Bellevoir-Ormsby Village facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bellevoir-Ormsby Village
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| Architectural style | Italianate |
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| NRHP reference No. | 80001632 |
| Added to NRHP | December 5, 1980 |
Bellevoir is an old and important house located in Lyndon, Kentucky. Lyndon is a town near Louisville, Kentucky.
This house was built around 1867. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This means it's a special place worth protecting.
Bellevoir was built by Hamilton Ormsby. He was part of a well-known family in Jefferson County. The house has a unique design called Italianate style. It is a two-and-a-half-story brick house.
Contents
What is Bellevoir?
Bellevoir is a historic house known for its beautiful Italianate architecture. It was built by a prominent family in the 1860s. The house has seen many changes over the years.
The Ormsby Family Home
The house was originally a private residence. It was built for Hamilton Ormsby and his family. The Ormsby family was very important in the area.
Italianate Style Explained
The Italianate style was popular in the 1800s. It often features low-pitched roofs and tall, narrow windows. These homes often look grand and elegant.
A Home for Children
After being a family home, Bellevoir and its land became a place for children. This was a big change for the property.
The Start of a Children's Home
In 1912, the property began as the Parental Home and School. It was a place where children could live and learn. Later, it joined with another school. This school was called the Louisville Industrial School of Reform.
Becoming Ormsby Village
The combined home moved to the old Ormsby family farm. It was then known as the Louisville and Jefferson County Children's Home. Eventually, it became known as Ormsby Village. It helped children who needed care or guidance.
A Place for All Children
At first, there was a separate home and school called Ridgewood. This was for African-American children. In the early 1960s, this separation ended. All the homes merged into Ormsby Village.
Changes and Closure
In 1968, Ormsby Village changed its name again. It became the Ormsby Village Treatment Center. At this point, it focused on helping children who needed more specialized support.
The center continued its work until 1979. After many years of helping children, Ormsby Village closed its doors.
Bellevoir Today
Even after the children's home closed, the Bellevoir house remained. It has been preserved as an important part of history.
New Uses for the Property
In the 1980s, the buildings on the property were used by the Jefferson County government. They served as offices for a while. Later, the land was developed into an office park.
Preserving the Historic House
Most of the old institutional buildings were taken down. However, the original Ormsby family home, Bellevoir, was saved. The plan for the office park included keeping 14 acres around the mansion. Bellevoir now serves as a place for meetings and special events.
