County invites creative, experience-driven redevelopment concepts for a rare civic building in America’s Most Beautiful Small Town

Nelson County, Kentucky has issued a national Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting developers, creators, and experience-driven operators to reimagine a rare civic landmark: the 1914 Old Historic Post Office on Court Square in downtown Bardstown—recognized globally as the Bourbon Capital of the World and named America’s Most Beautiful Small Town in 2012.

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Old Post Office, 90 Court Square, Bardstown, KY

The 12,092-square-foot building anchors Bardstown’s National Historic District and occupies one of the most visible and symbolic locations in the community. Offered for private redevelopment for the first time in more than 110 years, the property presents an opportunity that extends beyond conventional adaptive reuse, with the potential to serve as a platform where history, preservation, hospitality, storytelling, and contemporary brand experiences can intersect.

Across the country, entrepreneurs and brands are rethinking how physical spaces function in an era shaped by digital media, experiential travel, and lifestyle storytelling. Purpose-built environments increasingly serve as destinations, brand showcases, studios, and gathering places, often blending retail, hospitality, food, culture, and content creation into a single authentic setting. Bardstown’s global bourbon identity, walkable historic core, and year-round tourism economy provide a natural stage for this kind of creative exploration.

Nelson County Judge/Executive Tim Hutchins said, “We are interested in proposals that think creatively about how an iconic historic building can be fully utilized and meaningfully integrated into downtown life. That could take many forms. What matters to the County is a thoughtful approach, a significant investment in the property and a clear vision for how the Old Post Office can contribute to Bardstown’s continued evolution as a place to live, visit, and experience.”

Proposals are being solicited nationally to attract teams with the creativity, operating capacity, and capital required to steward an iconic property within one of America’s most distinctive historic downtowns.

RFP information, submission requirements, and key dates are available at:

https://nelsoncountyky.gov/old-historic-post-office-rfp/

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