Renowned Trainer Bob Baffert Seeks Demolition of Recently Acquired Louisville Property
A New Chapter: Erasure of the Past for an Unwritten Future
Acquisition and Immediate Demolition Intent
The Robert & Natalie Baffert Family Trust recently finalized the purchase of a property on Alta Vista Road in Louisville, Kentucky, for approximately $1.4 million. This acquisition, completed in August, was swiftly followed by the submission of two distinct wrecking permit applications. These applications signal the trust's intention to dismantle both the primary residence and a detached garage on the newly acquired land.
Details of the Structures and Demolition Filings
The main structure, a two-story house encompassing 6,116 square feet with a basement, and a smaller 1,564-square-foot, 1 1/2-story detached garage, are the subjects of the demolition requests. Both buildings are noted in the applications as having been constructed in 1930. The proposed demolition efforts are slated to be handled by Apex Demolition & Excavation of Louisville, with an estimated combined cost of $75,000, allocated as $60,000 for the house and $15,000 for the garage. It is important to note that the applications do not cite any safety concerns or structural hazards as reasons for the demolition.
Navigating Regulatory Hurdles and Historic Significance
As of a recent update, the permit application for the main house is undergoing revisions, while the garage permit remains under review. The city temporarily halted processing both applications on September 13, pending clearance from essential utility providers, including Louisville Gas and Electric, Louisville Water Co., and AT&T. Each application has already satisfied several preliminary requirements, such as an erosion-control form for the Metropolitan Sewer District, a notarized affidavit confirming demolition notifications, a detailed site plan, and photographic evidence of all structural sides, visibly displaying an 'Intent to Demolish' placard. The property's location within the Alta Vista neighborhood, which is designated on the National Register of Historic Places, adds another layer of scrutiny. Due to the age of the buildings (over 50 years), Louisville Metro's Historic Preservation Officer and Landmarks staff are involved in the review process and possess the authority to implement a 30-day hold if the structures are deemed historically significant.
Post-Demolition Obligations and Future Plans
Upon approval and issuance, each demolition permit will have a validity period of 30 days. The contractor is mandated to completely remove all components of the structures, including their foundations, clear away all debris, and implement erosion control measures by spreading seed and straw. The current permit descriptions do not provide any information regarding potential future development or what, if anything, is intended to replace the demolished buildings on the site.