Preservation Alliance of ODC

Bates Building architectural glory reappears!

2012-01-25T12:07:00.002-06:00

The Bates Building (Owensboro Savings Bank & Trust), erected and expanded 1883-1905, is located in the heart of Downtown Owensboro's commercial historic district at 101 W 2nd Street. Terry Woodward, who has rehabilitated several downtown historic buildings, has set his sights on returning this key landmark to its architectural glory...

Another one bites the dust...

2012-01-25T11:23:00.002-06:00

Erected in 1885, this ordinary building from the Victorian age, served its owners and our community for 126 years. Although it was square and strong, all of its similar neighbors fell many years ago, leaving it the last artifact isolated from any preservation district. It is not surprising that it now succumbs, relegated to the memories of those who knew it and those who will recycle its hard clay bricks into patios and garden walls. So, life goes on...

Bowling Green preserving its historic buildings

2010-06-10T19:17:00.002-05:00

Look how Bowling Green is taking advantage of a 1921 gas station to celebrate its history with the automobile... http://www.bgdailynews.com/articles/2010/05/17/news/news4.txt

SURVEY: Future of the Owensboro Armory

2010-03-10T13:21:00.006-06:00

The Owensboro Armory on West Parrish Avenue at Moreland Park has been used for both military and community activities since its opening in 1949.

In 2002 it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places, along with several other armories across Kentucky. The Owensboro Armory's Modern Movement-style architecture is a significant physical representation of the National Guard in Kentucky during the period 1934-1952. It possesses integrity of location, setting, materials, design, and is recognizable as an armory.

A new Kentucky National Guard "readiness center" (what armories are called today) is being constructed near the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport. It should open by March 2012. The city is purchasing the old Armory, and will lease it back to the state until the Guard moves to the new readiness center.

The city has not determined the future of the old Armory, once it is vacated by the Guard. Since late 2009 the city unveiled a conceptual plan that would demolish the building and replace it with a storm water detention facility to reduce neighborhood flooding and keep storm water from overwhelming the combined sanitary sewer system.

In 2008 the Kentucky Department of Military Affairs declared the old Armory and grounds surplus property in anticipation of the new readiness center project. The state began the process of disposing of the old Armory and it discontinued all but basic maintenance. A window replacement program that had previously been started was dropped before the front windows were replaced.

The building appears structurally sound and in generally good condition. Of course, it needs some updates. But, it is still a functionable structure and could house a variety of uses, if the city chose to preserve it.

Preservation Alliance of Owensboro-Daviess County would like to know your opinions about the future of the Armory. Take the survey here... http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XYRLV27.

Thank you for your interest.

PAUpdate in a Blog!

2009-07-29T07:03:00.001-05:00

Preservation Alliance of Owensboro-Daviess County Inc. now has a blog!

We hope to share timely updates with our supporters and everyone who supports historic preservation.

Watch for new content.