Tom Moore
Dr. and Mrs. William N. Offutt IV
Mr. and Mrs. Foster Pettit
Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Rowland
Mr. Jeff Ritzler
Mr. David Stuart
Prof. and Mrs. John R. Thelin
Ms. Joyce Vanlandingham
Mr. and Mrs. Arlyn Wagner
Mr. E.M. “Jack” Webster
Ms. Vivian M. Weil
Mr. and Mrs. William T. Young, Jr.
P R E S E R V A T I O N
M A T T E R S
Public Service to Preservation
P R E S E R V A T I O N
M A T T E R S
Clay Lancaster Heritage Education
Vice Mayor Jim Gray
Community Preservation
Jim Gray is president and chief executive officer of Gray
Construction, a nationally ranked engineering, design, and
construction company based in Lexington, KY, with offices in
nine US cities and in Tokyo. His second day-job is Lexington’s
Vice-Mayor.
Gray Construction’s main markets are automotive,
distribution, and general manufacturing. The company’s
revenue will top $500 million in 2007. Major private sector
customers include leading domestic and international
companies like Toyota, BMW, The Gap, Sears, Boeing, IKEA,
the US Postal Service and Department of Defense. In 2005,
Gray was recognized as one of Kentucky’s Top 20 Best Places
to Work.
Jim literally grew up in the business, working after school
for his father in the firm’s four-room office in the basement of
a restaurant in Glasgow, Kentucky. Tragedy struck the family
business in 1972, when James Norris Gray died at the age of
54, leaving a fledgling business, a wife and six children. At
the time, Jim was 19 and a freshman at Emory University in
Atlanta; but he soon returned home in order to help in the
business. Sensing early-on that marketing and sales drive any
successful enterprise, Jim created the company’s marketing
department.
By the early eighties, Jim Gray was spending a lot of time
traveling back and forth to Japan. Gray achieved a milestone
in 1985, when the firm was selected as one of the prime
contractors for the Toyota plant in Georgetown. That
relationship led to many others, and today Gray is recognized
as the leading domestic builder of Japanese and Korean
manufacturing plants in America.
Jim has also taken on a number of civic roles, like
chairing the Kentucky Governor’s Commission on Quality &
Efficiency in 1993-94 which conducted a management audit
of Kentucky’s executive branch, generating budget-reduction
recommendations of almost $1 billion; and chairing the
capital campaign for the $22 million Kentucky History Center
located in Frankfort. He was elected Lexington’s Vice Mayor
in 2006.
Jim is a trustee of Berea College, and the restored Shaker
Village at Pleasant Hill. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt
University and in 1996 was appointed a Loeb Fellow at
Harvard University. We thank Vice Mayor Gray for his efforts
to support preservation.
Barbara Hulette Award
Lucy Shropshire Crump Volunteer Award
Lucy Graves Advocacy Award
Clyde Carpenter Adaptive Re-use Award
Betty Hoopes Volunteer Service Award
John Wesley Hunt Award
3
Preservation Craftsman Award
Preservation
2 Public
0 0 9ServicePto R
E S E R VA T I O N A WA R D S
Clay Lancaster Heritage Education
Given to an individual or group for service in researching and
disseminating information about the Central Kentucky region.
Community Preservation
Awarded to
Ed Houlihan
Barbara Hulette Award
Edward T. (“Ed” or “Houli”) Houlihan, III was born in Lexington
on July 2, 1941. He graduated from the University of Kentucky in
1963 with a degree in journalism and advertising. Ed spent his next
5 decades on this earth, until his untimely death early last year,
supporting and promoting Lexington and the Central Kentucky
region. It can be argued that no other single person had a greater
impact on Lexington during this period.
Early in his career, Ed served as the Vice President of
Development at Transylvania University. In 1978, Mayor Amato
appointed Ed as Commissioner of Parks, Housing & Economic
Development for the recently merged government. During that
time, he organized the Downtown Economic Development
Committee whose mission was to develop ways to strengthen
downtown Lexington. After 4 years in the Amato administration, Ed
was hired as the President of the Greater Lexington Chamber of
Commerce and held that position for more than 15 years.
Ed moved the offices of the Chamber from Transylvania’s campus
to its current location on Main Street in 1993. During Ed’s tenure as
Chamber President, he promoted Lexington far and wide. He was
singularly responsible for expanding the Lexington Sister Cities
program by helping to establish the sister city relationship with
County Kildare, Ireland and served as the Chairman of the Irish
sister city for 24 years. On his death, the local officials in County
Kildare passed a special resolution in honor of Ed and sent a
representative to attend his funeral.
When the new courthouses were built on North Limestone, Ed
saw the opportunity to convert the old courthouse, which has
stood on Main Street for more than 100 years, into the Lexington
History Museum. For the balance of his life, Ed dedicated himself
to creating a showcase for Lexington’s incredible history. As
President of the Lexington History Museum, Ed was chief
fundraiser, volunteer recruiter, exhibit designer and janitor. He
rolled up his sleeves and spent hundreds of hours preparing the
old courthouse for its public visitors.
Lucy Shropshire Crump Volunteer Award
Lucy Graves Advocacy Award
Clyde Carpenter Adaptive Re-use Award
Betty Hoopes Volunteer Service Award
John Wesley Hunt Award
Ed’s accomplishments are too numerous to list in their entirety
but the following are a few of the best examples:
~ assisted with planning of the new Central Public Library and
move from Gratz Park to its current location on Main St.
~ helped initiate the Crime Stoppers Program.
~ was responsible for locating Picnic with the Pops at the
Kentucky Horse Park.
~ led the local effort to allow Lexington restaurants to serve
alcohol on Sundays.
