Menu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Glasgow, KY — The City of Glasgow is pleased to announce that the original Houchens store, first opened by Ervin Houchens in 1917, will soon become the newest historical exhibit at the South Central Kentucky Cultural Center (SCKCC), located at 200 W. Main Street, Glasgow, KY, in the building formerly known as the J.C. Penney building.
For more than a century, the Houchens store stood just south of Glasgow and has been a recognizable symbol of hard work, entrepreneurship, and local pride. In recent months, the structure faced the possibility of relocation to an off-site warehouse in Bowling Green. Thanks to community concern, swift action by local leaders, and the dedication of the South Central Kentucky Cultural Center, the store will remain in Glasgow and preserved for future generations.
“This project reflects Glasgow’s deep respect for its history and the people who built this community,” said Mayor Henry Royse. “Preserving the Houchens store keeps an important chapter of our local story right here at home, where it belongs.”
The historic structure will become the first permanent museum-style installation in the storefront gallery of the SCKCC Art Gallery, located at the corner of North Race and West Main Streets. The exhibit will also feature several items associated with Erwin Houchens, including his last car and select agricultural artifacts, generously donated by Cecil and Lynne Martin. The exhibit’s transition to the Cultural Center is supported in part by a contribution from the Glass family, helping ensure the store remains in its hometown.
Debbie Pace, Executive Director of the South Central Kentucky Cultural Center, shared her excitement about what this exhibit means for local heritage: “The Houchens store started here in 1917 and it grew into a great enterprise with many local residents being a part of that. With this exhibit, we are able to keep that store here, where it’s from, and people can see and feel that pride.”
The City of Glasgow extends its appreciation to all partners and supporters who helped ensure that this important piece of community history will remain accessible to the public. The relocation and installation process is underway, with the exhibit expected to open to visitors soon.
Residents who wish to support preservation efforts or contribute to the exhibition may contact Debbie Pace, Executive Director of the South Central Kentucky Cultural Center at [email protected], for additional information.
Copyright © 2026 City of Glasgow. All rights reserved.
