Lexington, KY. - An imposing stone structure regarded a potential centerpiece of Lexington's downtown revival was closed to the public by the city on Friday following the discovery of dangerous levels of damaged and deteriorating lead-based paint inside the 114 year old building.
Lead is hazardous, especially for children who are 6 or younger. Lead dust or paint chips can be ingested by inhaling or swallowing.
“We are taking the most conservative, responsible steps we can take,” Lexington General Services Commissioner Sally Hamilton said in a statement. “Safety must come first.”
Hamilton said lead abatement contractors will immediately assess the cost of addressing the lead problems. “That will tell us more about how long the building will have to remain closed,” she said. “We may very well find that we can’t afford to address the issues right now. This building has a number of problems, and fixing them will likely be very expensive.” In addition to lead concerns, the building has asbestos and structural problems. The city is also assessing mold levels.
The building, now in the center of a burgeoning downtown entertainment district, houses the Lexington History Museum, the Lexington Public Safety Museum and the Kentucky Renaissance Pharmacy Museum. On Saturdays, patrons of the Farmers Market use its restrooms. The museums were notified that the building was being closed to the public, effective immediately.
The decision to assess the building’s lead, asbestos and mold levels grew out of a complaint in April from a volunteer with the Public Safety Museum. The city hired a local firm, Air Source Technology, to conduct a study and decided a full assessment was needed.
In its Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessment Report, the company identified “Deteriorated lead-based paint on the interior building components” and “Lead dust on the floors and other components.”
For a Century the imposing stone structure housed Fayette County court operations. While functional, its interior receiving a paint job in 2002, some have suggested that the building should be restored to its original configuration, including relocating heating and air conditioning equipment in order to expose an ornate dome.
Restoration of the dome had been the goal of a fundraiser for the Lexington History Museum scheduled for September 28-29 will be held in another location. Museum director Jamie Millard said the fundraiser will now be redirected to support renovation of the building.