The first two floors of the mansion will be Kaila Washington and Gabe Jones’s house, while the third floor will be a short-term rental. | Photo by LOUtoday
Hi LOUtoday, City Editor Declan here. Earlier this month, on a cold January day, I stepped inside an old, three-story mansion in the Russell neighborhood — and when I did, the cold followed me right in. The house is drafty. There’s plastic covering the broken windows and the cold still creeps in —though the space heaters are putting up an admirable fight
But my shivers quickly disappeared after the warm welcome I received from the home’s owners, Kaila Washington and Gabe Jones Jr., staved off the winter’s chill. The passion they have for their renovation project radiates, filling the place with a warmth neither wind nor snow could damper.
The couple bought the 11,000-sqft Victorian mansion back in 2021 to restore it to its former glory. They’ve documented their progress on their Instagram, Remaking a Mansion, and were recently featured in season 7 of “In With The Old,” streaming now on Max.
Hootenanny with John Gage & Friends | 7-9:30 p.m. | All Peoples UU | $15 | Bring your instruments, or just your voice, for a night of music led by a local musician.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Cafe LOUIE | Saturday, Feb. 1 | 9 a.m. | Western + Iroquois Branch Libraries | Free | Meet with your council members and state representatives for coffee.
Paula Poundstone | 8 p.m. | Kentucky Center for the Arts | $40+ | See the comedian you might know from NPR’s “Wait, Wait... Don’t Tell Me” or her award winning book, “The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness.”
Sunday, Feb. 2
Coming Out (of the Collection) | 12-1 p.m. | Speed Art Museum | $15 | Join Speed Museum docent Aris Spagnuolo for a tour of queer and trans artists featured in the collection — free with your admission to the museum.
Creig Ewing Presents | 7-8:30 p.m. | TEN20 Craft Brewery | $15 | Enjoy a night of beer, pizza, and comedy curated by a local comic.
Bus routes will be restored to six JCPS schools following a Jefferson County Board of Education vote earlier this week. The district has transitioned 68 former TARC drivers to driving school buses, allowing them to restore some of the routes cut last fall. (WHAS11)
Community
It’s almost time to play tourist, LOU. The Downtown Hometown Tourist Celebration begins Saturday, Feb. 1 and runs through Monday, Feb. 10. Get deals at participating local museums, restaurants, and more by showing your local ID.
Sports
Take me out to the ball game. The Louisville Bats have unveiled their 2025 promo schedule. Opening night at Slugger Field will be Friday, March 28 + feature entertainment by the Zooperstars, fireworks, and a game against the Memphis Redbirds.
Eat
Louisville Restaurant Week is returning next month, running Monday, Feb. 24-Sunday, March 2. Participating restaurants will donate $1 from each meal to Feed Louisville + offer prix fixe meals and other specials. (Courier Journal)
Try This
Number eight, garden gate. Play bingo while you shop for plants at Mahonia tomorrow, Jan. 31 at Plant Bingo night. You’ll get a 15% discount on any purchases, with a chance to win plants + merch as your bingo prizes.
Listen
The Louisville Cardinals extended their winning streak to 10 games this week, completing an undefeated January with a dominant 72-59 victory over Wake Forest. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Health
Ready to feel better about your weight-loss goals? Through Hims & Hers, you’ll get the cheapest 12-month GLP-1 plan†, plus expert care and personalized support. From custom medications to snack ideas in the app, it’s all designed just for you. Start your free assessment.*
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. This one even offers 5% cash back on your purchases, helping you save even more while you pay down your debt.*
Wellness
Simplify healthy living for your whole family. Thrive Market brings groceries free from 1,000+ harmful ingredients right to your doorstep. Sign up to get 30% off your first order, plus a free gift valued at $60.*
†Please note: Comparison based on 12-month plan prices for compounded semaglutide from 12 leading competitors as of December 2024.
Category
Holiday
Happy Lunar New Year
Louisville’s River Lotus Lion Dance group will perform at the Crane House Annual Gala at the Speed Museum this weekend. | Photo by LOUtoday
The Lunar New Year started yesterday, but there are still plenty of opportunities to celebrate around Derby City.
Chinese Spring Festival Gala, Ursuline Arts Center Join the Kentuckiana Chinese School for a night of performances, food, and raffle prizes. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $7 for children. Get yours ahead of time — they won’t be sold at the door. The festivities begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1.
Lunar New Year, Louisville StrEatery This local food hall will feature indoor street food, a shopping market, and lion dance performances from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1.
Lunar New Year Celebration, Buddha Blessed Temple Head to this temple at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2 for a celebratory service that will include a blessing, dragon + lion dancers, fireworks, and cultural activities. There’s no cost to attend, but you can RSVP.
The Buy
The Buy
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Dress up your space with these adorable + affordable decorations.
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