LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Louisville Memorial Auditorium, a nearly 100-year-old historic venue that once hosted major touring acts, is facing significant repair needs as city support has decreased and aging infrastructure continues to strain the building.
Inside the auditorium, staff say basic systems are failing, including the lack of a centralized heating and cooling system.
"There is no generalized HVAC system. There’s individual rooms like this one, the ballroom upstairs, which is not accessible easily because we don’t have a working elevator who died this last year. And it’s going to cost over $100,000. Who knows," Al Welsh, a representative with the Louisville Memorial Auditorium, said.
The venue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was established by state statute following World War I as a memorial building, with maintenance responsibilities outlined in that legislation.
Officials say ongoing temperature fluctuations inside the building have accelerated deterioration, including peeling paint and cracking plaster.
"There are no cases defining other than. Yes, there’s a responsibility," Welsh said regarding maintenance obligations tied to the statute.
Outside the building, signage has criticized the mayor over funding decisions. In response, the mayor’s office said previous city funding was contingent on a private fundraising match that has not been met.
"Two years ago, he allocated $500,000 in his budget after Memorial Auditorium leadership committed to a $1 million match through private fundraising. To date, private funds have not been secured. The mayor has not requested repayment of the city’s investment," according to a statement from the mayor’s office.
City support for the auditorium has also declined in recent years, dropping from about $132,000 annually to $20,000 this year.
As costs rise and funding remains uncertain, officials say the long-term plan for upkeep is still unclear.
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