Upper East Main Historic Neighborhood

 

Historic Downtown District

Bowling Green, KY



 

 

Bowling Green

 

Situated in a bowl of hills on a bend of the Barren River, Bowling Green was established and designated the county seat in 1798.  George and Robert Moore arrived in Warren County in the early 1790’s and built a log house near a spring close to what is now the intersection of State and Main.  Several years later, the Moores donated two acres of land to the county government for the erection of public buildings.  During the first decades of the 19th century, Bowling Green grew around the public square, westward along Main and along the town’s principal north–south streets beside the public square – College and State Streets.  Federal and Greek Revival styles of architecture dominated the building stock during this period. 

          A second period of prosperity arrived with the Louisville and Nashville Railroad in 1859, but was postponed by the Civil War.  Warren County’s third court house was constructed in 1869 and the public square was turned over to the town for use as a park.  Much of Bowling Green’s commercial and residential construction occurred during the latter decades of the 19th century.  The Italianate style was the single most popular architectural style in these years, but mixtures of various late 19th century styles were built as well.  Although pure forms of any one style were rare, the number of eclectic structures which combine two or more styles was more common.  Such eclectic structures dominate the Downtown Commercial Historic District and adjoining residential areas – College Hill Historic District and Upper East Main Historic District. 

          A third period of growth in the city influenced further new construction between 1890 and 1940.  Utilitarian forms of architecture evolved along with a renewed interest in Classic and Georgian Revival styles.  In addition to the revival styles, this period saw a rise in popularity of Craftsman and Bungalow styles of architecture developed in response to the utilitarian approach.  Examples of these late 19th–early 20th century architectural styles were also built in Bowling Green’s older residential areas. 

 

 

Upper East Main Historic District

   Early Bowling Green developed along two axis, a north-south axis along College and State Streets form Barren River to what is now Western Kentucky University and an east-west axis along Main Avenue from the Louisville and Nashville Railroad to Reservoir Hill.  One of Bowling Green’s early residential areas developed at the eastern end of Main Avenue between the historic commercial core and Reservoir Hill during the late 19th century. 

    Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the Upper East Main Historic District is a highly concentrated group of late 19th-early 20th century residences built between 1870 and 1930.  United by their architectural significance and by the backgrounds of their original owners, these houses were built by local business men and women who chose this area for houses that would reflect entrepreneurial success in the community. 

     Professionals who lived in this neighborhood represented a broad spectrum of vocations responsible for Bowling Green’s early growth – commerce, insurance, real estate, banking, law, education, medicine and public service.  Both individually and as a group, the structures are eclectic.  Major architectural styles found in the district include Italianate, Romanesque Revival, Queen Anne, Victorian Colonial, early 20th century Utilitarian, Craftsman, Georgian Revival and Bungalow.  This neighborhood also features the work of two prominent architects – Creedmore Fleenor and Henry McGoodwin. 

 

Our Neighborhood:

 

 

 

Map of the District Homes

 

 

 
Contact Us:

If you would like more information on the Upper East Main Historic District, please contact the Landmark Association at:
 
Landmark Association
P.O. Box 1812
Bowling Green, KY 42102-1812
(270) 782-0037
bglandmark@yahoo.com
www.bglandmark.org
 
Or contact:
 
Jason Hildabrand
(270) 791-5472
Jason@hildabrandinteriors.com
 

To contact us:

Phone: (270) 782-0037

E-mail: bglandmark@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 1.  Arthur G. Russell Houses

    544-548 East Main Avenue

 

Two of Bowling Green’s early duplex houses were built circa 1924 by Arthur Russell, a local lumber dealer. 

 


 

 

 

 2.  Elvis H. Porter House

     604 East Main Avenue

 

This Italianate style house, built circa 1880, features tall flat-arched windows with molded surrounds.  Shingles and porch are later alterations.

 

 

 

3.  Carrie B. Taylor House

     610 East Main Avenue

 

Local architect Creedmore Fleenor designed this Craftsman style house for Carrie Taylor in 1906.  A well-known dress designer, Carrie Taylor opened her business in 1880, eventually employed over 300 women and enjoyed a world-wide reputation with over 24,000 customers.  Home awarded the 2011Landmark Association "Jean Thomason Historic Home Award".

