Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2024 12 16

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SUMMARY: The applicant requests finding probable cause for landmark designation to allow for funding of a historic structure assessment for 833 LaFarge Avenue. 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 Gigi Yang and Bridget Bacon, Louisville Historical Museum The history of 833 La Farge provides significant insight into the religious and community life of Louisville residents. This location was the original site for the St. Louis Catholic Church and later for the United Pentecostal Church of Louisville. Most notable is the construction of the Pentecostal (Apostolic) Church which was built completely by members of the Parish over several years. The current property at 833 La Farge was built for the Apostolic Church between 1947- 1949. However, the site was the original home of the St. Louis Catholic Church between 1884-1944. Louisville's original St. Louis Catholic Church was located on this parcel and contributed to the community life of this block of Jefferson Place on which so many Italian Catholic families lived. The new St. Louis Church was constructed and relocated to 902 Grant in 1940-42 after years of fundraising. The old St. Louis Church at 833 LaFarge was torn down in 1945 and work began by the United Pentecostal Church to build a new building on the site from the ground up. Under the direction of pastor Mark Baughman, the building was primarily constructed by ten men and boys of the parish who volunteered their time and worked on the construction of the building in the evenings and on Saturdays. Women in the parish also worked to raise financial support. The first service was held in the basement in October of 1948. Construction on the upstairs began in 1949 and was completed in time for Christmas in 1950. The parish consisted of 42 members in 1948. According to a Louisville Times article from 1952, the building was 30' x 50' and included baptistry, Sunday School rooms, and a parsonage. As late as 2000, the First Pentecostal Church was listed in the Louisville Times as a place of worship, however, information on exactly when it stopped being used for services could not be identified. The Apostolic, or Pentecostal, Church owned this property until 2004 when the property was sold to Forrestine C Sutton. In 2008, Louisville City Council approved an adaptive reuse of 833 La Farge as a private residence. Please see the attached Social History Report for a more detailed history.