McAdams and Morford Building, Lexington
The McAdams and Morford Building, a graceful three鈥憇tory landmark in the downtown, is a must-see for anyone touring the city. Erected in 1849 and originally known as Melodeon Hall, the building is celebrated for its cast鈥慽ron Italianate fa莽ade, added in the late 1850s. The facade鈥檚 Corinthian pilasters, rounded arches, and ornate relief work offer a vivid example of Renaissance鈥慽nspired design echoing Venetian palazzos.
Historically, Melodeon Hall on the building鈥檚 second floor was a cultural hub, seating roughly 300 patrons. Its stage hosted pivotal events in Kentucky history鈥攎ost notably, Robert Jefferson Breckinridge鈥檚 1861 speech that influenced Kentucky to remain in the Union during the Civil War. The ground floor served as McAdams & Morford Drugstore from 1898 until 1994, anchoring the local community for nearly a century.
In the early 20th century, the building also sheltered the Commercial College of Transylvania University, later known as the Wilbur R. Smith Business College, for over 35 years. Its architectural and cultural significance earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, cementing its status as a cherished historic treasure.
Today, the McAdams and Morford Building seamlessly merges its historic legacy with contemporary energy. A recent addition of dynamic LED lighting accentuates its graceful arches and columns after sunset, enhancing its presence in the nighttime streetscape. At street level, the building is now home to lively venues such as The Grove, Harvey鈥檚 Bar, and Hugo鈥檚 Ultralounge, contributing to its role as a social hub. For visitors, it offers an ideal vantage point, where architectural charm, local history, and the pulse of downtown Lexington come together.
Historically, Melodeon Hall on the building鈥檚 second floor was a cultural hub, seating roughly 300 patrons. Its stage hosted pivotal events in Kentucky history鈥攎ost notably, Robert Jefferson Breckinridge鈥檚 1861 speech that influenced Kentucky to remain in the Union during the Civil War. The ground floor served as McAdams & Morford Drugstore from 1898 until 1994, anchoring the local community for nearly a century.
In the early 20th century, the building also sheltered the Commercial College of Transylvania University, later known as the Wilbur R. Smith Business College, for over 35 years. Its architectural and cultural significance earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, cementing its status as a cherished historic treasure.
Today, the McAdams and Morford Building seamlessly merges its historic legacy with contemporary energy. A recent addition of dynamic LED lighting accentuates its graceful arches and columns after sunset, enhancing its presence in the nighttime streetscape. At street level, the building is now home to lively venues such as The Grove, Harvey鈥檚 Bar, and Hugo鈥檚 Ultralounge, contributing to its role as a social hub. For visitors, it offers an ideal vantage point, where architectural charm, local history, and the pulse of downtown Lexington come together.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lexington. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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McAdams and Morford Building on Map
Sight Name: McAdams and Morford Building
Sight Location: Lexington, USA (See walking tours in Lexington)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Lexington, USA (See walking tours in Lexington)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Lexington, Kentucky
Create Your Own Walk in Lexington
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lexington is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Buildings
Historical buildings in Lexington, Kentucky, serve as time capsules, reflecting the architectural and cultural history of the region. A good number of these structures are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, each having its own story to tell. Let's explore a few notable structures that have made significant architectural contributions to the cityscape of Lexington.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Lexington Introduction Walking Tour
Lexington is Kentucky's second-largest city and the Fayette County seat. The city is most famous for the Thoroughbred racing industry but has so much to offer besides attractions related to racing. This city dates back to 1782 when Kentucky was still part of the Commonwealth of Virginia and was settled by frontiersmen under the leadership of William McConnell.
During the 19th century, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
During the 19th century, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles