Our town is blessed with a rich history and several entities dedicated to preserving that history. The Ludlow Historic Society, Ludlow Heritage Museum, and Urban Design Review Board are three of those groups which share the similar interest of preserving and celebrating our town’s history.
LUDLOW HISTORIC SOCIETY, INC.
By Ruth Bamberger, Former LHS Board President, Founding Member
The Ludlow Historic Society (LHS) was founded in 2010 as a non-profit organization by a group of citizens committed to preserving the architectural character of Ludlow. Its Mission Statement gives priority to research, interpretation and promotion of Ludlow’s unique neighborhoods and buildings, as well as advocacy for and investment in the city’s historic structures dating from the early nineteenth century.
In keeping with its mission, the Society has sponsored home and walking tours, historic neighborhood parties in the oldest section of town near Somerset Hall, and festivals and lectures celebrating local history (the heyday of the railroad and the Lagoon Amusement Park), The Society also accomplished its major goal of creating an official Historic District in 2019 which has generated improvements and renovation of buildings between Elm St. and the river. Two homes in the District have been restored by the LHS since 2017.
The LHS works closely with the Urban Design Review Board (UDRB), created to establish guidelines for building renovations in the Historic District. Expertise for this Board has come from architects and construction professionals who are active in the LHS. Likewise, LHS is collaborating with the Ludlow Heritage Museum in its current project of restoring the Storehouse at the Ludlow Railyard; this building is a late nineteenth Victorian gem Illustrating the architectural genius of the era, and is unique to Northern KY railroad buildings.
LHS membership is open to anyone with an interest in Ludlow history and architecture. Annual dues are $25 Individual, $40 Family, $200 Lifetime (cash or check or PayPal to Ludlow Historic Society, Inc.). A new website will go online in the near future, and dues can be paid via that portal.
THE LUDLOW HERITAGE MUSEUM
By Mark Mitchell, LHM Board President, Founding Member
Our organization first met in April of 2010. That year we were established as a non-profit 501c3 organization and incorporated as the Israel Ludlow Historical Society. Interest was expressed in creating a community museum and the Ludlow Heritage Museum opened in 2011. Since then, we have been doing business as the Ludlow Heritage Museum.
Besides expanding our displays and collections, we also participate in events and projects outside of the museum. Our events have included Ludlow's "Party on the Plaza" in 2021; "Ludlow Railroad Heritage Day" in 2022; involvement in NKY Heritage Day; and other opportunities.
Our next celebration is the Ludlow Heritage Festival.to be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024. It will be located on the Ludlow City Plaza and extend to the Ludlow Storehouse at Oak and Carneal Streets. For interest as a vendor contact us through our website.
On the subject of our community projects, the museum unveiled two historical markers in Ludlow...Somerset Hall in 2014 and Elmwood Hall in 2020. In 2020, we were offered the Southern RR Caboose X554 which was then located in Junction City, Kentucky.. Our donors provided the funds for the move and the caboose was brought to Ludlow for restoration . In 2021, the transformed caboose was placed on the Ludlow City Plaza.
Our current project is our biggest undertaking yet. The restoration of the Ludlow Storehouse as the future site of the Ludlow Heritage Museum is well underway. This structure from Ludlow’s railroad days is of historical and architectural significance. Once again volunteers, donors and local businesses have stepped in to help with this monumental task.
Sign up sheets for volunteers and donation opportunities are provided on our website. If you are interested in becoming involved with the Ludlow Heritage Museum, please contact us.
LUDLOW URBAN DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
By Andy Corn, UDRB Chair
Cities like Ludlow are undergoing a revival as people move back to urban areas.
People want homes convenient to their workplaces, schools, shopping and
entertainment. Ludlow has a special character and deep history which is attractive to current and new residents. It is recognized that these traits must be protected if Ludlow is going to continue to thrive.
Creation of a Historic District became an avenue to meet this need. Ludlow created a Historic District in 2019 just as Covington, Newport, Bellevue and Dayton had already instituted in their respective cities. Ludlow’s District is bound by both sides of Elm Street on the south, the Ohio River on the north, the railroad overpass to the east, and Adela Avenue on the west.
What is a Historic District?
It is an area of historic significance that includes architecture worthy of preservation. Historic properties have special qualities that once gone can never be replaced. Historic Districts and Historic Design Guidelines are put in place to protect the history, architecture, and character of that community.
Why is a Historic District beneficial to Ludlow?
Preserves the unique architecture of the city.
Fosters ownership of quality housing stock.
Contributes to the overall quality of the neighborhood.
Encourages development in the city and attracts a diversity of businesses.
Protects and increases property values.
How is one’s property in the District affected?
Property owners are not required to update their buildings, however if an owner plans to initiate new exterior changes to a building’s façade, this work would be subject to approval by the Urban Design Review Board (UDRB). The UDRB is the city appointed committee authorized to make sure proposed work is in keeping with the neighborhood's architectural character.
While this body has oversight of projects, its priority is to give assistance to applicants before the work starts. The members of the UDRB have architecture, real estate, construction management, and home renovation backgrounds. The Urban Design Review Board meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Lower Level Meeting Room at the Ludlow Municipal Center, 51 Elm Street, Ludlow, KY. These meetings are open to the public.
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