 

 

 

 

 

4.  Sam Crystal House

     618 East Main Avenue

 

Built between 1877 and 1895, this frame house illustrates the effects achieved by applied ornamentation.  Particularly noteworthy are the porch railings, bracketed gables and dormer.

 

 

 

 

 

5.  Eugene Underwood House

     624 East Main Avenue

 

Elements of Italianate, Romanesque Revival and Classic styles are combined in this circa 1890 structure.  Note the arched opening and quoined entrance.  This house was purchased in 1902 by Sam Nahm, owner of a produce company located at 823-829 State Street.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.  Carl Herdman House

    628 East Main Avenue

 

Designed by architect Henry McGoodwin, this Queen Anne style house was built between 1895-1901.  Stylistic features include an octagonal turret, paneled chimneys and a leaded glass window with an elaborately carved stone lintel.  Carl Herdman operated the Morehead House in the 1870’s and later sold insurance and real estate.  Home is currently undergoing a complete exterior renovation to be finished by August 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.  Fred Reardon House

     638 East Main Avenue

 

This fine example of Georgian Revival architecture was built for Dr. Fred Reardon circa 1925.  This house is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood.

 

 

 

 

 

8.  Guy H. Herdman

     640 East Main Avenue

 

Creedmore Fleenor was responsible for designing this Bungalow/Craftsman style house for Guy Herdman around 1910.  Significant architectural elements include the wide porch, low pitched roof with bracketed eaves, wood shingles and rock foundation. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.  William H. Natcher House

      641 East Main Avenue

 

Although altered between 1909 and 1914, this circa 1880 Italianate house retains vestiges of its stylistic characteristics.  Note the bracketed eaves. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.  Mary Underwood Crump House

      633 East Main Avenue

 

Built around 1890, this unique Queen Anne style house is interesting for its picturesque massing and variety of textures.  Especially noteworthy are the shingles and double corner gable with spindle work, sunburst motifs, and shingled gable panels.  The Classic Revival porch is a later addition. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.  Robert K. McGinnis House

      627 East Main Avenue

Italianate in character, this house was built for Robert K. McGinnis circa 1887.  McGinnis was involved with real estate, insurance and banking.  Note the detailed cornice work with over sixty brackets around its eaves.  Landmark awarded this house the “Jean Thomason Historic Home Award” in 2010. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.  Leander Greer House

      621 East Main Avenue

 

Completed in 1906, this structure was built for Leander Greer, owner of Greer Furniture Company located at 405 Park Row.  This Free Classic style house exhibits characteristics of the return of classic elements to architecture of the early 1900’s.  Noteworthy features include Palladian windows in the gable ends, tripartite windows, bracketed cornice and Greek Revival porch with banded Ionic columns.  The original widows walk was recently restored along the roof line.  The house was featured on “If Wall Could Talk” on HGTV in 2007 and in “Kentucky Homes and Gardens” magazine in 2008.  Landmark awarded the home “The Committee’s Choice Award” in 2008, and was awarded the “Operation Pride Award” in 2008 as well.  This home has been featured on the Landmark Association Christmas Tour of Homes, the Bowling Green Woman's Club Home Tour, and used for the Kids on the Block 2011 Garden and Tea Tour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.  Moses Nahm House

     615 East Main Avenue

 

In 1877, this was the only structure on the south side of Main Avenue between Elm and Park Streets.  Similar in style to the Eugene Underwood House, this Romanesque Revival structure features an arched window and native limestone trim.  Moses Nahm was the owner of Nahm Brothers Dry Goods located at 440 East Main Avenue. 

 

 

 

 

 

14.  Bungalow House

       613 East Main Avenue

 

Constructed between 1914 and 1922, this house is the historic district’s best example of the Bungalow style popular from 1890 to 1940.  Characteristics of this style include the one and a half story plan, low pitched roof, wide porch and tapered porch piers.  Awarded the Landmark Association 2011 "General House Award".

