Colonial Gardens facts for kids
Colonial Gardens is a historic entertainment spot in the Kenwood Hill area of Louisville, Kentucky. It's right across from Iroquois Park. Long ago, it was part of a place called Senning's Park. This park was special because it had the very first zoo in Louisville!
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Senning's Park: How it Started
Senning's Park began in 1902. A man named Frederick Carl Senning started it. He was a German immigrant who came to Louisville in 1868. Before the park, he and his wife Minnie opened the Senning Hotel downtown. They also started Louisville's first bowling alley.
The park was built on two and a half acres of land. It was in a great spot, just one block from where electric streetcars turned around. At first, the park didn't have a zoo. It was a popular place for dancing and dining. People also held picnics and community gatherings there.
The First Louisville Zoo
The zoo at Senning's Park opened in 1920. This was during a time called the Prohibition era. William Senning, Frederick's son, started the zoo. His parents were traveling in Europe at the time. The zoo had many different animals. These included alligators, bears, deer, and exotic birds. There were also leopards, lions, monkeys, and tigers. They even had ostriches that people could ride!
Keeping these animals was very expensive. In 1939, Frederick Senning passed away. The park then closed down. It was sold in 1940 for $15,000. The new owner, B. A. Watson, opened a restaurant called Colonial Gardens. He decided to close the zoo. Louisville didn't get another zoo until the current Louisville Zoo opened in 1969.
Colonial Gardens: A New Era
Colonial Gardens became a popular place in the 1940s. Many famous big bands performed there. The restaurant faced some challenges over the years. In 1944, it lost its right to sell certain foods. A fire in 1950 caused $10,000 in damage. In the 1950s, it was a popular spot for teenagers. It was also a place for adults to socialize.
Some famous musicians are linked to Colonial Gardens. Jerry Lee Lewis is said to have performed there. Local stories also say that Elvis Presley had a surprise performance in 1956. This was because it was near his grandparents' home, whom he was visiting.
Saving a Landmark
The last business at Colonial Gardens closed in 2003. The building was then left empty. By 2008, it was in danger of being torn down. Some people wanted to build new things on the land. To save the building, a special request was made. People wanted it to be named an "Individual Local Landmark." This would protect it. One reason was that it was the last of the old "beer gardens" in South Louisville. On November 20, 2008, the request was approved. The Louisville Metro Landmarks Commission officially named Colonial Gardens a local landmark.
In 2012, Louisville Metro Council member David Yates suggested a new rule. This rule would give local residents more say in landmark decisions. It would also give the city council the final decision. In August, the council passed this new rule.
New Life for Colonial Gardens
In June 2013, the Metro Council voted to let the city buy Colonial Gardens. The city then sold the property to a local developer for just $1. The city also gave $1.2 million to help with the property's renovation.
In 2017, the developer began a $5 million project. They planned to update the original building. This included renovating about 7,000 square feet. They also planned to remove a newer part of the building from 1939. Two new buildings would be constructed. These new buildings would house three or four restaurants. The developer hoped these would be local and mid-priced restaurants. In May 2019, the first two restaurants were set to open. Their opening was later moved to August 2019.