~ ran Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program for United Way
during 1970s.
Anyone who ever worked with Ed could not help but come
away from the experience with a smile and a full appreciation
for Ed’s enthusiasm and love of life. But, more than anything,
you clearly understood Ed’s love of and pride in his native city
of Lexington and for this we are honoring Ed with the Clay
Lancaster Heritage Education Award.
Preservation Craftsman Award
Correction:
The pictures in the article
“Loft Living in America” in
the Spring 2009 issue of
Preservation Matters
should have been identified
as The Lorillard Lofts
(www.coolspaces.com)
Public Service to Preservation
Clay Lancaster Heritage Education
Community Preservation
Given to a non-governmental group or individual
for service to the preservation movement or
to a special preservation project.
Barbara Hulette Award
Awarded to
Preserve
Lexington
Lucy Shropshire
Crump
Volunteer Award
Preserve Lexington is a non-profit group formed to
prevent the destruction of downtown Lexington’s historic
and cultural fabric; specifically the block of Main Street
between South Upper and South Limestone streets. The
group is made up of historic preservationists, students at the
University of Kentucky and Transylvania University, and
concerned citizens who feel the loss of this block would, in
essence, destroy downtown Lexington’s remaining historic
character. This block was home to several successful
businesses that benefited not only the community, culturally
and economically, but also each other.
The goal of this group is to be an advocacy group that
can bring the many stakeholders that focus on various issues
such as downtown development and redevelopment,
historic preservation, land-use management, etc. together
and create a strong voice for appropriate, creative, and
human scale development while at the same time
preserving the historic fabric of the block.
Preserve Lexington’s attempt to save the buildings on
the block through simple advocacy avenues and existing
legal channels ultimately failed and the fate of the now
empty block remains uncertain. Preserve Lexington is now
working to evolve into a more sustainable organization to
promote positive change in downtown Lexington.
Lucy Graves Advocacy Award
B G T
✔
Clyde Carpenter Adaptive Re-use Award
Join or Renew
M E M B E R S H I P
A P P L I C AT I O N
Yes, I would like to support The Blue Grass Trust’s mission to preserve the heritage of Central Kentucky!
Membership Levels*
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Betty Hoopes Volunteer Service Award
John Wesley Hunt Award
Student Preservation Advocate
Individual Preservation Advocate
Family Advocates
Hunt-Morgan Society
Clay Lancaster Society
Carolyn Reading Hammer Society
$25
$50
$100
$250
$500
$1000
Name
Address
City
State
Telephone
Email
Zip
Enclosed is my first year’s dues for $___________________ or Miscellaneous Donation for $_____________________.
Please make checks payable to The Blue Grass Trust.
4
P R E S E R V A T I O N
M A T T E R S
P R E S E R V A T I O N
M A T T E R S
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Clay Lancaster Heritage Education
Clay Lancaster Heritage Education
2 0Community
0 9 PPreservation
R E S E R VA T I O N A WA R D S
2 0Community
0 9 Preservation
P R E S E R VA T I O N Barbara
A WA
DS
Hulette R
Award
Community Preservation
(continued from page 6)
Barbara Hulette Award
Denise Nierzwicki began to volunteer in late 2000 for the 2001
Antiques & Garden Show. Judy Miller, who was chair of the
Show at that time, inspired Denise about the importance of
preservation in Central Kentucky. Denise began to volunteer on
the office committee and chaired that committee from 2005 to
2007. She co-chaired the Show with Andrea Gottler in 2008. In
2009, Denise co-chaired the Garden Tent with Allison Arnett and
will do so again in 2010.
Andrea Gottler joined the Antiques & Garden Show
Committee in 2000, with the exception of 2 years, she has
served in some capacity. In 2002, Andrea helped Faith Harders
with the volunteers. Andrea has worked on the office committee
for 5 shows, chairing it in 2003 and 2004. In 2008, Andrea cochaired the show with Denise Nierzwicki. Currently, Andrea is
chairing the lecture committee.
The Antiques & Garden Show could not continue without
the support of dedicated volunteers like Allison, Denise, and
Andrea. We are so grateful for their hard work and
commitment to the Show and Trust.
Lucy Shropshire Crump Volunteer Award
Lucy Graves Advocacy Award
Clyde Carpenter Adaptive Re-use Award
Betty Hoopes Volunteer Service Award
Association since 1985 and served on their Board of Directors
from 1985 to 1995 and from 2000 to the present day. She was
President of the Board from 1992 to 1995. Win was the project
director for the Miller Street Rehabiliation through the
Northside Improvements Corporation from 1993 to 2003. In
1999, the group won awards from the Downtown Lexington
Corporation, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the
Blue Grass Trust. Win served on the Fayette County
Neighborhood Council from 1999 to 2008. In 1998, Win was
awarded the Neighborhood Hero Award by the Council. Since
2000, Win has been a member of the LFUCG Historic
Preservation Commission and has been the chair sin 2001. In
2004, Win was awarded the Ida Lee Willis Service to
Preservation Award. Recently, Win has assisted in the
development of the Central Sector Small Area Plan through the
Division of Planning.
The Trust is proud to award the John Wesley Hunt Award to
Win Meeker. Win’s dedication and service have made Lexington
a better place to live.
John Wesley Hunt Award
Lucy Shropshire Crump Volunteer Award
For efforts in preservation of Central Kentucky’s history,
heritage, built environment, landscape, archaeological
resources, sense of community or significant endeavors.
Given to an individual who has provided exemplary
service to the Blue Grass Trust throughout the year.
