News & Updates
The Kirkpatrick & Co Blog
Bluegrass History & Culture
Tyrone Stone | Building the Bluegrass
Tyrone stone is a local limestone found around the Kentucky River palisades in the Inner Bluegrass. It’s known for its bright white tone as it ages, durability, and “birdseye” texture. Popular among Central Kentucky builders for centuries, in the 20th century it was particularly favored by architects like Hugh Meriwether.
The [...]
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July 29, 2025
D.C. Atkins, Lexington’s Dean of Decorators | Building the Bluegrass
Often called Lexington’s “Dean of Decorators,” D.C. Atkins was at one time the best-known interior decorator in Central Kentucky. While he assisted with the restoration of Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, The Keene Place, and decorated numerous private homes, Atkins lacked any formal design education.
His rise from humble beginnings near [...]
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July 24, 2025
Honoring Heritage Farms | Selling the Family Farm with Sensitivity & Success
How do we gracefully manage the sale of a living family heirloom?
At Kirkpatrick & Co., we’ve been thoughtfully selling horse farms, land, and historic homes since 1984. When the time comes to entrust a new steward with a family’s horse farm, land, or historic home, Kirkpatrick & Co. provides sensitive [...]
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May 16, 2025
Frank L. Smith | Bluegrass Architects to Know
Bluegrass architect Frank L. Smith’s long career spanned the Victorian era into the late 1920s. He worked in various styles, including Queen Anne and Richardsonian, but favored a “free revival” style, blending historical elements with a modern ethos.
While some of Smith’s sturdy and aesthetically pleasing buildings remain, Urban Renewal in [...]
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April 4, 2025
Who buys historic homes in Central Kentucky?
Historic homes attract a savvy group of buyers that Kirkpatrick & Co. is well-equipped to serve. Our understanding of what motivates these buyers is essential. Formulating a marketing strategy for your historic property.
What have we learned representing buyers and sellers of historic homes in the Bluegrass? Read on.
Who are historic [...]
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February 21, 2025
Howard A. Churchill | Bluegrass Architects to Know
A native of Elizabethtown, architect Howard Churchill served in Marines in World War I and later as a Captain in the Corps of Engineers in World War II.
His career as an architect was sandwiched between the two conflicts and he was retired from the field by 1945. Though his architecture [...]
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February 17, 2025
Alleys of Lexington’s Past, Present & Future?
Is the humble alley back? Once considered an essential feature of urban environments, alleys fell out of favor in the auto-dominated 20th century.
Traditional alleys took two forms- the service alley and the minor street. Alleys invaluably provided access for trash removal, coal deliveries, privy cleaning, and more. They also encouraged [...]
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January 27, 2025
3 Books for Lovers of Kentucky Architecture
If you enjoy our historic architect series, you’ll love these three books on Kentucky’s architectural history. These titles are perfect for gifting and can be easily found at Joseph Beth or larger retailers.
Kentucky Barns: Agricultural Heritage of the Bluegrass by Carol Peachee
“From horses to tobacco to bourbon, the [...]
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December 3, 2024
Equestrian Dinnerware | Bluegrass Entertaining
It’s the season of entertaining and all across the Bluegrass, hosts are setting their tables with equestrian flair. From fine bone china to cheerful stoneware, our clients love celebrating their passion. Join us for a look at some popular styles in Kentucky, perfect for Derby, Keeneland, or holiday events.
For [...]
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November 21, 2024
H.W. Aldenburg | Bluegrass Architects to Know
Mirror Houses on N. Broadway
It was the last decade of the 19th century and business was booming for Lexington architect H.W. Aldenburg. With a roster of prominent clients, he and partner James R. Scott were constructing homes & buildings across the Bluegrass, from stone manses downtown to grand hotels like Winchester’s Brown-Proctoria.
Born in [...]
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November 19, 2024