For Immediate Release
Contact: Diane Comer
502-892-3611
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 16, 2022) – Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Mike Berry has announced that the Downtown Morehead Historic District is Kentucky’s most recent listing in the National Register of Historic Places, administered by the Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office in partnership with the National Park Service.
The district includes 53 contributing commercial, government and residential structures whose owners are now eligible to apply for state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits to offset the cost of preservation and adaptive reuse. The nomination was authored by Tony Pence, director of Downtown Morehead Inc., a nationally accredited Kentucky Main Street Program community.
“This is truly exciting news for Morehead and its downtown area,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “I love visiting downtown and this listing in the National Register will ensure that its charm and vibrance will be maintained in the years to come.”
“Kentucky has been a leader in helping communities of all sizes to preserve their authentic history and unique local character," said Secretary Mike Berry. “I’m very proud of the work being done in Morehead to recognize the importance of these places and the additional economic benefit that National Register listing can generate by encouraging investment, creating local jobs and building local pride.”
Downtown Morehead Historic District’s contributing buildings reflect the community’s growth as a county seat and include three notable structures – the c1899 Richardsonian Romanesque Rowan County Courthouse, the c1910 C&O passenger depot, and the c1880-81 Lexington & Big Sandy Railroad freight station. The National Register nomination was evaluated within the context of community planning and development in relation to the three most important factors that led to Morehead’s growth: education, transportation and industry.
The majority of the buildings are constructed of brick and/or brick veneer, are one to two stories, and were constructed between 1881 and 1969. Architectural styles and types vary but most consist of vernacular expressions of commercial Italianate, commercial Art Moderne and Craftsman bungalows.
The National Register is the federal government’s official list of historic and archaeological resources deemed worthy of preservation, and listing is honorary as it confers no restrictions on property owners. Among states, Kentucky has the fifth highest number of listings.
The listing was first approved by the Kentucky Historic Preservation Review Board during a meeting April 12. Administered by KHC and made up of members appointed by the Governor, the review board is charged with evaluating and recommending National Register submissions from the commonwealth. For more, visit www.heritage.ky.gov.
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An agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office is responsible for the identification, protection and preservation of prehistoric resources and historic buildings, sites and cultural resources throughout the commonwealth, in partnership with other state and federal agencies, local communities and interested citizens.