History

The building that is now home to Franklin Lofts was previously the Franklin Street Brewery. This brewery was owned and operated by J. Bauer from 1865 to 1877. Bauer lived in the brick two-story, three-bay wide structure at the front of the parcel which served as both his residence and a saloon. Today this structure has the address of 943 Franklin Street.

Historic records also indicate that the brewery, which is a two story brick structure on a stone foundation located at the rear of the parcel also housed the Falls City Malt House. Additional records denote the brewery as the Elizabeth Bauer Brewery, presumably the widow of J. Bauer and would have been the first woman owned brewery in Louisville.

The brewery was run by the Union Brewing Company, under the direction of proprietors Hettinger and Hauck, from 1898-1911.