Lucy Shropshire Crump Volunteer Award
Awarded to
Joanna
HintonAward
Lucy Graves
Advocacy
Although Joanna started out studying history with a plan to
teach high school, she decided that she was meant for other
purposes and turned to the museum world. Her first “history” job
was at Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate as weekend manager. From
Ashland, she gained a full time job at the UK Basketball Museum
teaching a different kind of history, but soon returned to house
museums as the Associate Director at Farmington.
Joanna Hinton is the executive director of Preservation
Kentucky, Inc. Since joining PK in 2003, Joanna has played an
instrumental role in the passage of a historic preservation tax
credit to aid private property owners in the Commonwealth of
Kentucky and the selection of a portion of central Kentucky for a
national pilot program working to use historic preservation
principals for economic gain in rural areas. Prior to becoming
director of Preservation Kentucky, Joanna held various positions
in the museum industry including service as Associate Director at
Farmington Historic Home in Louisville. She resides in
Hodgenville where she and her husband Jeremy operate a peach
and apple orchard with an on-farm market and family activities.
Joanna has served locally on the board of directors of the LaRue
County Chamber of Commerce, Hodgenville Main Street
Association, and LaRue County Farm Bureau. Joanna has two
children, Jacob and Joslyn.
The preservation community is a better place thanks to
Joanna’s steadfast dedication and leadership.
Clyde Carpenter Adaptive Re-use Award
Betty Hoopes Volunteer Service Award
John Wesley Hunt Award
Given to an individual for lifetime service to the
preservation movement in Central Kentucky.
Awarded to
Win Meeker
Win Meeker was born in Ames, Iowa. She attended
Litchfield High School in Litchfield, Connecticut and graduated
with a B.A. from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. She
received a nursing diploma from Hartford Hospital School of
Nursing in Hartford, Connecticut. She has worked at the Harford
Hospital and the University of Minnesota as a staff nurse. She
was head nurse at the University of Minnesota’s Variety Club
Heart Hospital. From 1979 to 1991, she was Dr. William R.
Meeker, Jr.’s office manager and from 1994 to 1998, Win
worked at the Downtown Lexington Corporation.
Win Meeker’s community involvement began before her
move to Lexington. She served on the Mount Holyoke Club of
Buffalo’s Board of Directors from 1965-1967 and was President
of the Board in 1968. Locally, she has served on a variety of
community boards and been involved with a number of
organizations. She was involved with the Fayette County
Medical Auxiliary for over 20 years. She served as President of
their Board of Directors and as President of their Fund Raising
Corporation. Win chaired the Sayre School Spectacular. Win has
been on the Ronald McDonald Board of Directors, served as their
President, and was elected to the Lifetime Board of Directors in
1991. She has also been on the Alzheimer’s Association Board
of Directors.
Win has been involved with the Northside Neighborhood
16
Barbara Hulette Award
Lucy Graves Advocacy Award
Awarded to
Carolyn Hackworth
ClydePreservation
Carpenter
Adaptive
Re-use
Award
Award
As a professional
educatorCraftsman
and librarian,
Carolyn Hackworth
returned to Lexington from working 20 years in American schools
overseas in the Middle East in 1999. It wasn’t long afterwards that
she began involvement in various volunteer activities. Re-establishing
a friendship with a former neighbor, Carolyn began weekly visits to
Ashland Terrace and started maintaining the library for the
residents. That first friend has gone but new friendships have
developed, and the library job still remains. In 2000, Carolyn
became interested in volunteering at the Carnegie Center for Literacy
and Learning where she teaches English to foreign adults. She
continues doing this today and has worked with students from Asia,
Africa, Europe, South America and the Middle East. Carolyn has
been a docent at the Hunt-Morgan House for four years and has
recently joined the Hunt-Morgan House Committee. She also
volunteers as a ghost guide for Ghost Tales and Tours each October.
Each week Carolyn also takes time to read for Radio Eye, the
broadcast service for the visually impaired. Carolyn serves on the
board of the Carnegie Center and also serves on the board of the
Carnegie Center and also serves on the board of the Northside
Neighborhood Association where she has been the secretary of the
board for the last four years. The Blue Grass Trust is very appreciative
of Carolyn’s volunteerism and commitment to the Trust.
BettyPublic
HoopesService
Volunteer
Service Award
to Preservation
WesleyHeritage
Hunt Award
ClayJohn
Lancaster
Education
Community Preservation
Barbara Hulette Award
Lucy Shropshire Crump Volunteer Award
Lucy Graves Advocacy Award
Given to an individual who has provided exemplary
service to the Blue Grass Trust throughout the year.
Clyde Carpenter Adaptive Re-use Award
Awarded to
Helen Dedman
Betty Hoopes Volunteer Service Award
A native of Rock Hill, South Carolina and a Centre College
graduate, Helen has been a driving force in preservation in Central
Kentucky. She is a member of the Harrodsburg Historical Society, a
founding member of the James Harrod Trust, a Preservation
Kentucky board member, National Trust Forum member, a Perryville
Battlefield Preservation Association board member, on the Farmers
National Bank Board of Directors, a member of the United
Presbyterian Church and she was the chair of the Rural Heritage
Development Initiative steering committee.
With her husband, Chuck, she co-owns the Beaumont Inn in
Harrodsburg. Together they have two children, Dixon and Becky.
Historic preservation in Central Kentucky is greatly indebted to
Helen Dedman for her support and involvement.
John Wesley Hunt Award
P R E S E R V A T I O N
M A T T E R S
P R E S E R V A T I O N
M A T T E R S
5
Lucy Shropshire Crump Volunteer Award
2Lucy0Graves
0 9 Advocacy
P R Award
E S E R VA T I O N A WA R D S
Clyde Carpenter Adaptive Re-use Award
Given to an individual or group for outstanding efforts
towards the rehabilitation and adaptive re-use of a
building or buildings with Central Kentucky.
