Inspirational Architecture

From the gracefully twisting spine of the Ascent to homes built before the Civil War, Northern Kentucky’s architecture is impressive. The story of our buildings is the story of ourselves—our history, our daily lives and our aspirations.

Newport realtor and remodeler Mark Ramler spent more than a year renovating an 1860’s home in the city’s East Row neighborhood. During the reconstruction, he found a mold for a Union soldier’s belt buckle tucked inside a wall. He marvels at the 24” wide joists used to make the attic floor. When they were removed to raise the ceiling, Ramler was able to repurpose the old wood as a custom island and stove hood. “I love walking around Newport and seeing the stamp I’ve put on so many of the houses here,” he said.

Downtown Covington has some significant buildings that have been restored in the past ten years. The 1921 Mutual Building was designed by Samuel Hannaford, who also designed Cincinnati’s Music Hall. Though it is in a prime location, it had been vacant for more than 20 years before it was renovated in 2014 as ground floor commercial space with 15 apartments on the upper floors. The beautiful exterior detailing and large arched windows harken back to a time when stone carvers were an essential part of a builder’s team. Hotel Covington is gaining international fame for exceptional comfort and service, as well as the creative use of interior space. At seven stories tall, it was Covington’s first skyscraper. It was built as Coppin’s Department Store, with dramatic high ceilings and hexagonal pillars on the first floor. The renovated lobby, bar and restaurant blend this original architecture with custom lighting, soft, vintage-looking fabrics and luxe faux fur. The vibe is elegant and sophisticated, while remaining comfortable and welcoming.

In nearby Ludlow are several interesting homes built close to the river for wealthy owners in the mid-1800’s. An excellent example is Somerset Hall, a Greek Revival villa which boasts what is thought to be the longest residential porch in Kentucky. The servants used it to move between the different sections of the house without disturbing the owners.

Also in Ludlow is the unusual 12-sided “Latta House,” built in the early 1900’s. It was originally owned by the son of the inventor of the first practical steam-powered fire engine.

On the contemporary end of the architectural spectrum is the stunning 22-story blue and white tower in Covington. The Ascent at Roebling’s Bridge was designed by Daniel Libeskind, who has said that the shape of the building was inspired by Kentucky’s rolling hills. He described the Ascent as “less a structure than a living, breathing piece of art that stirs the soul and lifts the spirit. It is a building that will inspire a region. It is a call to greatness.”

As you walk the streets of Northern Kentucky, look up at the architecture that surrounds you. Each detail was included for a reason—decorative, functional or inspirational…perhaps even as a call to greatness.