Advocacy in Action: Speak Up for Aylesford!
Blue Grass Trust Responds to Aylesford Rezoning
The Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation continues to stand in strong opposition to the proposed eight-story HUB development at the corner of E. Maxwell and Rose Streets, which threatens to erase twelve National Register–listed historic residences dating to the 1920s. These buildings, including the stone-faced Webb House (255 E. Maxwell) and the Italianate Renaissance Revival apartments (273 E. Maxwell), represent some of Lexington’s earliest purpose-built, multi-family housing—and are vital to the character of the Aylesford neighborhood.
Despite an overwhelming outpouring of public opposition, the Planning Commission voted to approve the rezoning that would allow this massive complex to move forward, disregarding multiple policies in the 2045 Comprehensive Plan that call for preservation, adaptive reuse, and context-sensitive design. The Blue Grass Trust urges all Lexington residents—especially those in Aylesford—to contact their councilmembers and Councilmember Hannah LeGris to request a formal Council hearing on this rezoning decision. We extend heartfelt thanks to the neighbors, students, and preservation advocates who spoke so powerfully in defense of this historic community.
For updates, talking points, and guidance on contacting city officials, please visit our Advocacy webpage. Send your letter prior to October 21 and help us protect one of Lexington’s most historic—and threatened—neighborhoods.
EDUCATION
Hopemont Lecture & Workshop Recap
Our 2025 Hopemont Lecture with Dr. Melynda Price was a sold-out success, drawing our largest audience yet for a powerful discussion on “When the Landscape is Guilty: History, Law, and Understanding the South.” The energy in the room reflected just how timely and important this topic is as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
Early the next day, our Preservation Workshop welcomed professionals, students, and community leaders for an interactive, half-day session exploring how to expand relevancy and inclusivity in public commemoration. Thank you to Dr. Price and to all those who joined us to make these events such a success!
Upcoming November 2025 deTour
Richard B. Isenhour Designed Home | Project 114 Allen
📅 Date: Wednesday, November 5th
⏰ Time: 6PM
📍Where: 2025 Lakeside Drive, Lexington, KY 40502
Join us for a special look inside a 1971 mid-century modern home designed by Richard B. Isenhour, one of Central Kentucky’s leading modernist architects. His work is known for clean lines, open interiors, natural materials, and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor space. He helped introduce modern architecture to Lexington in a way that was both practical and enduring. The residence at 2025 Lakeside Drive was recently renovated by Heller Built Construction, and through their partnership with the homeowners, we are able to offer this exclusive tour.
Street parking will be available throughout the neighborhood. Please note that the home features multiple elevation changes throughout the interior and exterior, so several stairways will be part of the tour experience.
October 2025 deTour Recap
Old Episcopal Burying Ground
On October 1, we explored Lexington's Old Episcopal Burying Ground, established in 1832 by Christ Church and the final resting place of many 19th-century citizens. The cemetery also bears the memory of the 1833 cholera epidemic, which claimed over 500 lives in Lexington.
A highlight of the deTour was a rare chance to step inside the caretaker’s house, offering an up-close look at this historic structure. For those who missed being at this deTour, you can watch live video captured at the event here. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this journey into Lexington’s history, and many thanks to Kopana Terry for the photos!
Upcoming Lecture with Estill Curtis Pennington
LEXTalks: Lord Byron’s Romantic Move to Hopemont
In collaboration with the Lexington History Museum, we’re celebrating a remarkable new addition to Hopemont’s collection—a portrait of Lord Byron by Lexington-born artist William Edward West. Join noted art historian and author Estill Curtis Pennington as he shares insights into West’s life, his Kentucky roots, and his artistic portrayal of one of literature’s great Romantic poets.
This special event offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of art, history, and heritage—and the lasting legacy of Kentucky’s contributions to the fine arts. Don’t miss this free event, be sure to rsvp here!
Thursday, October 30 at 6:30PM
(doors will open at 6PM)
Lexington History Museum
210 N Broadway, Lexington, KY 40507
FREE, but RSVP required!
DIRECT SERVICES
National Register Success Story
Mentelle House on Lincoln Avenue
We are ecstatic to report that the National Park Service has approved our nomination of the Mentelle House (116 Lincoln Ave) to the National Register of Historic Places. Constructed around 1804 and rebuilt in the Gothic Revival style after a fire in the 1840s, it was the long-term home of the colorful Waldemar and Charlotte Mentelle, who had immigrated from France in the late eighteenth century. Charlotte operated a famous boarding school out of the house until 1860 and counted Mary Todd Lincoln amongst her pupils. In the 1880s, B. J. Treacy occupied the property and rented the surrounding land for his world-renowned Ashland Park Stock Farm.
To learn more about the Mentelles and education in early Kentucky, the harness horse breeding industry, and the broader development of the Kenwick neighborhood, download the full nomination from our National Register Designation web page.
It has been a privilege working with the Donahoe family, and we praise their ongoing efforts to preserve the Mentelle House for posterity. To explore our fee-based consulting services, visit our website page here.
Out in the Community
Ashland Living History Event
We enjoyed connecting with visitors from across the country at Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate’s Living History event on September 27. Our Community Outreach Manager, Jackson Osborne, shared resources on historic plaques, deTours, preservation help, and tax credit services—and met many new friends passionate about Central Kentucky’s heritage.
University of Kentucky Collaborations
This season, the Blue Grass Trust has been a frequent presence on the University of Kentucky campus. Dr. Zak Leonard, our historic preservation manager, has been collaborating with Board member Dr. Dan Vivian to produce new research on the former Colored Orphan Industrial Home (644 Georgetown Street) and gave his Introduction to Public History class an overview of National Register listing procedures. Zak also presented a lecture on research tips and tricks to Julie Riesenweber's Documentation Methods class and visited the Gaines Center to explain the evolution of the Aylesford neighborhood. We welcome these opportunities to help train up-and-coming preservationists and foster a further appreciation for Lexington's unique built heritage.
Welcome to the Team, Erica Friis!
We are excited to welcome Erica Friis as our new Lead of Visitor Experience at the Preservation Center at Hopemont! She'll be joining the Blue Grass Trust team in early November. A historic preservation professional with over a decade of teaching experience, Erica brings a rare combination of preservation expertise, program development skills, and strong community connections.
The Lead of Visitor Experience position is made possible through the generous support of the Mellon Foundation, whose grant is helping us expand access, engagement, and impact in historic preservation.
Please join us in welcoming Erica and stay tuned for more updates on the new Preservation Center at Hopemont!
