A south Louisville neighborhood group’s request to grant landmark status to the Kenwood Drive-In Theatre has been denied.The Metro Historic Landmarks Commission ruled today that the property does not meet the criteria for the designation. The Kenwood opened in 1949 off Southside Drive and is Louisville’s last standing drive-in. It’s been closed since 2008, when it was put up for sale by its longtime owner, National Amusements. Landmark status would have required the owner to submit a plan before altering or tearing down any structures on the property. The company is opposed to the designation.Commission staff member Cynthia Johnson says the decision cannot be appealed, but the neighborhood group could return with a scaled back proposal."One of the ideas that was discussed was the historic sign might qualify as a landmark. That could be re-initiated if the petitioners wanted to explore that possibility," she said.The Kenwood’s marquee is part of the original complex. The movie screen was replaced in the 1960s.
Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.