Humana Building

The Humana Building is a 27-story office tower in downtown Louisville designed in postmodern style with walls of pink granite. The north facade features an eight-story columned loggia that opens toward the historic storefronts on Main Street, with a fountain centered in this public-facing section.

Construction began in 1982 on the site of the Kenyon Building, Louisville's first skyscraper from 1886. Upon completion, it introduced a new architectural language to the city and marked a turning point in how tall buildings were designed in the late twentieth century.

This structure marks a deliberate shift away from stark modernist forms toward a more expressive architectural language. Its colorful facades and playful shapes changed how people thought about what tall office buildings could look and feel like in a city.

The building houses office spaces and is accessible from street level, with the columned loggia and fountain creating a public space between street elevations. Visitors can explore the interior and lower areas to see the architectural details and how the different sections of the structure connect to the surrounding district.

The four sides of the structure display different designs and varied heights, creating an asymmetrical appearance that is striking from different viewpoints. This unconventional approach to building design was unusual for office towers of that era and makes it easy to spot from different parts of the city.

Location: Louisville

Architects: Michael Graves

Official opening: May 1985

Architectural style: postmodern architecture

Floors above the ground: 27

GPS coordinates: 38.25650,-85.75870

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:41