Fountain Court Design Contest

Calling all artists, architects, or historic building lovers, we have a contest for you. Old Louisville is looking for a new entrance to mark one of it’s most well-known communities and it’s calling on you to design it. The Fountain Court Design Competition is being sponsored by the South Fourth Street Historic District Neighborhood Association and they are eager to give their entrance an overhaul. Fountain Court appears beyond two large apartment buildings and is home to impressive Victorian homes and apartments. The current entrance in drab and boring, explaining nothing about the vibrancy of the community or the history of the neighborhood. Designers might have a tougher time than they think, as the project is more complex than it seems. The entrance that will be chosen as the winner must be visually appealing while keeping the historical relevance of the area in mind.  

If you are interested in entering the contest, there are some things you need to know. The contest will happen in two stages. First, you must submit your design qualifications. A short list of designers will be considered and up to three with be chosen to create a concept design for the Fountain Court entrance. Each of these participants will receive $500, and the winning designer will receive an additional $500 with their design coming to life. Now listen up, because this is important, designers must incorporate themes and elements from the historic Southern Exposition that ran from 1883-1887 on the site of St. James and Fountain Courts. For more information on submitting your designs, deadlines or anything else, contact the South Fourth Street Neighborhood Association at www.sfourth.org. 

Fountain Court is just one of the beautiful walking courts that fill Old Louisville. Belgravia Court and Fountain Court are the two walking courts that hold the largest and most expansive Victorian homes in the neighborhood. St. James Court, although open to both pedestrians and automobiles, epitomizes Old Louisville’s architecture and history. The Conrad-Caldwell House and “The Pink Palace” are two well-known and immaculate Victorian homes built in 1908 and 1891 respectively. The Conrad-Caldwell House was a residence and now a museum, while the “Pink Palace” used to be Old Louisville’s gentleman’s club and casino. Pedestrian courts and their history add to Old Louisville’s uniqueness. These courts were originally designed to add to the city’s park-like setting. Within an urban setting, green space is abundant. Once you walk into one of the courts, serenity ensues. The courts, including St. James, offer a special way of living that is unique to Louisville. The magnificent architecture, historical mansions and tree-lined streets and gardens make Old Louisville a special place to live or visit. In Old Louisville you will find the largest assembly of Victorian mansions in the Country. Other styles of homes in Old Louisville include Italianate, Renaissance Revival/Georgian Revival, Richardsonian Romanesque, Queen Anne, Tudor, Beaux Arts, and many more.