Crescent Hill Reservoir

In 1860 the first water customers got river water minus most of the mud that had settled out. The original reservoir was on the hilltop on Zorn Ave. where the Veteran’s Medical Center is today. Crescent Hill was still farmland with private estates at the time.

The Gothic style Gatehouse building was completed in 1879. The Crescent Hill Filtration Plant, across Frankfort Ave, opened in 1909, and was a leader in sand and gravel filtration in the U.S.

A 30-inch diameter water main runs underneath the median on Zorn Ave from the Water Tower and Pumping Station on the Ohio river to the reservoir. The Gatehouse contained valves that controlled the flow of water in and out of the reservoir.

In the early years, visitors came by train, and horse and buggy, and entered through two main gates, located at what are now Brownsboro Rd. and Frankfort Ave., to visit the park like grounds which had a lake and visitor’s shelter. The shelter still stands, it’s the L-shaped building that sits across from the Meagher Natatorium, it was completed in 1885, and included water closets, bathrooms and a common area.

The reservoir is still in use today, though the water flow is controlled at the treatment plant and not the gatehouse. The reservoir has a 110-million gallon capacity, less than one day’s supply for the city.

The water company buildings received significant damage from the 1974 F-4 tornado that crossed the property. A full-scale restoration of the building was completed in 2015.

The reservoir is a popular area for walkers and runners. Located at the intersection of Reservoir & 3018 Frankfort Aves.

www.louisvillewater.com/newsroom/crescent-hill-reservoir-and-gatehouse