HOPKINSVILLE KY, (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Phoenix building, one of the oldest structures in downtown Hopkinsville, is being prepared for demolition.
The building at Ninth and Main Street was originally built in 1812 and served as a hotel, according to Christian County Historian William Turner. It had names such as The American Inn and Ford House, among other inn names. In its early years, the building suffered a fire where most of the interior had to be rebuilt, keeping the exterior all original.
From 1905-1910, it became the Commercial and Savings Bank, and from 1910-1953 it became The Phoenix Drug Store. While The Phoenix building has offered upstairs office space up until recently, Cassity’s Kiddie Corner clothing store was located on site until 1987. The last known business tenant was Little Chef restaurant, which closed in the mid-1990s.
Since then, the building has been utilized as a political campaign headquarters of both parties, in local, state and national elections. Many candidates have hung their posters and fliers alongside the building as well.
In January 2023, the building was deemed unsafe to enter by the Hopkinsville Fire Department. It was condemned and, following a court order, the owner of the building, Al Cravens, is responsible for demolition and a recent asbestos abatement. However, the timeline for demolition hasn’t been announced.
While there is no definite replacement lined up once the building is removed, Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight is hopeful for the lot’s future, explains Hopkinsville spokesperson Chris Jung.
The hope is the lot will become home to a hybrid building that offers shopping options on the bottom floor and residential spaces on the top.
“Having a revitalized, multi-use building with the combination of business and living space would be a strong statement for our downtown,” said Knight. “We look forward to The Phoenix rising again.”