A major expansion plan by Rabbit Hole distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, has sparked controversy and community opposition due to the proposed demolition of two historic buildings in the city's Nulu neighborhood. The bourbon brand, owned by French drinks giant Pernod Ricard, is facing calls to revise its plans and preserve the area’s architectural heritage.

Petition launched to protect historic buildings

Local resident Kevin Dohn initiated a Change.org petition on 12 June to protest the planned destruction of a pair of buildings believed to predate the American Civil War. The structures, located at 223A South Clay Street and 749 East Jefferson Street, have drawn attention for their historic character and architectural significance.

The petition urges city officials to grant landmark status to the buildings, which would make it significantly more difficult to demolish them. As of the latest count, 399 Louisville residents have signed the petition in support of preservation.

In the petition’s description, Dohn wrote: “The two buildings slated for demolition are a quaint solid brick shotgun house and a three-story solid brick Italianate building.” He argued that these structures are irreplaceable and called on Rabbit Hole to find an alternative that integrates the buildings into its development plan.

Community calls for responsible development

Dohn, who works in building renovations, acknowledged the importance of economic growth but emphasized the need to balance progress with preservation. “As a progressive designer, I’m all for modern development, but it is best done creatively incorporating historic structures,” he said. “Rabbit Hole can easily afford to do this. Once these centuries-old structures are gone, they won’t ever come back.”

His comments reflect a broader concern within the community that the expansion, while beneficial for business, could come at the cost of the neighborhood’s unique identity. Nulu, short for “New Louisville,” has become known for its blend of historic charm and contemporary appeal, making it a focal point for redevelopment debates.

80,000 square foot expansion proposed

The expansion project in question involves nearly 80,000 square feet of new development that would extend Rabbit Hole's current operations. While specific details of the expansion’s design have not been fully disclosed, the plan includes the demolition of the two aforementioned properties, which are located within the proposed footprint.

Rabbit Hole, established in Louisville, has built a reputation for its modern take on traditional bourbon-making and has seen growing popularity under the Pernod Ricard umbrella. Its current distillery is a striking architectural feature in the Nulu area and a major draw for bourbon tourism.

However, the proposed growth has now become a flashpoint in the ongoing conversation about how best to accommodate business interests while respecting the cultural and historical fabric of local neighborhoods.

Tensions highlight development vs. preservation

This controversy is emblematic of broader challenges faced by cities balancing historic preservation with urban growth. While companies like Rabbit Hole bring jobs, tourism, and investment to areas like Nulu, critics argue that these benefits should not come at the expense of architectural heritage and community character.

So far, Rabbit Hole and Pernod Ricard have not issued a public response to the petition. It remains to be seen whether community pressure will influence changes to the proposed expansion.

As development continues to reshape American cities, the Rabbit Hole case underscores how historic preservation and economic development often stand at odds. For the residents of Louisville, the fight to save two pre-Civil War buildings is about more than just bricks and mortar—it’s about preserving a sense of place in a rapidly changing urban landscape.