SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. , The Old Stone Bank at 411 S. Buckman St. has a new role in an old shell. After a city-led preservation and renovation effort in partnership with the Bullitt County History Museum, the stone building has reopened as a visitors’ center.
City leaders said the site will be folded into the Shepherdsville City Park as renovations continue, including plans for a new town square at S. Buckman Street and W. Joe B. Hall Ave. During an official ribbon cutting, Mayor Jose Cubero and local historian David Strange also unveiled a new historical plaque at the building’s side entrance.
Cubero, museum director Sheri Hatter, and Strange recognized the individuals and groups that helped bring the project across the finish line. Cubero credited Public Works Director Tom LaFollette and city employees for much of the hands-on work, and he thanked city staffers Amber Odle and Samantha Satterly for their support. Other local partners cited for assistance included Hadley Electric, Kerry’s Plumbing, and the Shepherdsville and Bullitt County Tourist and Convention Commission. Painters Barry Tinnell and Bandy Combs also helped touch up the building.
Strange said research places the building’s construction between 1821 and 1849, built by local businessman Abraham Field, though some accounts date it as far back as 1817. Despite the name, Strange said there is not substantial evidence the structure ever operated as a bank, even though the story stuck for generations. Over time, the building served several uses, including warehouse space, offices for Bernheim Forest, and a hair salon.
For contractors, the project is a reminder that small historic buildings still take full-team coordination. This restoration leaned on city crews, a history group, and local trades like electrical and plumbing, all working toward an adaptive reuse goal instead of a simple cosmetic refresh.
Hatter said museum displays will go in the front room of the two-room building, and the back room will highlight local artists, including a nod to past local artist Lou Torok, also known as Ripp Ronay. The building will not be open daily yet, but it will open during select occasions, including city park events.
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