What makes Old Louisville different
Old Louisville is the third-largest historic preservation district in the US (after the French Quarter in New Orleans and Old Town in Savannah). About 1,400 contributing structures, mostly built between 1880 and 1920. The district is on the National Register of Historic Places, and Louisville Metro Landmarks Commission has jurisdiction over exterior changes to contributing properties.
What that means for your renovation
Any change visible from the street needs a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Landmarks Commission before you start. The COA process is 4-6 weeks and costs $50-$500 depending on scope. The commission reviews the proposed changes against the district design guidelines.
What you can do without a COA
Interior work that does not affect the exterior envelope: kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, electrical and plumbing updates, HVAC replacement, basement finishing, interior paint, flooring.
What you cannot do without COA approval
Replace windows (must be appropriate to the period). Replace or alter the front door. Change the siding material. Change the roof material. Add a structure visible from the street. Change the paint color from the approved palette.
What to keep
Original wood floors. Original wood trim, baseboards, crown molding. Original windows (restore, weatherstrip, add interior storms). Original plaster walls. Original light fixtures. Original fireplace mantels. Original staircase. Buyers in Old Louisville value these features.
What to update
Electrical (knob-and-tube is a fire hazard). Plumbing (original cast iron or lead pipes need replacement). HVAC (most Old Louisville homes lack central air). Insulation. Kitchen and bathrooms (fully modern is fine; just do not move the kitchen sink to a location that requires changing a window).
The cost premium
Renovating in Old Louisville runs 15-25% more than equivalent work in newer Louisville neighborhoods. The flip side: restored Old Louisville homes command a significant premium per square foot over comparable updated homes in non-historic neighborhoods.
Common mistakes
(1) Replacing original wood windows with vinyl. (2) Removing original plaster in favor of drywall. (3) Adding vinyl siding over original wood siding. (4) Cheaping out on the kitchen. (5) Going to the lowest bidder.
How we work in Old Louisville
We have done several projects in the district. We have relationships with the Landmarks Commission staff and know what gets approved and what does not. If you are considering work on an Old Louisville home, give us a call and we will come look at it with you — free, no obligation.