Ch. 5 The Bank
Always striving to keep things local, I’d held accounts with the two town banks from the beginning, so I was familiar with the establishments, staff, and physical structures. In 2014, when Huntington Bank announced the closure of its Ludlow branch, I longingly eyed the property—with its updated, mold—and asbestos-free construction, existing occupancy permit, and ample parking. Conversely, I was eyeballing the work ahead of me on the rehab of the Duro Bag site, a 10,000-square-foot challenge riddled with environmental hazards.
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April 9, 2015: The Mayor of Ludlow reviews the bank site at a city council meeting. Discussions emerge about reducing the bank’s price to aid its sale,
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July 14, 2015: Realizing that all was not lost and we had at least secured brewing equipment, we launched a video announcing to the world that we were seeking a brewer. Shot during Circus Mojo’s performance at the MLB All-Star Game, it showcases our international talent from Australia, Malaysia, Japan, Togo, France, Germany, and the USA.
I knew I had to get my mojo movin’ and quickly. While waiting for the official architectural and PDS approval stamps, I began demoing my ceiling to gain access to additional rigging points.
Additionally, PDS required the installation of an ADA accessible bathroom on the balcony level of the theatre. I pointed out there was no need for an ADA Bathroom because the small toilet built in 1946 served as a stall for the projectionist. Therefore, the toilet should be grandfathered. The PDS informed me that the appeals process for such anomalous features to be formally defined/excused from compliance would take at least six months.
Now there is an ADA bathroom on the balcony of the Ludlow Theatre. When I give tours of the site I share the arbitrary rules of PDS. The mentality in Kentucky is ‘Don’t Tread on Me” but I like to point out that their costumes don’t match their rhetoric. The handicapped toilet is dedicated to people who are emotionally handicapped and sit in positions of power/authority.
