The Bellwether Hotel
The Bellwether buildings have been reimagined after laying dormant for over two decades.
The Highlands Police Station (est. 1907), BellSouth Switching Station (est. 1917), and Louisville Ballet all once called The Bellwether home, and you can still experience elements of each throughout your stay. The original police station façade and WWII-era murals have been completely restored, and you can now lounge in what was once a studio for ballet dancers. We are excited to bring you a taste of the history of these classic buildings while experiencing a modern stay in our beautiful neighborhood.
Highland Station
Highland Station: A Masterclass in Structural Narrative by SB Design + Build
For the Highland Station project, we focused on a design-forward "preservation-first" philosophy, meticulously breathing new life into the 1907 structure while pushing the boundaries of boutique hospitality. Our approach centered on honoring the building’s civic heritage by stripping back historical layers to reveal its original architectural soul, then layering in a sophisticated Mid-Century Modern aesthetic. The centerpiece of the Highland Station remodel is the masterful preservation of two large-scale oil murals discovered within the 1907 structure. Painted in the 1940s by artist James Durand Pate, these rare survivors—depicting a fire and rescue operation and a local street scene—offer a window into the building’s civic past. Our team meticulously integrated these 80-year-old narratives into the suite’s modern living area, stabilizing their vibrancy to serve as a high-contrast focal point against crisp architectural lines and custom finishes. By anchoring our design around these historic works, we’ve created a space where elite boutique luxury and authentic Louisville heritage coexist seamlessly.We maximized the suite’s expansive footprint by integrating custom-milled cabinetry and architectural steelwork that complements the soaring ceiling heights and original masonry. By balancing technical precision with artistic flair, we transformed a police station into a premier penthouse retreat—proving that through thoughtful adaptive reuse, we can preserve Louisville’s history while creating a contemporary, high-performance space for the modern era.
The Bellwether House
For the Bellwether House, the largest and most deluxe unit in the portfolio, we delivered a design-forward masterclass in boutique group living. Our team transformed this expansive, separate residence into a four-bedroom, 4.5-bath sanctuary that seamlessly blends architectural heritage with a high-end, contemporary aesthetic. The open-concept living and dining zones are anchored by a sophisticated palette of blush and beige tones, designed to serve as a serene backdrop for curated original art prints by local artist Jake Heustis and locally sourced, custom furniture. By prioritizing a seamless flow between the professional-grade kitchen and the lavish lounge areas, we created a high-performance space that caters to groups of up to 12 without compromising on the intimate, curated feel of a private luxury home. This project stands as a premier example of our ability to scale high-end design for modern, communal hospitality.
New Old Fashioned
At 1281 Everett Avenue, we brought new life to a home with an evolving past.
Originally built in 1897 and later converted into a duplex in the 1950s, the property had lost much of its original flow and historic charm. Our team at S+B Design Build thoughtfully restored it to a single-family residence, preserving its architectural character while introducing refined, modern elements. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows now flood the interiors with natural light, and the reimagined layout prioritizes comfort, livability, and the needs of modern families. Design details—like bold tiger wallpaper in the living room, hand-painted wallpaper in the formal sitting room, and custom white oak cabinetry paired with stunning quartzite countertops—create a layered, sophisticated aesthetic. Every decision balanced historic preservation with thoughtful updates, honoring the home’s past while crafting a warm, inviting space for contemporary life.
Grand on Willow
At 1284 Willow Avenue, we restored a grand brick Victorian to its original elegance.
Built in 1893 and converted into a duplex in the 1940s, the home had lost much of its architectural cohesion and historic character. Our team at S+B Design Build returned it to a single-family residence, thoughtfully reintroducing period-specific details that honor its late-19th-century roots. Authentic light fixtures from the 1800s, curated millwork, and historically appropriate finishes bring the home’s original charm forward, while a newly installed curved grand staircase was designed to frame and celebrate the stunning 13-foot stained glass window at its core. A rich, moody palette—deep greens and mauves pulled directly from that stained glass—runs throughout the home, grounding each space in Victorian character. Walnut paneling in the sitting room adds warmth, texture, and gravitas, creating a finely layered interior that feels both historically rich and perfectly suited for modern family living.
