07.25.2023

Today’s Forecast

84º | Mostly sunny | Sunrise 6:51 a.m. | Sunset 8:45 p.m.

Say goodbye to the Witch’s Hat

Hogan’s Fountain Pavilion will be demolished this week

Hogan’s Fountain Pavilion was built in 1965 and mimicked a tee pee shape with an exaggerated roof form, characteristic of 1960s commercial architecture. | Photo by LOUtoday

Hogan’s Fountain Pavilion, more commonly referred to as the “Tee Pee” or “Witch’s Hat,” has avoided demolition more than once over the course of 60 years — but this time, its final days are certain.

The 1960s-era picnic shelter in Cherokee Park, recognizable by its octagonal shape and steep roof, has been closed since May 2022 due to safety concerns around its imminent collapse.

After a fourth structural assessment was concluded last month, the city issued an emergency demolition order, and demo crews moved into the area yesterday.

Ultimately, damage to the foundation sparked the order, but other issues were also cited, including:

Consistent cracking in the stone veneer
Increased cracking in at least one part of the pavilion where portions of the stone veneer can be removed by hand
An unstable steel casing connection plate

The prior three assessments all recommended the city either make structural support repairs — which were estimated to cost $900,000-$1.3 million — or demolish it to prevent unexpected and uncontrolled collapse. “Shoring a structure of this type and deteriorated condition will be a very dangerous, difficult, and expensive operation,” the report states.

But like we said, the fate of the Witch’s Hat isn’t new. Its removal was included in Louisville Metro Parks and Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s 2010 Master Plan. It called for the Tee Pee shelter to be replaced with a smaller, 25-person shelter.

The plan led to the forming of a preservation group dubbed Save Hogan’s Fountain Pavilion, which was committed to saving the architectural structure. Over the last 10+ years, the group successfully delayed its demolition and raised funds for roof repairs made in 2013.

While the preservation efforts were making strides, the city deemed the pavilion beyond repair and too unsafe to remain standing.

Post-demolition, Louisville Parks and Recreations will conduct a public input process to get feedback on what Louisvillians want to see in its place.

Asked

What do you want to see replace Hogan’s Fountain Pavilion?

Share your ideas

Events

Tuesday, July 25

The Chicks World Tour 2023 | Tuesday, July 25 | 7:30 p.m. | KFC YUM! Center, 1 Arena Plaza, Louisville | $36.50-$134.50 | See the classic country group that became the first female band in chart history to have three No. 1 albums.

Wednesday, July 26

WFPK Waterfront Wednesday | Wednesday, July 26 | 5-10:30 p.m. | Big Four Lawn, 1101 E. River Rd., Louisville | Free | Gates open at 5 p.m. for this three-show concert with Bettye LaVette, Steven Page of the Barenaked Ladies, and Jameron.
Free Movie Night: “The Sandlot” | Wednesday, July 26 | 8:30 p.m. | Iroquois Amphitheater, 1080 Amphitheater Rd., Louisville | Free | See this classic baseball movie on the big screen.

Thursday, July 27

Nerd Nite Louisville | Thursday, July 27 | 7-9 p.m. | Gravely Brewing Co., 514 Baxter Ave., Louisville | Free | Learn about “yardening,” filmmaking, and how to live out of a suitcase from three speakers during their TED-style talks.

Friday, July 28

Locust Grove on the River | Friday, July 28 | 7-9 p.m. | Belle of Louisville, 401 W. River Rd., Louisville | $18.99-$39.99 | Learn about life on the river through storytelling, hands-on activities, 18th-century games, and tasting stations.

Saturday, July 29

Cat Tattoo Flash Benefit Event | Saturday, July 29 | 12-8 p.m. | Mama Tried Tattoo Parlour, 1052 Bardstown Rd., Louisville | Free | Support Alley Cat Advocates by getting a flash tattoo at this Highlands shop.
2023 Summer Beer Fest at Frazier | Saturday, July 29 | 5-8 p.m. | Frazier History Museum, 829 W. Main St., Louisville | $55-$85 | Sample 200+ craft beers at this Main Street shindig.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Home

Real Estate

Talk color to me

Presented by a LOUtoday Partner

A before and after of a living room transformation

This living room was transformed by a deep jewel shade of blue. | GIF by LOUtoday; Images provided by Shoshanna Color and Interior Design

Looking to transform your drab living space into an Instagram-worthy one? You’re speaking Shoshanna Portman’s language. The owner of Shoshanna Color and Interior Design has a passion for helping Louisvillians to add more color + style to their homes.