Betty Hoopes Volunteer Service Award
Awarded to
Bullock
JohnTom
Wesley
Hunt Award
When Tom was very young, around 5 years old, his father
owned some rental property in Frankfort, Kentucky. He
would go with him to help out with anything that he could.
He started off as the masking taper and was eventually
promoted to painting the baseboards. He loved working on the
buildings and by about age 12, his father would drop him off at the
apartments and he was responsible for the painting and small
repairs of the entire building. He spoke with tradesman and people
at the hardware stores and taught himself how to repair nearly
everything in an apartment. At age 14, he worked for a plumber for
the summer as an assistant and helped demolish and restore an old
building on Capitol Avenue in Frankfort.
The next year, and throughout high school, he spent the
summers renovating his father’s buildings, including building
decks that are still being used today, 26 years later. During the
summer of college, he continued to renovate buildings, and
began to work as an independent contractor on other buildings
in Frankfort and in Winston-Salem, NC, where he was in college.
After college, he moved to Washington D.C. and began a small
painting company known as Bullock Painting. They started off
painting apartments and within a year were contracting 100+
apartment complexes. He returned to Lexington to attend classes for
a Master’s degree in business at the University of Kentucky and then
law school. As usual, he renovated buildings to make money during
the summers when he was not clerking for a judge or law firm. After
law school, he purchased a few older rental buildings and a home on
Richmond Road and renovated them.
With respect to the buildings on North Limestone, he had been
looking for a building in downtown Lexington into which he could
locate his law firm, which was started in 1998. These building came
on the market and Tom signed a contract for them on the first day
they were listed for sale. At the time, they were boarding houses and
had been divided up into several small apartments. The tenants were
primarily government assisted (with a few making extra money on
the street corners.)
He started with the building at 234 North Limestone and
eventually located the main portion of his law firm there. There was
actually a murder in the middle building, 228 North Limestone, on
the day that they moved into 234 and opened their doors for
business. Tom then began renovating the middle building, but had a
bit of a delay because some of the tenants had TB and refused to
leave, so he had to obtain a court order before he could have the
property vacated. When that building was nearly complete, he
decided that he would like to open a restaurant and/or private club
6
Preservation Craftsman Award
Public Service to Preservation
Clay Lancaster Heritage Education
Community Preservation
Barbara Hulette Award
in the third building, 226 North Limestone. As the renovations of that
building progressed, he began to love the building so much, that he
decided that he wanted to live there instead. So at that point, he
changed the renovations to make it what is now my home.
Each of the three buildings were renovated to maintain the
historical aspects, but also to convert them to high tech, modern
living and business spaces. Given his previous building experience,
Tom was the architect, general contractor, and general helper for all
three buildings. He did not use any federal or state funds or take
any grants or government exemptions for the work. Tom Bullock’s
perseverance has translated into exceptionally restored structures
along North Limestone and Constitution.
Lucy Shropshire Crump Volunteer Award
Lucy Graves Advocacy Award
By Amanda Loughlin
Clyde Carpenter Adaptive Re-use Award
Betty Hoopes Volunteer Service Award
Given to a volunteer or volunteers from the
Antiques & Garden Show Committee.
John Wesley Hunt Award
Awarded to
Allison Arnett, Andrea Gottler
and Denise Nierzwicki
Allison Arnett has been a dedicated Antiques & Garden Show
volunteer. This year, she co-chaired the garden tent with Denise
Nierzwicki. Alison reviewed and compiled budget for garden tent,
orchestrated a competitive bidding process for entrance tents,
developed a concierge-style approach to garden exhibitors with
check in verification, pre-need assessment and move in/move out
instructions. She introduced the concept of a formal entrance tent,
put together marketing packets for potential exhibitors and, along
with Denise, sold out the exhibitor space in the tent. Alison also
managed the sod area replacement and repair. Now, she plans to
grow, cash flow and create a regional reputation as an exceptional
“garden side” to the Antiques & Garden Show.
(continued on page 16)
P R E S E R V A T I O N
M A T T E R S
erhaps I should not admit this, but
some of my favorite memories at the
Hunt-Morgan
House
involve
Saturdays when no one came for a tour.
Those Saturdays were spent exploring
almost every square inch, occasionally
making Spence move furniture so that I
could peak into a closet only to discover
that the door was really an old access way
into the bathroom that was once on the
sleeping porch. I never quite made it into
the attic eaves, but Alison and I (well, I
was there when she noticed it) did
discover that the roof framing is
numbered. We also discovered that the
chimney above the cantilevered stair is
fake after a trek into the dark recesses of
the basement to find the non-existing
corresponding fireplace.
There were days when it snowed that
we found ourselves taking naps in front of
the drawing room windows, and many
days I found the upstairs sitting room
ideal for a relaxing afternoon of tea and
reading (and startling passers-by who
P
P R E S E R V A T I O N
happened to look up into what they
believed was an empty house). The
Pink Room (which I secretly hope one
day will no longer be pink) was used for
Thanksgiving dinners with my family,
Easter dinners and beginning-ofsemester celebrations with my
classmates, and pumpkin carving with
Alison. The sleeping porch was a great
place for people watching on Saturday
nights and for Fourth of July fireworks
shows, and our graduating class even
utilized the courtyard and carriage
house for our final celebration before
we went our separate ways.
I have spent the last two years enjoying
this place and trying to take care of the
grounds, often with help. Alison helped
me sweep the walks, and David has
carried on his never-ending campaign
against the sidewalk weeds. Last autumn,
John Hackworth assisted in the removal
of walnuts (albeit for baking purposes),
and Julie helped me sweep off the
parking lot last summer.
