626 South Eighteenth Street (House), Louisville

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS KY,56-LOUVI,85-. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

626 South Eighteenth Street is significant within the context of the Russell National District listed in This structure is typical of houses that were built throughout this particular neighborhood during the late and early centuries. And is contributing to the neighborhood in that it is consistent in size and scale to other residential structures. The structure and its neighbor to the north are similar in facade and plan indicating a series of this type. And yet the structures are unique to the area in their decorative detailing. Description: 626 South Eighteenth Street is an example of a very simple one-story wood clad low Victorian, stick style influenced structure, and features framed construction on top of a brick foundation.

The uniqueness of this structure is found within the detailing stemming from the stick tradition, a style that peaked in the corresponding with the time of construction. This influence can be found within the intricate decorative truss detailing in conjunction with the varied pattern of wood shingles applied in the triangular space created by the stickwork upon the facade. Missing are the original door and possible limestone stoop. Within their place is a brick porch addition. The original roof standing seam metal has been replaced with an asphalt fiberglass shingle. The roof features an overhang along its gutter side and a minimal 11" overhang along the gable end in front. The original wood lap siding is 4" exposure with thin (1 corner boards at the outside corners.

Windows originally were 1 over 1 design. Significant alterations to the house are made in the rear. This enlargement of the rear of the structure creates a rear porch and bath that is consistent with typical enlargements of this prototype. History: A search of the Jefferson County Property Evaluation Administration records indicate that Gardner was the original recorded owner of the tract of land. Though through a search of the Louisville City Directory indicate the first recorded structure dates 626 South Eighteenth Street was first occupied by Michael a local watchman. An interesting note, the family occupied this structure for 35 years. Following Michael and Mary was Katherine who operated as a dressmaker on site for 8 years. Source: Caron's Directory of the City of Louisville.

Louisville: Caron Directory Company, 626 SOUTH EIGHTEENTH STREET (House) HABS No. KY- 253 (Page 2) Sanborn Insurance Maps. Sanborn Map Company: Pelham, New York, Jefferson County Clerk, Deed Records,

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS KY,56-LOUVI,85-. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

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