Protecting Key Historical and Cultural Resources

Objective - Protecting Key Historical and Cultural Resourceshistory book icon

Collaborate with community partners to support and invest in the historical and cultural resources unique to Paducah.

Note: This was a 2022 City Commission Priority, a continuous improvement item in 2023, and a priority in 2024.


Historical and Cultural Resources Expectations and Tactics

  • Implement the Rhodes Heritage Group's recommendations for the Hotel Metropolitan.
  • Provide a $500,000 match to the Columbia Theatre to stabilize the facade contingent upon the Columbia's successfully raising remaining funds.

Accomplishments - 2022 to Present

Consulting Services Related to Historical Assets & Neighborhoods  

  • 2022 At the June 28, 2022, Commission meeting, the Board authorized the initiation of a request for proposals (RFP) for consulting services related to preservation assessment and stewardship of certain historic assets and neighborhoods. Rhodes Heritage Group was selected with a contract signed in October 2022. The project focuses on the Hotel Metropolitan, the Oscar Cross birth house, Columbia Theater, Stuart Nelson Park, and the Southside.
  • 2022-2023 After multiple meetings with stakeholders and on-site visits, Monica Rhodes, Rhodes Heritage Group founder and president, along with Paducah native, Brent Leggs, presented an overview in October 2023 of the Preservation Opportunities Assessment report which provides preservation recommendations for each historic site or area. Rhodes called Paducah a “trailblazer” for the desire to preserve and be stewards of its local cultural legacy.

Preservation Opportunities Assessment by Rhodes Heritage Group

  • 2024 The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved a Municipal Order at its February 13, 2024, meeting pledging $500,000 for the stabilization of the Columbia Theatre’s façade. The Columbia Theatre, built in 1927, is located at 504 Broadway. The building needs repairs with Columbia Art House working to find funding to complete the stabilization which is estimated to cost $1.5 million. The City’s pledge is contingent upon the Columbia Art House successfully raising the remaining funds before June 30, 2026. 

Dr. Stuart Nelson  Staff is attending the McCracken County Sports Tourism Commission meetings and participating in the design for the Paducah Sports Park which will include honoring Dr. Stuart Nelson. 


Commission Priorities

Read all Commission Priorities and Continuous Improvement Items including each action item's objective and expectations by visiting Commission Priorities.