Gratz Park Historic District
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The Gratz Park Historic District is located in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. Gratz Park is named after early Lexington businessman Benjamin Gratz whose home stands on the corner of Mill and New streets at the edge of Gratz Park. The historic district consists of 16 buildings including the Hunt-Morgan House, the Bodley-Bullock House, the Carnegie Library, and several other private residences. Gratz Park occupies a tract of land that was established in 1781 outside of the original boundaries of Lexington.
The Park was the original site of Transylvania College, that building was destroyed by fire in 1829. The Transylvania campus was moved across Third Street to its present location.
At the northern edge of the park is the "Fountain of Youth," built in memory of Lexington author James Lane Allen using proceeds willed to the city by Allen. The park was deeded to the city of Lexington during the mid-20th century and is still used as a public park today.
The Gratz Park Historic District is bounded by West Third and West Second streets on the north and south, and by the buildings that line Mill and Market streets on the west and east. The park is open to the public. The Historic Christ Church Cathederal is located at the edge of the district at 166 Market Street. Several houses within the district that are open to the public.
