"LOFTY IDEAS" TOUR

Saturday, May 19, I had the pleasure to join Dave Bardsdale, New Albany Historian, Mike Kopp, realtor, and about fifty other people on a tour of historic buildings in downtown New Albany.



The idea was to promote the restoration of these wonderful buildings for residential and commercial use. There was a fine example of this with the Wilcox Block at 133-135 E. Market St. It was purchased in August 2006 by Matt and Jessica Bergman. They have done a magnificiant job of restoring the second and their floors for their home. They also have plans for a rooftop deck and garden on the backside of the building. Jessica said they wanted a funky place to live. Well, they have a dream home by anyone's standards.



We went on to tour the John Briggs Block at 123 E. Market St. which is now Louisille Stained Glass. The top two floors are yet to be restored but will soon be the residence of the owners.



The biggest surprise to me was the the Jacob Goodbub Bldg at 213-215 Pearl St. which was the former home of the Fashion Shop. Beneath that aluminum facade still remains the original limestone detailing. And the second floor was obviously a former residence and offices. There is a beautiful fireplace and fantastic woodwork throughout. Mr. Kopp explained that someone is already looking to purchase this building and renovate.



The tour continued with the Empire Flouring Mill at 146-148 E. Main St. ( the Reisz Furniture Warehouse) which may someday become a multi use building with stores of some sort on the first floor and condo's on the second and third floors. I must say the view of the river from the third floor is amazing.



The tour ended at the Monsch Hotel (The New Albany Inn) which may soon be transformed into an art studio on the third floor. The proprietors of the Bistro served a wonderful lunch for us in the courtyard.



All and all it was a great way to spend a couple of hours and dream of owning a cool loft for myself.