Victory for Aylesford + Your Holiday Preservation Gift Inside
Celebrating a Milestone Year
Plus, a special gift for you!
As 2025 comes to a close, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support during one of the most eventful years in our 70-year history. Together, we protected endangered historic places, expanded access to preservation resources, and continued growing a community that cares deeply about the region we love. To say thank you, we’re delighted to share a special holiday gift!
Announcing the Virtual Tour of Early Log & Stone Buildings
Blue Grass Trust's new virtual tour of Central Kentucky's early log and stone buildings is now live on our Tour the Historic Bluegrass site! This geolocated survey reinterprets some of the region's most iconic properties while also drawing attention to numerous compromised resources and ongoing preservation projects.
We are grateful for essential support from the Kentucky Historical Society, the National Trust Preservation Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Kentucky Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities. We hope you enjoy getting to explore the historic log and stone buildings of Kentucky!
ADVOCACY
New Life for Historic Stone Tavern
Developer Asks for Limited Partners to Invest in Rehabilitation
Since late 2024, Blue Grass Trust has been working to rescue the O'Neal/Graves Stone Tavern at 5023 Old Versailles Road, which was built in the 1820s or 30s. A coaching inn that serviced horse caravans transporting goods from Louisville to Lexington, this National Register-listed asset is one of the only extant stone taverns in the region. We have produced a detailed history of the building and Slickaway/Fort Spring, the settlement in which it is located. Recently, Blue Grass Trust has been in communication with the new owner, Jusco Group, to discuss rehabilitation strategies and historic tax credit incentives. Jusco is currently looking for investment (limited) partners to assist in this endeavor.
Interested parties may consult their proposal here and reach out to Jusco directly (info@juscogroup.com). We are confident that this rare resource—with some vision, creativity, and collaboration—can be brought back to its former glory.
Victory at Aylesford!
Latest on E. Maxwell Rezoning
Preservation wins the day and the future looks brighter. Just before midnight on November 19, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council voted 8–7 in favor of saving the historic block along East Maxwell — reversing the rezoning that would have led to demolition of 12 National Register-listed homes.
The community showed up—and it mattered. Dozens of young advocates filled council chambers and overflow rooms. Hours of compelling testimony demonstrated exactly why these vibrant, historic neighborhoods deserve protection.
Our leadership, staff, neighbors, and partners worked tirelessly, and with passion, to secure this win. This moment will serve as a galvanizing force for a new generation of preservation advocates. Protecting this block is only the beginning.
Dr. Zak Leonard’s powerful op-ed, “Don’t destroy the historic, affordable housing options that benefit Lexington,” in the Herald-Leader examines the critical balance between development and preservation in Lexington's urban core. Read about the recent Council victory and what's at stake for our historic neighborhoods as development pressures continue to mount.
EDUCATION
Upcoming January 2026 Virtual deTour
Valley View Ferry | Wednesday, January 7 at 6:00 PM
Tune in here on January 7 at 6 PM for our first virtual deTour of the year as we cross the Kentucky River aboard the Valley View Ferry, Kentucky’s oldest continuously operating business, running since 1780, even before statehood.
Founded by Revolutionary War veteran John Craig, the ferry was granted a permanent franchise in 1785. Famous passengers over the years included Daniel Boone, Henry Clay, and Ulysses S. Grant. After more than 200 years of private ownership, it became a joint effort of Fayette, Madison, and Jessamine counties in 1991.
Today, the ferry operates by cables stretched between four 55-foot towers and carries up to three cars at a time. Funded by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, it remains free to the public and transports cars daily. Join this virtual deTour to see both the history and present-day operation of this enduring Kentucky landmark!
December 2025 deTour Recap
Euphrasia Hall
For our final in-person Blue Grass Trust deTour of the year, we visited Euphrasia Hall, now home to Isaiah House, Jubilee Jobs, Lexington Rescue Mission, Cuddles & Coo Diaper Pantry, and Micah Legal. Originally built as a dormitory for the nuns of St. Joseph Hospital, this storied building holds generations of Lexington’s history within and beneath its walls!
On this special evening, guests had the rare opportunity to explore the tunnel running under Second Street, once used by the nuns to safely reach the hospital. Together, we uncovered the fascinating history of Euphrasia Hall and celebrated the building’s enduring legacy of compassion and community service.
We want your feedback!
As we reflect on another successful year of deTours, we want to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to complete our brief survey. Your feedback will directly shape our 2026 programming and help us create even better experiences in the new year!
DIRECT SERVICES
Blue Grass Trust Assists Catholic Diocese with St. Peter National Register Nomination
Constructed between 1927 and 1929, the neo-Romanesque St. Peter Catholic Church at 141 Barr Street (Lexington) was designed by prolific architect Edward Schulte, who specialized in religious buildings. The Catholic Diocese of Lexington, which is in the process of nominating this property to the National Register of Historic Places, commissioned BGT to produce a history of the site and a detailed architectural description. For more information on our property research consulting service and samples of past work, please visit our webpage or click the link below!
Join Our Preservation Professionals Directory!
Are you a craftsperson, contractor, or service provider with experience working on historic homes and properties? The Blue Grass Trust invites you to join our Preservation Professionals Directory—a trusted public resource connecting property owners with skilled professionals who specialize in historic preservation work.
This directory helps homeowners easily find qualified service providers while supporting Kentucky's preservation community. By joining, you'll gain visibility among property owners actively seeking expertise in maintaining and restoring historic structures. A one-year listing is $150. This fee helps us maintain and promote the directory, ensuring the community has access to a comprehensive network of preservation-minded professionals. Learn more and apply today!
Working on your own preservation project?
Explore our Preservation Professionals Directory
See who’s listed and discover the professionals available to assist with historic properties! If you have any questions, please contact Jackson Osborne, Community Outreach Manager, at josborne@bluegrasstrust.org or 859-253-0362. Help us strengthen the network of professionals supporting the care of Kentucky’s historic places!
