The historic Morris Dry Goods Building in downtown Glasgow was among nine statewide projects honored at the 2025 Ida Lee Willis Memorial Historic Preservation Awards, presented Wednesday, May 28 at Berry Hill Mansion in Frankfort. Hosted by the Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation in partnership with the Kentucky Heritage Council, the awards recognize individuals and organizations whose efforts preserve Kentucky’s rich architectural heritage and foster meaningful community revitalization.
Built in the 1870s by German-Jewish immigrant Emanuel Morris, the Morris Dry Goods Building was once a vibrant hub of commerce in Glasgow’s downtown. After decades of disrepair and abandonment, it faced the real threat of demolition. Thanks to the vision and commitment of Zatt Properties LLC and the Smith and Darnell families of Barren County, the building has undergone a thoughtful and stunning transformation—reviving its historic charm while welcoming new life and purpose.
Now home to The Hive Coffee & Bakehouse and Nadine West Book Company, the space seamlessly blends preservation with functionality. Great care was taken to honor the building’s architectural integrity, down to the finest details. The exposed tongue-and-groove wood ceiling and original skylight—a stunning feature visible as soon as you enter—were preserved. The layout mirrors the original design, complete with a mezzanine level and exposed brick and plaster walls. The original floor joists have been creatively repurposed into custom stair treads on a central staircase that now serves as a dramatic focal point. Even the original hardwood flooring lives on—transformed into a handcrafted bar top upstairs and tables used throughout the shop.
“The comeback of this building reflects the kind of progress we hope to see throughout Glasgow—where the past is respected and the future is thoughtfully built,” said Mayor Henry Royse. “The Darnell and Smith families didn’t just save a building—they reignited pride in our downtown and showed what’s possible when vision meets community spirit.”“We’re honored and humbled to be part of this building’s next chapter,” said Savannah White, co-owner of The Hive Coffee & Bakehouse. “Every day, we serve guests in a space that carries so much history and heart. We’re incredibly grateful to Zatt Properties for inviting us into this vision and for the care they took in preserving such a meaningful piece of Glasgow’s story.”
Named for Kentucky’s first state historic preservation officer, the Ida Lee Willis Awards are the state’s highest recognition for outstanding achievements in historic preservation. Recipients are selected for their advocacy, investment, and leadership in saving Kentucky’s irreplaceable historic resources.
“We didn’t know much about the history of the Morris Building when we first started conversations about purchasing it,” said Mike Darnell, co-owner of Zatt Properties. “We just knew it was a beautiful, unique structure that had been sitting neglected for years. But once we learned more about the Morris family and the building’s legacy, it became clear that it was something worth restoring. We believe the restoration—and the two new, locally owned businesses now inside—make the Morris Building an important part of Glasgow once again, contributing to the quality of life and vibrancy of our community.”
The Morris Dry Goods Building now stands not only as a beautifully restored structure but as a symbol of what’s possible when heritage, craftsmanship, and community pride come together.
