Celebrations Milestones for Preservation in 2024
A Year in Review
Celebrating Milestones for Preservation in 2024
As the holiday season brings the year to a close, we’re excited to share the following highlights from an incredible year in preservation, along with a few things to look forward to in 2025. We are so grateful for your continued support, which makes it possible to protect and celebrate Central Kentucky’s historic places and stories. From all of us at the Blue Grass Trust, we wish you a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, reflection, and connection. Thank you for being an essential part of our mission—here’s to even greater success in the year ahead!
Please Note: The Blue Grass Trust offices will be closed from December 23rd and will reopen on January 6th. .
We kicked off the year with a special presentation led by Dr. Zak Leonard, highlighting pivotal milestones from nearly 70 years of history at the Blue Grass Trust. On February 7th, we presented Oral Arguments before the Supreme Court, passionately advocating for the reconsideration of the Commonwealth Building's future. In March, we recognized the 1959 George Schwert House as a plaque awardee, honoring its exceptional mid-century modern design by Richard B. Isenhour and thoughtful renovations that preserve its architectural legacy.
The Blue Grass Trust introduced updated Membership Levels this summer, offering enhanced benefits tied to cumulative donations throughout the fiscal year. During the month of August, we offered new volunteer opportunities, an essential piece in our preservation efforts. In September, we hosted our 2024 Hopemont Lecture featuring Franklin Vagnone, who shared how preservation can inspire innovation and community building.
We unveiled our new Preservation Professionals Directory, connecting property owners with skilled craftspeople and contractors specializing in historic preservation. In October, we hosted our first Member and Guest event, where we celebrated our members and welcomed their guests into our home at Hopemont to share the ongoing work of the Blue Grass Trust. We invited the community to join us as we explored historic preservation projects in Central Kentucky, including our most recent December deTour at the newly completed Gray Design Building—a 1917 tobacco warehouse transformed into a modern, cross-disciplinary hub for innovation and collaboration. With thanks to the University of Kentucky College of Design, participants explored the building’s innovative spaces, including open studios, fabrication labs, classrooms, offices, and event venues.
Cheers to a wonderful and productive 2024!
Wishing you and yours a warm and merry holiday season!
