The Council introduced in November 1973 a refreshing and new fund raising project which had been successful in other cities but had never been tried in Louisville – a Decorators’ Show House, now known as the Designers’ Show House. The first Decorators’ Show House to be held was in the spring of 1974. The Brainard Lemon Estate, opened for visitor tours from April 27 through May 12, 1974, and netted nearly $9,000 for student financial aid.
The Council continued working and refining procedures for the Show House project, selecting homes in the Louisville area with historic significance to restore and decorate for the public to view and enjoy. This project became their major fund raiser. Annually, an average of 6,000 guests tour the Show House. Designers and businesses in the region generously donate their time, talent and resources to make each Show House a success. The Show House averages the involvement of 30 designers each year. In addition to interior designers donating services, many of the homes have lawns and gardens that have been beautified by local landscaping and exterior design companies. Other community businesses donate materials and services as well as purchase advertising in the program for each Show House.
From 2002 and present Show House pages you will find the history of the homes along with photo galleries.
In the pages dated 1974 through 2001 you will find the name, location and a sketch of each house.
