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Façade of the Early Twentieth Century Commercial Structure.

Early Twentieth Century Commercial Structure

Site ID: WO-179

Commercial
 
Wolfe
CRA
Unless specified, we cannot provide site location information.

Summary

Consultants working with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet worked to survey the Early Twentieth Century Commercial Structure in 2024. These investigations documented the Early Twentieth Century Commercial Structure at 5412 KY 15 North in Pine Ridge, Wolfe County, Kentucky.  The resource was originally constructed in 1909 and was part of the complex of buildings associated with the Alvan Drew Children’s Home, a self-sustaining orphanage.  When the associated school burned down in 1947, this building was purchased by the Collier family who operated it as a commercial enterprise.  Historic photos show a single gas pump directly in front of the building.  Currently, the structure houses The Brick at the Red River Gorge which features a coffee and ice cream shop on the first floor which also sells locally produced Turtle Farm Pottery.  Upstairs are loft apartments for rent on Airbnb.

Façade of the Early Twentieth Century Commercial Structure.

Findings

Façade and southeast elevation of the commercial building, looking north.

Consultation with Kentucky Heritage Council staff determined that the Early Twentieth Century Commercial Structure is Eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C.  Under Criterion C, it was found to be significant as a rare example of a rural, two-part commercial structure situated at a crossroads in Wolfe County.  In this case, the 'crossroads' is a T-intersection with KY-715 leading to the east entrance of the Red River Gorge and the Gladie Visitor Center.

The two story, three bay commercial structure features a concrete block foundation with brick exterior and is sheltered by a flat, stepped parapet roof.  Ornamentation on the façade includes a repeating corbelled brick pattern near the roofline, brick pilasters at the corners of the façade and inset sections of brick above the outermost windows of the second story and on the pilasters.  A flat roof, one story addition was constructed on the rear elevation sometime during the second half of the twentieth century.  The addition also functions as a base for the wooden staircase which provides access to the apartments on the second floor.  The distinctly demarcated sections of this two-part commercial structure with partially modified commercial windows flanking the central doorway downstairs and the stylistic details of the upper story indicate the varying zones within the building.  The first floor is public facing hosting a commercial business while the upstairs serves as a residential space; that was likely the case earlier in its history as well.



What's Cool?

​The Early Twentieth Century Commercial Structure located at the east entrance to the Red River Gorge in Pine Ridge, Kentucky, remained vacant and in a state of dereliction for many years until the current owners saw the potential in what the resource could be for their community.  Then began the process of purchasing and restoring the structure.  The now restored building has created local jobs and serves as an after school gathering spot (first floor) as well as a place to stay (second floor) for those visiting the gorge.  The Early Twentieth Century Commercial Structure in Wolfe County serves as a great reminder that preserving historic structures is a great asset to the community whether through job creation, boosting tourism or increasing civic pride.  Oftentimes it accomplishes all the above.​

Southeast and northeast elevations of the commercial building, looking west.

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