Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2019 09 16

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SUMMARY: The applicant requests a finding of probable cause for landmark designation to allow for funding of a historic structure assessment for 1133 Main Street. Under Resolution No. 17, Series 2019, a property may be eligible for reimbursement for a historic structure assessment (HSA) from the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) if the Historic Preservation Commission finds "probable cause to believe the building may be eligible for landmarking under the criteria in section 15.36.050 of the Louisville Municipal Code." Further, "a finding of probable cause under this Section is solely for the purposes of action on the pre-landmarking building assessment grant request, and such finding shall not be binding upon the HPC, City Council or other party to a landmarking hearing." HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: Information from Bridget Bacon, Museum Coordinator Since its construction, this home has been consecutively owned by three Italian families: the Tomoro family, the LaSalle family, and (since 1926) the DelPizzo family. The house and this area of Main Street in general are strongly tied to Louisville's Italian residents. This house still exhibits evidence of traditional Italian cultural practices, and the property includes what is believed to be the last beehive - shaped traditional ash pit in Louisville. Filomena Tomoro, an immigrant from Italy, first purchased the property in 1904 and constructed a three room house there. Following a deadly altercation between her husband, Carlo Tomoro, and her brother, Filomena sold the property to Nicholas LaSalle in 1908. Nicholas LaSalle, a Louisville miner, purchased the house at 1133 Main Street and lived there with his mother (Mary) and brother (Joe). Following his death in 1916, the house passed to his sisters (Rose and Mary). They rented the property for several years before selling it in 1926. Rose and Joseph DelPizzo purchased the property in 1926. Joseph immigrated to Louisville from Italy and Rose was born in Louisville to Italian parents. They raised their three children, Lucile, Frank, and Dick, in the house. Joseph worked in the Louisville coal mines until his retirement in 1964. Following his father's death in 1980, Frank continued to live in the house at 1133 Main. Frank DelPizzo passed away in 2019. Co/ LA- azr 451, /2 • ' 4 3 2 ti • k Barclay Place Subdivision At some point prior to the 1948 assessment, a two room addition was added to the house. The DelPizzo's used the basement of the house to store wine that they made as well as prosciutto. The grapes from the vines in the back yard were used to supplement their winemaking needs. In the alley, a beehive -shaped ash pit remains. Once common in Louisville, this may be the last remaining example of this structure. The ash pit was used to store coal ashes from the house as well as for burning trash. 23