717 Main St Historic Survey - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Resource Number: 5BL8039 Temporary Resource Number: NjA Architectural Inventory Form (Page 4 of 5) VI. SIGNIFICANCE 37. Local landmark designation: Yes No xx Date of Designation: nia 38. Applicable National Register Criteria xx A. Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; xx B. Associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; xx C. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; D. Has yielded, or may be likely to yield information important in history or prehistory; Qualifies under Criteria Considerations A through G (see Manual). Does not meet any of the above National Register criteria. 39. Area(s) of Significance: Architecture; Community Planning and Development 40. Period of Significance: 1878 - 1950 41. Level of Significance: National: State: Local: xx 42. Statement of Significance As Louisville's oldest known remaining residence, this building is historically significant, relative to National Register Criterion A, for its association with the city's earliest development period, beginning in the 1870s. The building is also significant, under National Register Criterion B, for its associations with Charles Niehoff, William Austin, and Roy Austin (and their families), all of whom made particularly significant contributions to Louisville's socioeconomic development. Finally, the house is architecturally significant, under National Register Criterion C, as Louisville's oldest remaining example of a wood -frame cross gabled dwelling. 43. Assessment of historic physical integrity related to significance: This building's historic integrity has been compromised by additions to the rear (west) elevation, by the application of asbestos shingle siding, and by the alteration of some window openings. This loss of integrity, though, is surpassed by the building's singular historic significance. The property is still able to convey a sense of its historic past, and it is individually eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A, B, and C.