NoC News
On March 22, concerned residents met with city officials after the Loudoun House in Castlewood Park suffered several thefts. In a five-week period, the Loudoun House had, among other things, its copper downspouts and air conditioning unit stolen.
Chris Cooperrider of LFUCG Parks and Recreation said that it was the third time the HVAC units at the Loudoun House had been targeted in the last 14-16 months. Cooperrider emphasized that, in talking to the police department, he was assured that this type of crime is perpetrated by “low-level” criminals, who tend to pose little safety threat.
Copper has been a popular target for theft in the last few years, and Cooperrider said that other historical buildings in Lexington had been hit in February and March. Some historical buildings use copper to maintain their historical character. To avoid problems at the Loudoun House in the future, the downspouts will be made of galvanized steel, an acceptable substitution.
Other preventative measures include eventually replacing conventional HVAC units at the Loudoun House with geothermal heating and cooling. The police have also stepped up patrols at the park, and neighbors are encouraged to call the police if they see suspicious activity in the area.
The residents at the meeting were keen to support the Loudoun House and the Lexington Art League (LAL), which resides in the house, seeing it as a centerpiece of the Castlewood Neighborhood.
Stephanie Harris, executive director of LAL, said, “LAL has been so fortunate to have the Loudoun House as our home which proudly serves as a free cultural resource for the Castlewood Community. LAL is committed to maintaining its residency here, and it is such a tragedy to watch this historic space be dismantled by senseless vandalism.”
“We feel confident that the collective efforts of LFUCG Parks and Recreation, the Lexington Police Department and the Castlewood Neighborhood Association will end this recent wave of thefts so that we all can continue to improve our park for the families and community members who come here for recreation.”
During exhibitions, the gallery at LAL is open to the public at no cost from Tuesday to Friday, 10 AM-4 PM, and Saturday and Sunday 1-4 PM.
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