The corner of East 9th and Monmouth streets in historic downtown Newport, Kentucky is still sleepy but renovations will soon be underway to bring this intersection back to life.
The one-story building, originally faced with white stucco and flanked by a red tile sub-roof, was home to the El Rico drugstore and several financial institutions, including National City. Throughout the years, alternations were made to the building’s appearance, including the use of polyisocyanurate foam. The three-story Italianate Second Empire structure immediately to the east was built prior to 1900. At one point, the upper floors were home to several residents while the ground floor hosted a dry cleaner, among other businesses. The upper floors were later vacated and partly renovated, while the lower level was mothballed.
Carabello Coffee announced the purchase of 845 Monmouth in November 2014 to expand their coffee roasting operations. When renovations are complete, the two buildings will feature more seating, a slow bar, a roastery annex, and a training laboratory. WorK Architecture + Design and the City of Newport is assisting in the development.
