Despite staggering changes over the years, East Main Street in Lexington retains some delightful early 20th century houses. One of the most picturesque is a 3.5-story brick and frame ode to the influence of the Shingle style. No matter the season, it brings a smile to my face, but especially as the world begins to awaken and trees and flowers unfurl themselves in spring.
The Edward L. Hutchinson House at 631 East Main Street, Lexington, Kentucky.
This is one of those architectural creations that not only arrests the eye, but captures the eye with a bevvy of details. First and foremost is the steeply pitched roof, against which the stone chimney acts as an exclamation point (and strong vertical element. Windows of all sizes and shapes seem to dance across the walls of the house. Trapezoids, round arches, an oriel window of sorts, tiny oculus lights set high in a shingled gable – the attention lavished upon the windows alone is amazing.
A view of the west elevation and facade.
On the west side of the house, the wall curves – or rolls – in toward a recessed balcony, where elsewhere on the house, walls overhang, project, or flare. The wrap-around porch, nestled under gables extending from the mass of the house, feels even more secure by the massive molded stones of the porch posts, which are themselves accented by timber trusses on the front of the house.
A March 20, 1974 image of the house, taken by Clay Lancaster. From the Clay Lancaster Kentucky architectural photographs collection at the University of Kentucky.
Edward Hutchison was a lawyer in Lexington, and a mover and shaker in political and financial circles – city attorney, President of the City Council, president of the Lexington Bank and Trust Company – you get the idea. He bought this property in 1890, and the address first appears in the city directories in 1902. Hutchinson lived in the house until his death in 1947 (his wife, Jessie, predeceased him).
The engagement announcement of Jessie Leigh and Edward Hutchinson, from the September 15, 1901 edition of the Lexington Leader.
The architect of this house – and a similar one at 497 E. Main – is unknown, but it would be fascinating to discover from what mind this fanciful design sprang.
At one point in the second half of the 20th century, this dwelling was converted into apartments and was in poor condition. The yellow paint is fresh looking today, and Hutchinson might well be pleased to know that his former abode is, in part, a law office.
January 2023 update:
As of January 2023, this building is for sale!
Thanks to Tom Eblen, who sent me this photo – the real estate listing states the 3,450 square foot building, zoned neighborhood business, is on the market for $875,000. I hope that someone who appreciates its unqiue architecture will purchase this building and preserve it.
This property was already within the city limits in 1902, as the intersection of Walton and Main was the extent until 1916. This lot is not part of Bell Court or the Bullock development, but part of the Bellview subdivision, platted in1898.
Yes, this is a charming house, as are many along Main going out as far as Idle Hour! Compared to so many other historic cities across the country, however, Lexington’s government doesn’t appear to understand the magnetism–for both residents & tourists–of the “ambience” its older neighborhoods outside downtown provide. Period houses & neighborhoods can feed tourism as much as ballgames & horse races–IF a City balances their interests EQUALLY with the need for infill, Granny Flats, parking garages, increased traffic & zoning ordinances. Thanks for showcasing this charming house.
As a child, 65 years ago, we would drive from Richmond where we lived to Lexington once in a while and I could not wait to get to Main street to see the houses and catch someone riding a horse down the middle of the road with all the beautiful trees.
What a lovely memory Sally. Thank you for sharing.