A Lexington entrepreneur and several enslaved men built this Lexington house between the 1832 scarlet fever and 1833 cholera epidemics. If permitted to stand, the building could survive to more than twice its age.

Brick maker, grocer, and entrepreneur Thomas K. Layton bought the Constitution Street lot in February 1831. At the time, he lived with his wife and children on Fourth Street in Daniel Layton’s former residence next to his brick yard. Six years, earlier he first advertised Hersman & Layton, “now prepared to furnish and lay brick in a superior manner.” By 1831, he either owned or hired nine enslaved people, five of whom were associated with his business and four with his residence.

Layton may have started work on this house during the summer of 1832, but probably did not complete it until the next year. In mid-June 1832, the Lexington Observer and Reporter warned residents of "Cholera again appearing in our midst." The biggest killer that summer was not cholera, but scarlet fever. The Laytons lost two sons in two days.

A year later, during summer 1833, the feared cholera epidemic arrived. For two weeks in June, there was no newspaper. The Kentucky Gazette resumed publication on the 22nd, noting, "It is impossible to ascertain at present how many are dead. A large portion of the citizens are absent; houses are empty; and it is difficult to get correct information.” Three citizens, including Thomas K. Layton, undertook the difficult inventory task, reporting that 502 townspeople died between June 1 and August 1. Lexington lost almost 10% of its inhabitants in two months.

The tax list that summer showed nine enslaved persons associated with Thomas K. Layton’s town lot. It is probable some of the men lived in the one-story, two-room brick structure as they worked. It is certain that sometime in the midst of unprecedented Lexington epidemics, these unknown skilled laborers built a house the Laytons soon occupied. The original rooms remained, one continuing its original purpose as the kitchen, the other for housing servants. Although these original spaces remained unattached, Layton built a wall along one side between the main house and kitchen, giving the place a slightly more impressive appearance than warranted. The only two-story section at that time contained a large lower front room and the sleeping quarters above it.

1833 BLT home with a location that can't be beat! Situated in the heart of the NoLi district, this historic home offers a unique proposition given its B-2A zoning. Live/work, multifamily rental, office, art gallery, bar, restaurant, etc. are all permitted. If seeking a single-family home you're in luck, as the current owners have finalized architectural drawings from Gibson, Taylor Thompson with four separate floor plan options that covey with the sale (available in paper format during showings). The home is teed-up for your personal design touches, with recent updates that include: new roof, A/C, furnace coils, sump pump, fencing, water heater, 200 amp electrical service, updated plumbing, among others. A truly walkable area of Lexington. Located on the same block as Constitution Bar and Kismet Salon, with restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, the courthouse, and Transylvania University all within a few blocks. Existing floor plan includes 2000+ sq ft 2bd/1.5 bath main house and an attached 500 sq ft 1bd/1 bath studio with kitchenette and separate entrance. 2 parking spots and outdoor courtyard.