Saw-toothed Roofline Beckons a Bygone Era in Lexington Architectural History

1960s era Peoples Bank Branch - Lexington, Ky.
Photo: Rachel Alexander
This awesome retro bank is located in downtown Lexington on a high traffic throughway. It is sandwiched between a highrise apartment building and a parking garage, and is a half block from Rupp Arena. As long as I’ve lived in Lexington, this Peoples Bank branch has been vacant, which is pretty incredible to believe since it’s sitting on a very expensive piece of property. After looking at the PVA records for the parcel, I have to say I’m honestly shocked that it hasn’t been demolished. But I’m so glad it hasn’t!

Spacious interior with original light fixtures!
Photo: Rachel Alexander
This place is incredible! It’s full of light and is so spacious. My brain immediately started firing on all cylinders imagining what kind of business would be perfect fit for this funky little building. It would be a great photography studio or creative commons. It would also make an incredible coffee shop! It has ample parking in the back as well as space that could be used for sidewalk seating – AND it still has the drive thru window.

How cool would it be if it could be used for drive-thru coffee?!  It think it would also be a really cool diner type restaurant or cafe.  The name could even be retained “Peoples Coffee Shop” “Peoples Cafe”  ... Or maybe even a sweet retro bar?

The brick is glazed a brilliant blue! Imagine the uses for the
original teller window! (Photo: Rachel Alexander)

What do you think this space would be great for? Is there a vacant building in your city that you just can’t believe is empty? Share below!

For more photos visit Bricks + Mortar!

[ed. note - PB]: And welcome to the Kaintuckeean to our newest contributor, Rachel Alexander Rachel is a graduate of the University of Kentucky’s Masters of Historic Preservation program and an alumna of Eastern Kentucky University where she studied just about everything, but especially history, political science, and French. She has a love/hate relationship with the Oxford comma. Her blog, Bricks+Mortar, is awesome!

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