Historic downtown New Albany building gets new life as The Parthenon event venue

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A centuries-old building in downtown New Albany will reopen with new life while paying homage to its history.

Katie and Aaron Fegenbush purchased the historic building at 203 E. Main St. in early February for $775,000, according to our partners at Louisville Business First.

The couple had been eyeing the 1837 building for several months while it sat vacant. Once they got the keys, they got to work implementing their vision to turn it into an event venue called The Parthenon. They chose the name to honor the building's original designers, who modeled the 6,000-square-foot building after traveling to Athens, Greece. The building formerly served as the State Bank of Indiana branch.

Katie Fegenbush said all the historic elements of the building, including a bank door, alabaster sconces, an original fireplace and an outline of a woman on a mirror, will remain.

The building can hold up to 433 people standing and consists of two floors. The first floor, The Vault, features crystal chandeliers and hardwood floors. The second floor features the domed Orion Hall, which features a blue ceiling covered in stars. The hall also has a space for makeup or a buffet called Lyra's Lounge. It includes a makeup station and mirror.

Another room, called The Observatory, includes a built-in wall bookshelf with vintage editions, lounge chairs and more.

An open house will be held at The Parthenon from 12-4 p.m. Aug. 8.