Main Street: A Cultural Outpost

Allan Cowen President & CEO Fund for the Arts Louisville’s arts and cultural offerings have contributed significantly as catalysts for revitalization of Louisville's Main Street. The various organizations are essential to the city's urban cultural district and significant economic impact on a vital downtown life. Entrance into the center of the city, circa 1970. Looking west from 300 block of East Main Street, circa 1930. This area is now anchored by the Center, Slugger Field and other businesses. Louisville Ballet Center was built in 1995. Louisville Ballet Center is a modern warehouse-style building with two large rehearsal studios, the costume shop, wardrobe storage, and administrative offices. The Center received the Honor Award for Excellence in Architectural Design by the chapter of the AIA and was featured in the May 1997 edition of Architecture magazine. Louisville’s West Main District

Louisville’s West Main District is one of the five districts in . It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and boasts the largest collection of cast iron facades of anywhere outside New York’s SoHo district. It also features museum row. The district is bounded by 2nd Street on the east, Market Street on the south, 9th Street on the west, and the Ohio River on the north. 300 Block of West Main Street, circa 1969 – the Bank of Louisville building. Restored in 1972 as the home of Actors Theatre of Louisville after ATL moved from their original home at 7th and West Main Streets. Since 1972, Actors Theatre has expanded to neighboring buildings, for offices, parking and the 627-seat Pamela Brown Auditorium. 5th and Main Streets, circa 1942. 6th and Main, circa 1951. The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts now occupies the north block of West Main Street between 5th and 6th Streets. The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts at 5th and Main Streets. The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts at 6th and Main Streets. The south side of the 600 block of West Main Street, circa 1930’s. The south side of the 600 block of West Main Street now houses businesses, restaurants and galleries. 623 West Main Street, circa 1930’s. 623 West Main Street is home to the Fund for the Arts in the Mary Bingham, Jane Norton Building. 144 North 6th Street. The Ali Center. 700 block of West Main Street, circa 1922 715-717 West Main Street - Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft. In 1984, KMAC was housed in the lower level of 609 West Main Street. In 2001, KMAC renovated 27,000 sq. ft. spread over 5 levels. 727 West Main Street – Louisville Science Center. In 1977, the city of Louisville renovated the former Carter Dry Goods building for the Museum of Natural History and Science – the Louisville Science Center. 800 block of West Main Street, circa 1953. Now home to the Hillerich & Bradsby Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. 800 West Main Street - Hillerich & Bradsby Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. 9th and West Main Street, circa 1936. Now the Frazier International History Museum. 829 West Main Street. The Frazier International History Museum. Main Street: A Cultural Outpost

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Allan Cowen President & CEO Fund for the Arts