Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2024 10 21

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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 641 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, Louisville Historical Museum The property at 641 Main Street is part of the original plat of Louisville, making it one of the oldest buildings in the city. After being owned by a couple members of the German immigrant Rosenbaum family, it was the home of English immigrant Thomas Thirlaway, his wife Rebecca, and their family for over 30 years, beginning in 1884. In 1917, it was then the home and office for four consecutive Louisville doctors, including Dr. Walter Snair who was also a mine doctor and his wife Lulu Snair who was active in Louisville women's organizations, Dr. Jack Bartholomew, Dr. Walter Boyd who was known to deliver many babies in Louisville and later joined the US Army Medical Corps during World War II, and Dr. Leonard Becker, who was the last doctor to reside and practice at the property in 1946. From 1946 onward, the property served as a home for multiple owners until 1995 when the property was sold to the current owner and converted to commercial use. It is currently the location of Moxie Bread Company. Please see the attached Social History Report for a more detailed history.