
Werne's Row, Louisville
Werne’s Row is a distinctive ensemble of five Châteauesque mansions located in the heart of Old Louisville. Built in 1897 for Joseph Werne, a well-known jeweler and antiques dealer, the homes were designed by architect F.W. Mowbray, who also created Louisville’s Union Station. These red brick mansions stand just one foot apart but never touch—a detail that adds to their symmetrical yet individualized charm. Their design features classic Château-style elements, while each home has small ornamental differences that set it apart from its neighbors.
Set at the corner of 4th and Hill Streets, Werne’s Row embodies the eclectic spirit of Old Louisville, a neighborhood known for its dense concentration of Victorian architecture and stained-glass windows. While the exterior design was handled by Mowbray, the interiors were created by Claude Balfour, contributing to the refined elegance of the original homes. Joseph Werne and his wife lived in the corner residence, while Dr. William Wathen occupied the blue mansion facing Belgravia Court.
Today, three of the houses have been subdivided into apartments, while the remaining two serve as private single-family residences. Though a private park once stretched behind the row, it has since been converted into parking for the adjacent Belgravia Court Association. Despite these changes, the row maintains its historic visual harmony and remains one of the most photographed features of the district.
Werne’s Row offers a vivid glimpse into Louisville’s architectural past, blending personal history with formal design in one of the city’s most architecturally cohesive blocks.
Set at the corner of 4th and Hill Streets, Werne’s Row embodies the eclectic spirit of Old Louisville, a neighborhood known for its dense concentration of Victorian architecture and stained-glass windows. While the exterior design was handled by Mowbray, the interiors were created by Claude Balfour, contributing to the refined elegance of the original homes. Joseph Werne and his wife lived in the corner residence, while Dr. William Wathen occupied the blue mansion facing Belgravia Court.
Today, three of the houses have been subdivided into apartments, while the remaining two serve as private single-family residences. Though a private park once stretched behind the row, it has since been converted into parking for the adjacent Belgravia Court Association. Despite these changes, the row maintains its historic visual harmony and remains one of the most photographed features of the district.
Werne’s Row offers a vivid glimpse into Louisville’s architectural past, blending personal history with formal design in one of the city’s most architecturally cohesive blocks.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Louisville. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Werne's Row on Map
Sight Name: Werne's Row
Sight Location: Louisville, USA (See walking tours in Louisville)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Louisville, USA (See walking tours in Louisville)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Louisville, Kentucky
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