It’s taken five years, but a bungalow and Tudor Revival style house on Nicholasville Road are now piles of rubble. Due to strident owner opposition, these properties were removed from the boundaries of the Pensacola Park H-1 District in Lexington, Kentucky, when it was approved in 2019. Their demolition may have long been in the works, but their loss further underscores the change in this corridor. Nicholasville Pike, as it was originally known, was once lined with affordable houses located on the interurban line. It is now becoming a freeway flanked by enormous medical complexes and commercial enterprises.* Here’s a little remembrance of these two lost dwellings.
Façade and north elevation of 1733 Nicholasville Road.
1733 Nicholasville Road
This wire-cut brick bungalow had a roomy porch, and gables clad in stucco with a faux half-timbering effect. In 1928, this was the home of John F. Bullard, an assistant chemist at the University of Kentucky. From 1930 through 1935, Dr. Henry and Nell Barnes made their home in this house. Dr. Barnes’ practice “Chiropractice Corrects the Cause of Disease” was located at 201 West Short Street. From 1937-39, Churchill and Eudora Hungarland moved into this house. He was an agent with the Lumbermen’s Mutual Insurance Company. In 1940, this was the residence of George and Katherine Dozier.
Façade of 1737 Nicholasville Road.
1737 Nicholasville Road
The Tudor Revival style house that stood at 1737 Nicholasville Road was built on a stone foundation, and like its neighbor, faux half-timbering was employed in the gable. From 1928 to 1935, this was the home of Roy and Doma Kemper. He was an insurance agent. In 1939, Fanny Marcellino lived here. He was in sales. In 1940, this was the home of Campbell F. Dixon, also a salesman.
*Intact historic pockets remain, of course, on Nicholasville Road. Baptist Health (formerly Central Baptist) annihilated several streets of early 20th century houses on the east side of Nicholasville Road, and the University of Kentucky will soon wipe out everything north of Waller Avenue – and then I imagine the engine of destruction will commence on the blocks south of Waller Avenue.
I grew up on Tahoma Road in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, went to University School and UK. I passed these houses and others like them nearly every day for over 20 years. It was a beautiful corridor to downtown Lexington, with large trees and a variety of homes and small businesses. The Lexington I knew and loved is rapidly disappearing, especially outside New Circle Road. (The “Beltline” in those days.) That’s why my husband and I decided 25 years ago to relocate to Danville, which thankfully is not so congested, at least not yet. Thank you for documenting the old days!
Breaks my heart!
The first picture just hit me….there are three almost exactly like that one in a row north of Courtview on the same side of the room. Have met the three current owners and love their homes and locations…………….