M A T T E R S
Faith Harders asked me not too long
ago if I thought that too much is asked of
the caretaker. I have thought a lot about
that question. Did I always want to give up
every Saturday to give tours? No, but I
had free reign of the house! Did I always
like sharing a kitchen? Not when the
caterers were dirty, but that was rare, and
they almost always left me food. Did I
always like the responsibility of
maintaining the grounds? Well…I did
make the startling discovery that I
actually enjoy mowing the lawn and
playing in the leaves, so aside from the
pressure of making sure the yard looked
okay, I did not mind that a bit.
The last two years have had their
natural highs and lows, but I was
oftentimes able to find peace at this
house. It was truly home to me.
15
Kentucky Mansion Celebration
by David Moore, L.V. Harkness & Company
by Alison Car ter
I
can still feel how intimidated I was
when I moved to Lexington two
years ago. This is the biggest city I
have ever lived in, by far. My first week
here, before the other students arrived
and before I knew anybody, I thought I
would be brave and drive myself to the
downtown library. After circling the
block many times, I finally found the tiny
entrance to the parking garage and
promptly rippled the side of my big
pickup truck trying to turn into it. That
wall, as it turned out, would be the first of
many things I would hit with my truck.
But before long I found my way around,
got used to the eclectic neighbors, and
settled into my routine with classes and
the BGT. Amanda and I were blessed to
have such a great group of students to
spend our two years with. Grad school
has flown by and it was a blast, but when
14
I think back to my time in Lexington, my
memories will be filled with the Blue
Grass Trust.
As the Pope Villa intern, I have had
the opportunity to work with Dan
Rowland and Mike Meuser who are both
incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated
to the project. I created displays, held a
student forum, and have been
developing a brand new exhibit to be
opened in time for visitors during the
World Equestrian Games. I have also
spent much time at the Hunt-Morgan
House giving tours, helping with events,
and exploring the house with Amanda.
We usually dug up more questions than
answers, but had fun doing it. This
summer we launched a children’s
program called Hands on Heritage. It has
been very successful and would not have
been possible without volunteers such as
Carolyn, Betty, Mim, and Joan. The Blue
Grass Trust has given me the opportunity
to learn and create and I will always be
grateful for the support I have received.
Finally, I must thank David and Julie.
Not only have they been willing and
cheerful to give their time making
homemade butter and cleaning up paint
at Hands on Heritage, but they trusted
me and supported me no matter what
project I was working on. I never once
dreaded going to the office. So thank
you, to all.
Also, I would like everyone to know
that after two years of driving my big
truck, I can now successfully parallel park
it on the first (or sometimes second) try.
P R E S E R V A T I O N
M A T T E R S
In 2010, Kentucky will
become the first venue outside
of Europe to host the Alltech FEI
World Equestrian Games, which
will also be the largest
equestrian event ever held in
the United States. The world
stage has inspired Kentuckians
to put their best faces forward
for this international audience.
History will be made in 2010,
but history itself will also be
made-over before the audience
takes their seats.
“The
Old
Governor’s
Mansion is a treasure of our
heritage that has seen more than
two centuries of wear and tear.
Although it is structurally sound
thanks to a recent restoration, its
walls and rooms are mostly bare
and in need of a makeover,” said
First Lady Beshear. “I hope you
will get excited about this
project as visitors from all over
the world come to Kentucky for the 2010 Alltech FEI
World Equestrian Games. Let’s show them Kentucky,
and an integral part of our history, at its best,” she said.
Participants in this revitalization will be asked to
volunteer their skills and talent. All of the furnishings,
window treatments, furniture and accessories used to
complete each room will remain there as donations to
the Commonwealth. Design specifications will be
developed by the event committee to protect the history
and integrity of the Mansion while still achieving tasteful
and functional rooms for continued use.
The Mansion Celebration concept came out of
conversations between Former First Lady Phyllis George
and Margaret Jewett, owner of L.V. Harkness & Company
and co-vice president of the Kentucky Equine Humane
Center Board of Directors. Although there are no funds
available for a renovation, they did not let that deter them
from their mission. They quickly pulled together people who
could make things happen including First Lady Jane Beshear,
and thus was born the Kentucky Mansion Celebration
project. All of this is being done through private or in-kind
donations. No public funds will be used in the renovation or
the gala celebration.
Partial proceeds from the grand gala will help benefit
another of Kentucky’s historic icons, the horse. The Kentucky
Equine Humane Center (KyEHC), located in Nicholasville,
Kentucky, will use a percentage of the funds to go toward their
mission of finding homes for horses in precarious situations.
The Kentucky Executive Mansions Foundation, Inc.
(KEMFI), in partnership with the Governor’s Office, the
Kentucky Equine Humane Center and platinum event
P R E S E R V A T I O N
M A T T E R S
sponsor L.V. Harkness & Company will be coordinating the
celebration and showcase.
About the Old Governor’s Mansion
Since its construction in the late 1700s, The Old
Governor’s Mansion has withstood the wear and tear of large
families and the entertaining of important guests and
delegates. The Mansion is an integral contribution to
Kentucky’s political and social history. The Parlor and formal
dining room have welcomed dignitaries such as Theodore
Roosevelt, Andrew Jackson, Louis Philippe of France, Henry
Clay and William Jennings Bryan, to name a few. The Mansion
was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1971
and celebrated its 200th birthday in 1998. It is reportedly the
oldest official residence in use in the United States today.
7
Buster’s is Relocating to the Distiller y District
by Jessica Case, Blue Grass Trust Board Member
M
omma always said, when life hands
you lemons, make lemonade.
