Here's Why There's Half A House Standing On A Busy Street In Louisville, Kentucky
By Sarah McCosham|Published February 24, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Do you ever pass by a place that makes you stop and do a double take? Whether it’s a pair of lighthouses atop a skyscraper or an actual Witches Tree, there are lots of unique roadside attractions in Kentucky worthy of a second look. Amid the hustle and bustle of Louisville, Kentucky, the Heigold House Facade is one such place: it’s literally half a house standing on a busy street corner.
This is, at first glance, a stately building in Louisville, Kentucky. Until...
Welcome to the Heigold House... well, the Heigold House Facade, as it's colloquially referred. As its name suggests, this is merely the front of a house; its stunning facade the first clue about this building's former life.
Once upon a time, back in the 19th century, a neighborhood east of downtown Louisville called The Point was a thriving community filled with majestic mansions and opulent homes. One of these mansions belonged to a German immigrant and stonemason named Christian Heigold, who completed his house in 1853.
The Point was home to mostly immigrant families, who unfortunately were not always welcomed into the city's community. The character of the neighborhood changed over the years, also because it frequently flooded thanks to its low-lying position near the river and a newly diverted creek. All that to say, the area continued to deteriorate and was practically obliterated during the Great Flood of 1937.
The facade of the Heigold House stood strong and even managed to escape demolish when a dump was expanded to the property. Finally, in 2007, the 70,000-pound structure was moved to its current location at the corner of River Road and Frankfort Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky.
Today, the Heigold House Facade stands stalwart as a reminder of the city's fascinating history. It seems only appropriate that a home originally built to honor both the spirit of America and all of its residents is now positioned proudly in the middle of Louisville, Kentucky.
Have you seen the Heigold House Facade or ever wondered why half a house was erected on a corner of Louisville, Kentucky? Now you know!
Please note: you can visit the Heigold House Facade for yourself, but you’ll want to be careful as it is located along a busy street. There is designated parking along River Road, about a half mile away, and on a nice day, you can even walk from scenic Waterfront Park and all the action happening there!
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