Color not only impacts a space, but our mood, too. Whether a bold jewel tone or a soft neutral, color adds interest and depth. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to make a significant change.

Here’s what to expect during a Color Consultation with Shoshanna:

You’ll walk through your space together as she asks intuitive questions to learn the style, feel, and look you’re wanting.
She’ll select some colors she thinks will work based on the conversation and see if any call to you in the space.
You’ll then look at the specific color from different angles in the light to ensure that it still speaks to you.
She’ll leave you with larger samples and a form that lists the colors, sheen, and products for you to give to your contractor and keep for your records. Bonus: She also keeps a copy of that form for five years if you ever need it in the future.

Schedule an in-home color consultation from the expert below before selecting your paint colors.

Add color to my home

News Notes

Civic

Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel is Louisville’s new Chief of Police. Jacquelyn, who was serving as the interim chief, was chosen out of 20 candidates from across the US. So far, she has implemented LMPD’s first nonfatal shooting unit, expanded the Crisis Call Diversion Program, and opened a wellness center for officers.

State

Louisville Gas and Electric is looking to retire several coal-fired and natural gas electric generators throughout the state between 2024 and 2027 — and your input is wanted. Five public meetings are scheduled throughout the Commonwealth, including one in Louisville on Wednesday, Aug. 16. Comments can also be emailed. (WDRB)

Real Estate

The most expensive home sold in Jefferson County at the end of June was a 2016 Homerama dream home in Norton Commons. The six-bedroom, 5,512-sqft house went for $1.37 million. Second on the list, a $995,000 single-family residence in Indian Hills. (Louisville Business First)

Arts

A downtown mural commemorating the 2020 social justice protests was unveiled on the side of NIMBUS marketing agency’s third street building. “Twan’s Gift” was commissioned through Louisville’s Board of Public Art + is based off of a photo taken during a protest at the State Capitol. (WHAS11)

Theater

The premiere of “LADY M,” a new ballet based on“Macbeth,” will take the Central Park stage on Wednesday, Aug. 2 and run through Sunday, Aug. 6. The show was choreographed by Louisville Ballet Company artist Roger Creel and is part of the free Shakespeare in Dance series with Kentucky Shakespeare.

Film

Roll that beautiful Downtown Drive-In footage. Louisville Downtown Partnership is looking for volunteers for its free outdoor movie night series made possible by its new CineBus. The events take place on select Fridays through October at the Brown-Forman Amphitheater. Contact Deidre Holmes to help make the movie magic happen.

Outdoors

In an effort to control mosquitos, The Department of Public Health and Wellness treats 14,500 catch basins, 8,982 miles of swampy areas + places 148 traps around the county each year. To report a mosquito problem in your neighborhood, call Metro311.

Travel

Catching a flight this summer? Consider adding extra time to navigate the airport during the busy summer travel season. Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) suggests arriving two and a half hours before your flight’s departure to allow plenty of time to park, check in, and go through the security.*

Wellness

Heal your body from the inside out — the holistic way — at Elivate Wellness. Their wellness providers analyze + optimize patients’ hormone levels to help them reach optimal wellness (along with laser therapy treatments, expert supplement recommendations + exceptional, empowering care). Start your journey.*

History

Louisville’s Hollywood signs

Louisville’s most iconic landmarks

Explore the Big Four Bridge after sundown to see this landmark illuminated. | Photo by Jacob Zimmer

We’ve all been there: Someone’s trying to give you directions by describing 10 lefts, 20 rights, and a jumble of cardinal directions. Isn’t it easier to just point out a landmark?

That’s exactly what we’re doing. Here are 11 of the most recognizable landmarks in Derby City.

Big Four Bridge
Address: 1101 River Rd.

Before visitors could walk across this half-mile pedestrian bridge connecting Waterfront Park to downtown Jeffersonville, IN, it was a functioning railroad bridge. In use from 1895, the bridge sat untouched from 1969 until it opened as the Big Four in 2013.

Ollie’s Trolley
Address: 978 S. 3rd St.

What makes this small hamburger operation notable is that it’s located inside an old trolley car. It opened in Derby City in 1973 and grew to have nearly 100 other locations across the country, but the Ollie Burger never really caught on, leaving the landmark restaurant in Old Louisville one of three remaining locations.

9 more landmarks

Share LOUtoday

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_17}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Katie

From the editor

Caufield’s Novelty is my favorite landmark in Louisville. As a kid, my dad would take my sister and I to see the giant bat on weekends. We spent what felt like hours inside Caufield’s looking at costumes and trying to muster up the courage to step foot in the dungeon.

Missed our previous newsletter?

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY