Louisville Art Deco - Joseph Seagrams Distillery Complex
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Last Updated:    July 30, 2006      Added some historical information.

Date Constructed: 1936
Address: 2500 Seventh Street Road.
Current Building Name: Various for each warehouse building's tenant
Earlier Building Names: Joseph E. Seagrams Distillery
Architect: Joseph & Jospeph
Builder: Unknown at this time
Current Status: In use
Designation (if applicable): Unknown at this time.

The Seagrams Distillery complex is located at 2500 Seventh Street Road (Seventh & Central Ave.). It is made up of a few manufacturing buildings and several warehouse buildings. The buildings are brick with limestone caps and decorative carvings. The book Historic Jefferson County, published by Jefferson County Historic Preservation © 1992 (edited by Leslee F. Keys) states:

The architectural firm of Joseph and Joseph designed the Seagrams and Calvert distilleries south of Louisville. The Seagrams complex is a carefully-landscaped site creating a campus-like atmosphere. Wide expanses of manicured lawns and mature trees enhance the setting.

The Regency Revival stone-faced administration building, completed about 1933, is recognized by its massive columned portico and elaborate entry frame. The building's interior is decorated with marble floors and walnut paneling. [ed. This building is not featured on this page]

The Art Deco-influenced distillery buildings were constructed in 1936. The stone-trimmed brick buildings are mirror-images of one another. During W.W. II Seagrams converted these buildings for use in the production of industrial alcohol, used in the manufacture of smokeless powder, synthetic rubber and in various medicines. Seagrams closed the distillery in the late-1980s, and new uses have necessitated alterations to some of the buildings.

I did not take photos of the main administration building since it is not built in the Art Deco style. It is the current home of Dismas Charities. Since Seagrams ceased operations here, the buildings have been converted into use by a variety of companies within the complex: Golden Foods, Iron Mountain, Tank Wash Inc., and Art Etc.

Photos by Jim L. Patterson - copyright 2006.


Click on the thumbnail photo to view a larger image.














































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