Louisville’s Parkland School

The cornerstone of every neighborhood is a school, including Louisville, Kentucky’s Parkland.






The cornerstone of every neighborhood is a school. The case is no different than for Parkland, a middle-class neighborhood on the west side of Louisville, Kentucky that was built out in the 1890s.

Parkland School, constructed in 1891 at the corner of Catalpa – today’s South 28th and Dumesnil Streets, was one of those cornerstones. The words “Public School” are etched into stone on the front of the Victorian-styled two story brick building, along with a subscript “1891” beneath it. Tall windows grace the building, and in the front, where the former entrance was, stained glass evokes colorful symbols inside.

As the neighborhood grew, so did the school. A two story addition was built to the south in 1910, followed by a large three level addition in 1968. The latter included a gymnasium, a new front entrance and cafeteria. The design of the addition, brutalism with brick, was a stark contrast to the careful design of the past.

In 1997, a new elementary school was built across the street. Soon after, the adjacent Baptist Fellowship Center attempted to reuse parts of the 1968 addition by converting some of the space into a daycare, but fire code violations – some of which dated to 2003, forced the church to close the doors on the school. In the original buildings, some renovation work was attempted – marked by a construction trailer in the front and construction lights inside. But mistakes were made, and some first floor supports were undermined, causing the second floor to sink in places.

Today, the school has been ruthlessly picked apart. Nothing of value remains in the complex of buildings, and even the construction trailer has been cleaned out.

Read more about Parkland Public School and view the 32 photographs »

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6 Comments

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Looking for pictures? I had a Great Aunt that was a principal, Anna Bligh around 1931 or so.

I think I left there in 1951/52 went to Ahrens. Can see the principle’s face, but don’t recall his name. Had Mrs. Clark for English, Ms. Chin 9th grade, boy was she a trip. Mr. Montgomery for Algebra. Ms. Cunningham for Home ?, Most important was Mr. Hoon for band. What a great time… Who was that typing teacher, can’t remember her name. Had orchestra also, can’t remember her name either, but see her face.
Janet H

I attended this school in 1955-1961 and from there to Parkland Jr. High as did my older and younger sister. We lived on 23 rd and Ormsby and walked everyday to school. My first grade teacher was Mrs. Hurst and I had Mrs. Koerble i 4th. Spelling on both names are probaby off. I loved that school. My name is Connie…and i too would love to hear from others.

I attended this school from 1st through 3rd grade. I loved this building – it was beautiful and I had a great time. I would like to connect with anyone who attended the school 1956-1959?

I attended this school throughout the late 60s,my sisters and 1 brother,when Ms Lilly was the principal.I lived at 1433 Catalpa.Would love to hear from all former classmates.

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