On June 25, 2025, the Landmark Commission officially approved the Chickasaw Neighborhood Preservation District designation! Donald Thomas of the Chickasaw Neighborhood Federation shared the following reflections on the historical and cultural significance of this milestone. Now recognized as a Historic District at both the local and national levels, the community is looking ahead to celebrate the designation and pursue the resources and recognition it rightfully deserves.
1. Why is preservation important to you personally and/or professionally?
Preservation is important to me both personally and professionally because it connects us to our shared history and identity. Living in communities like Chickasaw, I have seen firsthand how historic places carry stories that shape who we are—from the architecture to the people who lived, gathered, and thrived there. Professionally, preservation provides a framework for community-centered development, where progress doesn’t mean erasing the past, but building on it with intention and respect.
2. How would you describe the Chickasaw Neighborhood to someone who has never been there?
Chickasaw is a neighborhood rooted in heritage and resilience. Tucked along the Ohio River in Louisville’s West End, it’s defined by tree-lined streets, early 20th-century homes, and a strong sense of community pride. It has a rich African American legacy—from trailblazing figures like Muhammad Ali and Lenny Lyles, to beloved gathering places like Chickasaw Park, which served as a rare public space for Black families during segregation. It’s a place where neighbors still greet each other by name, and where history isn’t just preserved—it’s lived.
3. What inspired the effort to pursue the Chickasaw Neighborhood Preservation District designation? Was there a key moment or catalyst?
The preservation effort was inspired by a growing sense that Chickasaw’s cultural and architectural significance was being overlooked and, in some cases, threatened. There wasn’t necessarily one single moment—but a rising awareness among neighbors, historians, and city leaders that our stories and structures deserved formal protection. As development pressures mounted in West Louisville, the community came together to say: “We value our legacy, and we want future generations to inherit it intact”. That solidarity was the true catalyst.
4. Now that Chickasaw is officially recognized—both locally and nationally—as a Historic District, what comes next? What does the future look like for the neighborhood?
Recognition is just the beginning. The future for Chickasaw is about investment without displacement, education through preservation, and opportunity rooted in authenticity. We envision restoring more homes with historic tax credits, offering walking tours that teach our history, and welcoming small businesses that reflect the neighborhood’s character. It’s about ensuring that economic development uplifts residents, not replaces them. Preservation will help us guide growth on our own terms.
5. How can the broader community support your efforts moving forward?
There are so many ways to support! First, engage with the neighborhood: attend events, volunteer with preservation groups, or take a tour. Second, share our story—the more people know about Chickasaw’s history, the more they’ll help protect it. And third, advocate for policies that prioritize preservation, equity, and affordability. We welcome collaboration from historians, designers, students, and anyone who values cultural heritage. We’re building a coalition that’s both local and far-reaching.
6. Where should visitors go to experience the best of Chickasaw? Any must-see sites, shops, or restaurants you'd recommend?
Start with a stroll through Chickasaw Park—a stunning Olmsted-designed space that has witnessed decades of Black joy and resilience. Don’t miss the Kentucky Historical Marker at the park entrance, or the courts where Muhammad Ali once trained. Then explore the residential blocks where Samuel Plato’s architecture still stands. For food, check out restaurants such as Family Ties of Louisville, Southern Hospitality, and Soulful Choices or local pop-ups that often operate on West Broadway. And if you’re fortunate, you will catch a community festival or historical walking tour that brings it all to life.
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