Lexington has recently been handed
a handful of lemons in the form of
government and judicial decisions that
allowed the demolition of several historic
structures on one of our most prominent
Main Street blocks. Now each of us must
attempt to find a recipe for lemonade that
can sweeten the sour aftertaste. For my
husband Clark and I, that recipe involved
purchasing the little pool hall known as
Buster’s shortly before its premises at 164
West Main St. were demolished. We were
determined to see Buster’s, which was
established in 1992, and had become a
downtown institution for many young
people in Lexington, continue, although
we weren’t sure how or where.
All of the ingredients for the successful
continuation of Buster’s recently fell into
place, however, when we were presented
with the opportunity to lease the building
known as the Old Tarr Distillery
Warehouse. The Old Tarr Warehouse is part
of the newly minted Lexington Distillery
District, which is located on Manchester
Street less than 2,000 feet to the west of
Rupp Arena and the central business
district of downtown Lexington. The
Manchester Street corridor is heavily
industrial in its current state and is
characterized by empty warehouses, a tow
yard, parking lots and abandoned residential
property. At one time, however, the
Manchester St. area was a thriving hub of
central Kentucky bourbon distillers,
including the Ashland/Old Tarr Distillery
(1st registered distillery in Lexington), the
Lexington Distillery & the James E. Pepper
Distillery (originally Henry Clay Distillery).
At their zenith in the late 1800’s and the
early 1900s, these distilleries produced
more than 36,000 barrels of bourbon per
year, and the bonded warehouses within
this 60-acre distillery area, including the
Old Tarr Distillery Warehouse, housed
over 180,000 barrels of bourbon.
Only the James E. Pepper Distillery
survived Prohibition, both through the
sale of medicinal whiskey and serving as a
concentration house for smaller, rural
concerns. However, by 1969 all the
distilleries had ceased production on
Manchester St. and by the mid-1970s
even the bonded warehouses were no
longer used to age bourbon and were
sold off to other interests. Loss of area
jobs was followed by demolition of
Irishtown’s Lincoln Elementary School
and construction of the High Street
viaduct, and the Manchester Street
corridor began a steady decline into the
desolate and blighted area that existed
until the birth of the Distillery District
concept.
The Distillery District development plan
seeks to restore the historic bourbon
distillery and warehouse structures and to
give them new life as dynamic
entertainment, living, and business spaces.
The sheer size of the buildings will likely
play a role in the success of the
development, as the larger spaces will
allow concepts such as Buster’s room to
grow – Buster’s, reopening as Buster’s
Billiards & Backroom, will be able to
incorporate a mid-size music venue with
capacity for up to 1,000 music fans.
For us, relocating Buster’s in the Old Tarr
Distillery Warehouse is a particularly sweet
opportunity because it gives us the chance
to extend the life of a historic structure and
help to revitalize a blighted yet culturally
and historically significant area that was on
the verge of obliteration. In short, it gives
us the chance to turn lemons into
lemonade by becoming part of the type of
development project that will make us
proud for generations to come.
Fran Taylor,
Tom Cheek &
orary Chairs
2009 AGS Hon
8
P R E S E R V A T I O N
M A T T E R S
P R E S E R V A T I O N
M A T T E R S
13
Thank You to Our Sponsors for making the 12th Annual
Antiques & Garden Show a Success!
◆
platinum circle
gold circle
◆
Mrs. Jake Dowerman
Anonymous
◆
Mr. Alex G. Campbell, Jr.
◆
◆
s i lv e r c i r c l e
◆
Lexington Antique Gallery
Foster and Brenda Pettit
Howard and Mickey Settle
Phil and Trudy Tibbs
◆
Judge and Mrs. Laurance VanMeter
Dr. and Mrs. Woodford S. VanMeter
Mr. and Mrs. William T. Young, Jr.
in kind
◆
Right Insurance (continued from front)
payment would be decreased by 30%,
paying you just $350,000 on that
$1,000,000 building. Not only would you
not have had enough coverage in the policy,
but now that reduced coverage limit is even
further cut by the penalty. There have been
cases in which a building was so drastically
underinsured that the organization received
just pennies on the dollar after the loss. So
how do you know how much coverage to
have? While market values and real estate
appraisals work for the sale and transfer of
real property, they don’t speak to the costs of
building, rebuilding, or restoring the
structure. Insuring your property for what
you could buy or sell it for is never a smart
idea, and will greatly reduce your ability to
recover in the event of an underinsured loss.
Cost estimates for new construction are also
not appropriate for determining the
replacement cost of a historic building, since
they do not take into account the restoration
or replication of damaged historic attributes
such as intricately carved wood moldings,
decorative panels, murals, etc.
The best way to determine the amount of
insurance you need on your building is to
obtain an insurance cost appraisal from an
experienced appraiser with a background in
historic restoration, or from a restoration
contractor who provides this service. Don’t
forget to include costs for architect’s fees,
contractor fees, permits, and other services
you will need during restoration. Once you
have your appraisal, contact your insurance
agent to have your building’s coverage limit
increased to the appraised value.
What Else?
Now that you have the two most
important pieces of the insurance puzzle
handled, check your policy to make sure that
you have coverage for:
Outdoor Property: Any outdoor items such
as stone walls, fencing, gazebos, and
heritage gardens should be insured. Most
policies will automatically provide a very
small amount of coverage, but also offer the
option to increase the limits of coverage to
suit your specific needs.
