Lexington, Kentucky is home to numerous historic buildings proudly preserved and prominently located. Still others like these are hidden in plain sight. Read on to discover three historic Bluegrass residences you may have missed.
McCracken-Wilgus House | 327 Wilgus Avenue (once 285 East Third St)
Built in the early 19th century, this brick residence was likely a small brick farmhouse owned by Irish immigrant John McCracken. Garrard Davis Wilgus purchased the farm in 1866, adding additional space and flourishes. Wilgus’ obituary details an interesting life. He “commenced his life” without capital, leaving Transylvania at 16 to begin an apprenticeship. Wilgus then began a long career, first as a bricklayer, then as a contractor and brick manufacturer. Many a brick stamped “WILGUS” can still be found today in Lexington’s historic homes. His obituary lists St. Paul, First Presbyterian, two Baptist churches, and the Phoenix Hotel among his works and notes that he at one time employed as many as 250 men. After his death, his heirs sold the “homeplace” and divided the property into 26 lots. These four acres comprise a significant portion of the East End today.
James Masterson House | 715 Bullock Place
Early Lexington pioneer and adventurer James Masterson purchased 100 acres of the land and constructed this residence sometime around 1790. This land would later become some of Lexington’s earliest “subdivisions” with the front portion sold to the Fayette County School Board as the site of the new Henry Clay High School. The residence at 715 Bullock Place was parceled off to preservation-minded architect, N. Warfield Gratz. Now covered in stucco, its early roots have been obscured but the home is no doubt still imbued with the spirit of Colonel Masterson.
Cove Spring | 937 Lane Allen Road
On Lane Allen, between Garden Springs and Alexandria lies the unassuming Cove Spring, built sometime after 1806. Constructed by Jesse Lamme, the residence changed hands several times before the developers of the Gardenside Neighborhood acquired it for their offices. Lane Allen Road was once known as Cove Spring Road, for a strong steam running near the current Wolf Run watershed. Restored as a private home by 1960, the residence now quietly rests on nearly an acre, across from Lexington Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
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