Louisville Hotel

[3] The entrance steps led to a rotunda measuring 22 feet (6.7 m) in diameter,[4] which was lit by a skylight, and from which parlors, barrooms, and baggage rooms radiated and were immediately accessible.

[3] The main floor hosted small businesses, including a stagecoach depot, a cigar shop, a saloon, clothiers, and a "lottery office.

"[4] In its heyday the hotel was patronized by "planters, soldiers, military leaders, and theater people,"[4] and was admired for its "lustrous black-walnut paneling, cut-glass chandelier, and large oil paintings.

[9] After the completion, in 1856, of the remodel designed by architect Isaiah Rogers[10] (under direction of proprietors Kean, Stedman & Co.) the hotel had expanded from 60 to 220 rooms within five stories.

[4] The Louisville Courier-Journal described the building's condition in 1941:[4] Boxes and scraps fill the lobby and the famous chandelier is gone, having fallen and been destroyed several years ago, we were told.