Historic Kentucky Home Life Building sold at auction for nearly $5 million

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A historic building in downtown Louisville has new owners.

The Kentucky Home Life Building, located at 237 S. 5th Street, was bought at auction Friday by Mississippi-based Thrash Group for $4.67 million, according to our partners at Louisville Business First.

The vacant 112-year-old building across from Metro Hall was recently appraised for $7 million, despite a "poor" interior from vandalism and deterioration.

Plans were proposed last year to convert the space into a mixed-use development with residential units, a hotel, and retail. Louisville Business First reports Thrash Group submitted an application to Mayor Craig Greenberg's Downtown Louisville Building Conversion Program, and was selected as one of four finalists.

If awarded, the Kentucky Home Life Building would be the third project to receive funds from the program, which is funded by a portion of the $100 million the Kentucky General Assembly allocated for Louisville revitalization projects.

The Kentucky Home Life Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.