Home & Garden Tour

A Celebration of History, Community, and Urban Renewal

Step into the heart of one of Lexington’s oldest and most dynamic neighborhoods as we bring back the Northside Home & Garden Tour! This self-guided walking tour offers a rare glimpse into the stunning homes and lush gardens that define Northside’s charm, blending 200 years of history with vibrant modern renewal.

From beautifully restored historic homes to creative contemporary spaces, this tour highlights a variety of architectural styles that reflect the eclectic character of our neighborhood. Whether you’re drawn to the craftsmanship of a bygone era or inspired by innovative urban living, you’ll experience the best of both worlds in Northside.

 

Exploring Northside: A Journey Through History and Architecture

18th & 19th Century Landmarks: The Foundations of Northside

343 N. Limestone

(1797-1808, Late Georgian; Rev. Adam Rankin II home)
The oldest antebellum home on the block, restored after being purchased in 1980 for $30K, with original ash floors and chestnut beams still intact.

300 N. Broadway

Old Morrison Chapel, Transylvania Campus (1830-34, National Historic Landmark)
Designed by Gideon Shryock under Henry Clay’s supervision, this historic building once served as a Civil War hospital and now houses Transylvania’s leadership offices.

424 W. Third Street

(1881, Italianate Revival; James A. Headley home)
Designed by Cincinnatus Shryock, this four-bay brick home features a bracketed cornice and a sunroom addition from the 1930s, with a fully renovated interior and gardens by P. Allen Smith.

215 N. Mill Street

(Gratz Park) (1880, Victorian; Mrs. Benjamin Dudley home)
Saved by the Bluegrass Trust, this 2.5-story home retains its original detailing and has been carefully restored with updated gardens.

474 W. Third Street

(1887, Richardsonian; Fannie L. Huffman home)
One of three homes built in a row by Lazurus, this property features a striking 2.5-story round tower and an attic renovation that highlights its original rafters.

416 Fayette Park

(1889, Richardsonian/Victorian Queen Anne; Stephen Charles home)
One of the first homes built in Fayette Park, featuring original stained glass, a dramatic curved staircase, and a history tied to renowned botanist Mary Wharton.

424 Fayette Park

(1890, Richardsonian/Victorian Queen Anne; Lewis/Purcell home)
This home underwent a full-system renovation in 2015-16, embracing its Victorian elements while integrating modern architecture.

651 Elsmere Park

(1895, Romanesque Victorian; J.P. Reese home)
One of 11 pattern-book homes built by John Buckner, this property has seen multiple renovations, including a recent master bath addition and gardens installed in 2016.

Turn of the 20th Century: Expansion and Elegance

239 N. Mill Street

(Gratz Park) (1901, Victorian Queen Anne; Mrs. William Cassius Goodloe home)
Known as the third of the "Three Sister" homes, its 1960s renovation opened the first floor for modern living and connected the interior to the rear garden.

453 W. Sixth

(1902, Dutch Colonial Revival; William Bateman home)
A deceptively spacious home with gambrel roofs maximizing living space while maintaining its cottage-like charm.

444 Fayette Park

(1908-10, Arts and Crafts Colonial Revival; William Worthington home)
The last house built in Fayette Park, it underwent a full restoration in 2008-09, preserving its historic integrity and gardens.

75 Hampton Court

(1910, Georgian Revival apartment house; Built by Colonel Milton Young)
One of Lexington’s original luxury apartment buildings, now individually owned condos that once housed prominent Lexingtonians.

501 W. Sixth

West Sixth Brewery (1910 and later, former Rainbow Bread Factory)
Now home to West Sixth Brewing, this historic industrial space was repurposed into a craft brewery in 2012 while maintaining its original factory character.

1920s & 1930s: Classic Revival and Bungalow Charm

616 Price Avenue

(1921, Craftsman)
A charming brick bungalow in an early 20th-century enclave, recently updated with a new kitchen, bath, roof, and historically sympathetic columns.

485 W. Second Street

(1925, Arts and Crafts Bungalow; Augustus Moran home)
A modest yet stylish two-story brick home with a stuccoed upper level, featuring an updated upstairs bath and refreshed interiors.

440 W. Third Street

(1929, Colonial Revival; F.H. Wright home)
Designed by renowned architect Warfield Gratz, this five-bay brick home was meticulously restored in 2017, including its garden and garage.

425 Delcamp

(1935, Dutch Colonial)
Originally owned by civil engineer Thomas C. Smith, this home has undergone thoughtful renovations, including a first-floor kitchen and bath update along with developed garden beds.

Mid-Century & Modern Conversions: Innovation and Preservation

649 Price Avenue

(1950s, Converted to a church, rebuilt as a super-green structure in 2014)
Originally a mid-century home, it was gutted and rebuilt as a nearly LEED-certified green building, with an added courtyard and modernized entry.

But the experience goes beyond architecture—Northside is a thriving community where history and progress meet. Enjoy the sights and sounds of local art galleries, cozy taverns, unique restaurants, and Lexington’s lively music scene. As you explore, you’ll find yourself immersed in a neighborhood that has long been a hub for culture, creativity, and connection.

This self-guided walking tour is designed for you to explore at your own pace—so wear comfortable shoes, bring a bike, or take advantage of our friendly pedicab service. Whether you visit every stop or just a few, you’ll discover the warmth and character that make Northside a place like no other.

To make this tour a reality, we need your support! Become a member of the Northside Neighborhood Association and help us revive this beloved tradition for 2025. Membership directly funds community events like this, along with our efforts to preserve Northside’s heritage and support responsible growth.

Interested in showcasing your home, volunteering, or joining the planning team? Get involved today and help us bring the Northside Home & Garden Tour back to life!

Become a Member Today!

This tour is just one of the many ways we celebrate and strengthen our neighborhood—but we can’t do it without you! Join the Northside Neighborhood Association today to support events like this, preserve our historic character, and ensure our community continues to thrive.

Your membership makes a difference. Sign up now and be a part of bringing the Home & Garden Tour back in 2025!