Residents urge city to save Blue Streak building; mayor says structural review under way

Several residents urged Hopkinsville City Council on Sept. 16 to halt plans that could lead to demolition of the historic Blue Streak (Blue Street Printing) building downtown, saying preservation would aid economic revitalization and heritage tourism.

Grace Abernethy, a resident who described the Blue Streak as a 1912 theater linked to local journalist Ted Poston, told the council the building is “part of our cultural identity” and said historic buildings can attract visitors and businesses. “Old buildings are expensive but they’re also part of what gives Hopkinsville a sense of place,” Abernethy said.

Kate Russell, co-owner of Hopkinsville Brewing Company and a downtown property stakeholder, asked the council to treat the Blue Streak similarly to other rehabilitated landmarks and to involve the Kentucky Heritage Council, the state historic preservation office, in planning. “The preservation of downtown’s historic buildings is key to the revitalization and economic success,” Russell…