Collections: Desks, copy machines, and
other typical business property is usually
adequately insured by a standard Business
Personal Property or Contents coverage
form. But art, antiques, and collections need
to be insured using a Fine Arts or Inland
Marine form. This specialized coverage will
Betty and Franklin Hoopes
Edward E. Gage
Ann and Bill Giles
Doug and Kate Hendrickson
A special Thank You to Fran Taylor and Tom Cheek for serving as the
12th Annual Antiques & Garden Show Honorary Chairs!
612
RE
E SS E
ER
RV
VA
AT
T II O
ON
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PP R
MA
AT
TT
TE
ER
R SS
M
provide either Replacement Cost or Market
Value coverage for the items, and can be
tailored to include items in transit, on loan to
another organization, and on loan to you.
Historic Tax Credits: In the event that an
extensive loss causes reclamation of your
historic tax credit, by way of ineligibility for
the local, state, or federal historic register,
Historic Tax Credit coverage provides
protection. For the life of the credit or
incentive, from the time of application to the
end of the reclamation period—even if you
have released that incentive to a third
party—this coverage is essential. What many
owners of historic property don’t realize is
that if the tax credit is reclaimed, your
contractual obligation to the third party does
not cease, and the third party will need to be
repaid. Historic Tax Credit coverage can be
difficult to obtain, as few insurers offer it,
but is an option that is available through
some insurance programs specific to
historic properties.
Liability Coverage for Staff, Volunteers, and
Programs: Learn more about this in a future
Forum News article. Also visit the website of
National Trust Insurance Services,
www.nationaltrust-insurance.org.
How Do We Choose An Insurance Agent?
The fact is, many insurance agents are
unprepared and lack the experience needed
to properly insure a historic property. Work
with an agent who has a track record of
insuring historic properties, as well as
providing risk management solutions for
nonprofit
organizations.
An
agent
experienced with special events, liquor
liability, fine arts, and other coverage
important to your organization will help you
to avoid pitfalls that most standard policies
include. Discuss your operations and
programs openly with your agent, and work
with him/her to come up with solutions that
will not only properly protect your building
and organization, but won’t break the bank.
Hints for Homewoners
Increase your deductible. Most insurance
companies give significant premium
credits for higher deductibles. Nothing
jeopardizes coverage availability and price
stability quicker with insurers than
several
small
claim
submissions.
Increasing your deductible to $1,000,
$2,500, or $5,000 is a great way to offset
the increased premiums associated with
insuring your building properly.
Insist on Guaranteed Replacement Cost
coverage with an insurance company whose
claims philosophy allows for the restoration
(not just replacement) of your historic home.
This would cover you for the full cost of
rebuilding, or restoring, regardless of policy
limit. Guaranteed Replacement Cost is
essential for full protection. Some insurers no
longer offer this coverage, or sell it at 115%
or 125% of the policy limit, but it is available.
Ask your agent to help you find out who
offers Guaranteed Replacement Cost for
historic homes in your area.
Consolidate policies with one insurer,
when possible, to achieve package discounts,
avoidance of coverage gaps, and easier
administration, particularly if common
effective dates are used.
“Itemize” significant valuable items such
as jewelry, art, antiques, silver, cameras, and
musical instruments on a Fine Arts floater, to
avoid policy sub-limits and deductibles, as
well as to obtain breakage coverage for
fragile articles and agreed value for your
valuables. Fine Arts coverage is broadly
defined, with most insurers able to include
paintings, sculptures, oriental rugs, folk art,
multi-media art, antiques, and other items of
rarity or significant value that do not
otherwise have a coverage schedule (such as
furs). This coverage is typically very
inexpensive to purchase.
Take advantage of credits. Insurers offer
many “credits” that lower the cost of
insurance for homeowners who have taken
steps to reduce risks. Consider installing
central station monitored fire and burglar
alarms. Credits are also available for
buildings in gated communities, that are
built or renovated with masonry
construction, and that have had system
upgrades. “Loss free discounts” may be given
to clients who have not made a claim in a
specified time period, usually three years.
Purchase “All Risk” coverage on dwelling
and contents. Many homeowners’ policies
are written on a named peril basis, which
provides more restrictive coverage.
Choose a quality independent agent or
broker who has experience insuring historic
properties and can offer you sound advice.
Your insurance agent is a financial advisor
whose job is to protect what matters most to
you in the event of a loss.
Reprinted with permission, National Trust Forum, National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1785 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202-588-6296,
www.preservationnation.org.
P R E S E R V A T I O N
M A T T E R S
9
If walls could talk
The historic marker on Versailles
Road notes a famous guest at
Keene Place.
(The marker contains an error, however. It
states that a Major John Keen served as Lafayette’s
aidede-camp during the Revolutionary War;
however, that Keen would have been too young for
such a role. The general’s comrade instead was
Keen’s father-in-law, Colonel Abraham Bowman.)
Keene Place was the centerpiece of a plantation
that was home to as many as 35 slaves. As times
changed, the plantation evolved into a horse farm
and the Keenes were listed as “horsemen” in the
United States census. Jack Keene, who was born in
1870 and achieved worldwide acclaim as a trainer,
is the most famous of the family’s horsemen.
New and old
If walls could talk
Built by the Keene family in 1805, Keene Place is one of the oldest homes in Central Kentucky.
Keeneland restores Keene Place and opens its doors to gatherings
After Keeneland purchased the mansion, Susan Haehlen, who at the time was
executive assistant to Keeneland President and CEO Nick Nicholson, volunteered to
serve as project manager for the restoration. Phyllis Rogers and Cathy Schenck at
the Keeneland Library gathered material about the Keene family, mansion and
horses, and Haehlen dove into reading and learning all she could.
