Case study

PRESERVING OUR TIMELESS, HISTORIC LANDMARKS

Louisville Water Company

Louisville Water Company’s roots trace back as far as 1860, with some of the buildings still powering today’s regional water supply, dating to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Over time, wear and tear takes its toll, even on the most well-built structures.

When JRA was charged with breathing new life into these extraordinary architectural gems, we pledged to celebrate the vision of the original designers and to reinvigorate the buildings in their intended forms. And with the drinking water of nearly 1 million people at stake, a delicate touch was essential.

“JRA’s work to restore the company’s Gothic Gatehouse and its last remaining steam engine will help Louisville Water beautifully share its nearly 160-year story of delivering drinking water. ”

Kelley Dearing Smith
Vice President, Communications and Marketing
Louisville Water Company

What we set out to do

Restore Our Community Landmarks
Maintain the Integrity of Original Materials
Improve Functionality
Minimize Environmental Impacts

After years of service, two of Louisville Water Company’s buildings, Pump Station #3 and the Gatehouse at Crescent Hill Reservoir, were in need of restoration. The time had come to rehabilitate these highly visible community landmarks.

Extensive research was conducted to identify the origin of the buildings’ materials, such as limestone and marble, so that replacement materials would integrate seamlessly.

While the project was restorative in nature, potential for functional improvements were identified and implemented whenever possible.

Due to the buildings’ proximity to the Ohio River and to the Reservoir where the city’s water supply is stored, great care was taken in sourcing the cleaning agents for the projects.

WHAT RESULTED IS A RE-INTRODUCTION TO THE COMMUNITY OF BEAUTIFUL LANDMARKS AS THEY ORIGINALLY APPEARED OVER 100 YEARS AGO

Through PRESERVATION

Through ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Through RESTORATION

Through ADAPTIVE REUSE

“The sense of pride that stems from historic preservation projects is like no other. In many ways you’re working with those that designed and built the original structure years ago while leaving your own legacy for years to come.”

Timothy Graviss
Vice President, JRA Architects

Take a deeper dive

Louisville Water Company Gatehouse >

Tim Graviss on the Louisville Water Company Gatehouse