 

 

 

 

 

15.  Arthur Scott Hines House

      902 Elm Street

 

Arthur Hines managed the Parsons & Scoville Company, a wholesale grocery, located at 202 East Main Avenue and served as mayor from 1925-1929 and 1941-1942.  Hines’ House, built circa 1918, exhibits a Classic Revival entrance while the roof line and eaves are characteristic of the Craftsman/Bungalow style. 

 

 

 

 

 

16.  Omer Hays House

      918 Elm Street

 

An example of the Bungalow style, this structure was built by Omer Hays between 1919 and 1922.  Hays was involved in the lumber business and was responsible for construction of the house.  

 

 

 

 

 

17.  Frank Maier House

      928 Elm Street

 

Built between 1877 and 1895, this house was built for Frank Maier, Originally a one story structure, this house was altered around 1895.  Maier owned and operated Maier Jewelry (now Morris Jewelry)  located at 408 East Main Avenue.  The house received a Landmark award in 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

18.  Henry Hines House

       921 Elm Street

 

Apparently built for Henry Hines between 1908 and 1909, this residence features Georgian Revival gable windows and a Classic Revival porch.  Virtually devoid of applied ornamentation, the house represents post-Victorian reaction to the elaborate styles of the 19th century. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19.  William H. Phillips House

       561 East Main Avenue

 

This brick Queen Anne style house was built between 1901 and 1905.  Architectural features include brown brick quoins, native limestone sills and lintels, arched entrances and asymmetrical massing.

 

 

 

 

 

20.  Henry Hines House

       553 East Main Avenue

 

Built for Henry Hines between 1901 and 1905, this post-Victorian structure is characterized by a Classic Revival porch, leaded glass, shingled gable, brick quoins and native limestone trim.  Henry Hines served as a police judge and sold insurance and real estate. 

 

 

 

 

 

21.  Isaac B. Cooke House

       545 East Main Avenue

 

One of the district’s older houses, the Cooke House may date as early as 1877.  Noteworthy architectural elements include the molded door surrounds, tall flat-arched windows and gable panel with sunburst motif.  Cooke was associated with Adams Express Company and was involved with real estate and insurance. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Newsworthy:

The Upper East Main Historic District is proud to have received the following SNAP Grants:

2009 - Awarded for decorative historic-style sign posts to replace the standard posts and signs that can be found throughout the City, including Historic District Designation signs.

2010 - Awarded to partner with the Landmark Association to assist in restoring the Historic Pump House located atop Reservoir Hill at the top of E. Main Ave.  The landscaping, which the grant was awarded for, was completed in the Spring of 2011.  All work was completed by friend and residents of the neighborhood.  Upkeep and maintenance is the completed by the neighborhood, in partnership with the Landmark Association.


 

 


 

 

Events and Notices:


*The Landmark Association Annual Awards Banquet in 2011 featured several homes and buildings in our neighborhood:

Jean Thomason Historic Home Award - 610 E. Main

Landmark Building Award - Pumphouse

General Historic House Award - 613 E. Main

Heritage Award Winner - Jason Hildabrand

 


 

 

Hidden Surprises

Our neighborhood is full of hidden surprises that reflect the history, the eclectic styles of the periods, and the pride that is still seen today by its homeowners and residents.  These can be found in plain sight, hidden behind a tree, or just down an alley-way.  Our neighborhood has several historic markers for you to enjoy and learn from.

 

 
 

 

The Upper East Main Historic District is a Neighborhood Watch Community.  We watch for, and report, any and all suspicious activity  to the Bowling Green Police Department and our own representative.

If you would like to report any suspicious activity, please call the BGPD and notify the neighborhood representative.  Through all neighbors working together, we can keep our neighborhood safe and beautiful for generations to come.

 


 

If you find any information incorrect, want to add additional information, or wish to comment on this site, please contact us by emailing:

Jason@hildabrandinteriors.com

We are extremely proud of our well-maintained, Historic neighborhood and want you to enjoy it as well for years to come.  Join us to visit or live.