“The opportunity to be involved in the restoration of Keene Place has been a
tremendous privilege.” said Haehlen, who currently is Keeneland’s director of guest
services. “I am also grateful to the Keene and Ellis families, who so generously
shared their family photographs and memories, all of which were incredibly helpful
as we worked to return this home to its former place of honor.”
Others involved in the project included the University of Kentucky’s Center for
Keeneland purchased the home in 2003 and began plans for a meticulous
restoration.
Historic Architecture and Preservation, which conducted research on the home
and surrounding property; historic consultant Jim Thomas, former president of
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill; and Phase IV Contractors Inc., a Lexington firm that
specializes in the restoration of historic buildings. Their efforts resulted in a
building that honors the original home while incorporating modern features and
Keeneland’s unique style.
The home was painted “Keeneland cream,” the shutters are “Keeneland green”
and the two front doors—one of which bears a brass knocker that reads “Keene1800”—are a striking shade of red. A new lighted drive that meanders through the
grounds leads to the house, which has a new copper roof and gutters, an energyefficient heating and air-conditioning system, a commercial kitchen, an outdoor
fountain, a parking lot, and is handicapped accessible. Inside are reproductions of
portraits of family members by Matthew Jouett, in addition to commissioned works
by equine artist Larry Wheeler, and other pieces of sporting art.
Jack Keene surely would be pleased with the world-famous racetrack and sales
company that has evolved from his farm. Restoration of Keene Place and the new
opportunity to enjoy the home are the latest tributes to his family.
by Amy Owens
I
f you just recently have noticed the stately
mansion near Keeneland’s Versailles Road
entrance across from Bluegrass Airport and
thought, “I never knew there was a house back
there,” you would not be alone. Overgrown trees
had nearly swallowed the structure when
Keeneland purchased the house in 2003.
The home is Keene Place, built in 1805 by the
Keene family and forever linked to Keeneland. In
1935, noted horseman John O. “Jack” Keene sold his
Keeneland Stud Farm on 147 1/2 adjacent acres,
where he had built a private racetrack, combination
limestone castle and barn and 100,000-gallon water
tank, to a group of Central Kentucky horsemen who
wanted to continue the region’s Thoroughbred
racing tradition following the closure of the Kentucky
Association track in downtown Lexington. What
Keene had begun on his farm became the foundation
of a new track, and Keeneland opened for racing on
October 15, 1936.
Although Jack Keene was probably born and
raised in the house, it is unknown if he lived in the
mansion as an adult. The property passed back
and forth between Keene and his brother George
Hamlet “Ham” Keene (Keene Place was home to
their sister), but he was buried in the family
cemetery behind the home when he died in 1943.
The Keene family sold the house in 1948, and for
more than 50 years it was a private residence first
owned by Mr. and Mrs. Hampton Adams, later passing
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to their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs.
Courtney Ellis. In 2003, Keeneland purchased the
house on 15 acres and plans for the restoration began.
Now Keene Place joins the Keeneland
Entertainment Center, Keeneland Library and
several dining rooms overlooking the track or
paddock that are available for public and private
events ranging from meetings to fundraisers to
weddings. The mansion is considered the perfect
place to hold a brunch before the races or cocktail
parties after the races, something that people for
years have asked Keeneland and track caterer Turf
Catering to accommodate.
“The Keene Place holds a very special
connection to Keeneland’s history,” said Keeneland
President and CEO Nick Nicholson. “Like many
efforts we’ve undertaken here, the renovation
sought to marry innovation and tradition. We
worked with some very skilled craftsman to
preserve the integrity of the house—that unique
essence—while at the same time incorporating
many modern amenities that will enhance its use in
the community. We are so excited to be able to
share it with the public.”
Virginia settled his family in the Lexington area and
developed an estate believed to have raised corn,
wheat and rye used in distilling alcohol, as well as
hemp for rope. Francis Keen’s interests also included
breeding Thoroughbreds.
In the early 1800s, the Keens took up
residence on nearly 1,000 acres on Versailles Road
(then called Versailles Pike) and built their
German-style residence. (The colonial-style front
porch and two one-story rooms that flank the
home were added in 1926.) In 1825, the mansion
welcomed the Marquis de Lafayette of France, for
whom Fayette County is named, who served as an
American General in the Revolutionary War
alongside General George Washington, who
became his close friend. Lafayette’s visit is
commemorated on the Kentucky historic roadside
marker on Versailles Road.
Family History
The first Keene family member to come to
America was John Keen (note the missing third “e”),
who arrived in 1638 and opened a tavern in
Massachusetts. Some 150 years later, Francis Keen of
An early photograph shows Keene Place before additions in
1926 resulted in the home’s familiar appearance.
P R E S E R V A T I O N
A special place
Host to internationally famous Thoroughbred racing
and auctions, Keeneland has a variety of facilities available
for banquets, dinners, weddings, receptions, luncheons,
family reunions, meetings and other functions. Events are
produced by Turf Catering, the only caterer in Keeneland
history.
For more information, visit Keeneland.com and click on
the link titled “More to Do” followed by the link “Plan Your
Event” or call Turf Catering at (859) 288-4147.
Consider the Keene Place for your next
special event. This historic property
accommodates 125 guests for cocktail
receptions (50 guests during April &
October due to parking limitations) and
seated events for a maximum of 50.
Rental fees follow:
Friday, Saturday Evening, $1,500
Sunday thru Thursday Evening, $1,000
Morning Events, $750
The Keene Place upstairs board room
comfortably accommodates 20 and rents
for $400 during the live meet and $350
during non-meet times.
For reservations and menu packages,
please contact Turf Catering
at 859-288-4147.
Amy Owens is a freelance writer and editor based in Lexington.
M A T T E R S
P R E S E R V A T I O N
M A T T E R S
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