Pickleball or preservation? A 19th century Louisville building struggles to survive in a 21st century downtown

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - Preservationists are digging in for what could be a final stand to stop the ‘Odd Fellows Building’ from being torn down.

It has been standing near the corner of 2nd Street and West Muhammad Ali Boulevard since 1897.

Omni Hotel management plans to replace it with what it describes as a “pickleball-focused entertainment venue.”

“If Omni is unwilling to repurpose this historic building into its development,” Steve Wiser, Louisville Historical League President, said, “we asked the Mayor and Metro Council to oppose this pickleball project until Omni can propose a much better quality project.”

Wiser suggested two alternatives to demolition: keep the building standing as part of a new development or move it.

“Move it to the corner at 2nd and Muhammad Ali,” he said. “