Nestled along Richmond Road on your way downtown, large older homes serve as the gateway to the cozy streets that make up Kenwick and Mentelle Park. While these historic neighborhoods have become a hot spot for young professionals, they are also home to a community of longtime residents.
If you haven’t explored in a while, it might be time to rediscover why so many people — maybe even you — love to call it home.
The early days
The origins of the 1100 block of Richmond Road date back to around 1797, when the two neighborhoods were originally contained in Henry Clay’s 600-acre estate. At the time, Kenwick + Mentelle Park were considered part of rural Fayette County as the city’s street grid ended at present-day Rose Street. In the 1830s, the land was sold and became a part of the Ellerslie estate — which is now in pieces underneath The Home Depot, Southland Christian Church, and McDonald’s drive-thru.
Fun fact: The “Gingerbread House” at 116 Lincoln Ave., known as Rose Hill, was built by Charlotte and Waldemer Mentelle in 1839, hint hint.
Mentelle Park was formed in 1906 out of 56 lots and followed by Kenwick in 1909. Driving along these streets now, it’s not uncommon to see a few houses with front doors facing their neighbors, and not the street.
Eat + drink
Dine the day away with a variety of flavorful stops from our neighbors in the Warehouse Block.
- Kenwick Table has the best of both worlds — start your morning buzz with coffee, tea + pastries, then kick back with a beer, wine, or cocktails after 4 p.m.
- Grab a pint of local craft beer from Mirror Twin Brewing — a dog-friendly brewery with plenty of outdoor seating + pizza options from Rolling Oven.
- Enjoy an upscale brunch at Epping’s on Eastside and head home with 20% off a bottle of wine from its in-house shop.
Need to know
This part of the 40502 is known for its easy walkability to the Warehouse Block + Chevy Chase, beautiful historic homes, and access to top Fayette County Public Schools — Henry Clay High School is ranked No. 36 in the state.
Can’t miss
Running low on time? A trip to Kenwick + Mentelle Park isn’t complete without a stop at Wilson’s Grocery. This hidden gem is the quintessential neighborhood corner store complete with a deli, a wide selection of beverages, and essentials like toilet paper, paper towels, and various groceries. It’s pretty much a one-stop shop, so be sure to factor it into your trip. You’ll thank us later.
Play + chill
Here are some of our favorite spots to relax or burn off steam in this slice of the 40502:
- Experience the physical + mental health benefits of halotherapy, think allergy and stress relief, at Lexington Salt Cave.
- Wellness awaits at Centered — infrared saunas, massage, yoga + more.
- Host a little friendly competition at Break Out Games.
- Let the kiddos get a little messy at ARTplay Children’s Studio + keep an eye out for more offerings.
Getting around
Getting to downtown from Kenwick is a straight shot down Main Street — for the avid walker and cyclist, it’s a quick mile-and-a-half trip. Pro tip: Rent a scooter or an e-bike for an even more exciting commute.
In Kenwick + Mentelle Park there is plenty of street parking, just keep an eye out for driveways + yellow lines on the curb. For Warehouse Block there is also street parking and several parking lots surrounding the businesses.
Where to live
If you’re sold + looking to buy a home in the area, here are some of the current housing options on the market for now:
- Classic bungalow, 904 Aurora Ave. | 2 BD, 2 BA | $349,000 | This up-and-down duplex has abundant greenery and timeless wooden finishes.
- Recently renovated + perfectly located, 269 S. Hanover Ave. | 4 BD, 5 BA | $1.4 million | Steps away from shops + restaurants galore, the spacious porch and a fenced-in backyard await.
- Modern charm, 211 Sherman Ave. | 5 BD, 5 BA | $689,000 | Bright spaces and a lovely outdoor entertaining space sit within ~3,000 sqft of prime real estate.
