The owner of Genny's Diner on Frankfort Avenue says he will give away a historic home he owns next door to his restaurant. The price is $0. But it won't be free.
"The house is free as long as the buyer has to go through the same stipulations, same amount of money, bringing it up to code," says current owner Frank Faris. "The city says it has to be up to code under the Historic and Preservation society."
Faris bought the dilapidated property in 2001 for $100,000. His plan was to tear it down to make more parking for his busy diner. The Louisville Metro Landmark Commission ruled the home can't be torn down because it is an historic home. The property is a 100 year old Victorian Home that is now boarded up.
Faris says he's been unable to sell the house. Monday a judge ruled he would have to give it away to someone willing to repair it.
"A free house is what brought me out here, yes," says Raymond Getsfred, one of several people who stopped by to check out the property on Tuesday morning. Workers in Genny's Diner said a dozen people called Tuesday before they opened to inquire about the up-for-grabs property.
"You can see it needs a lot of work, but for the price it's worth a try," says Getsfred.
"It's a wonderful neighborhood," says Faris, who is facing hefty building code fines and possible jail time if he can't get rid of the property. "Just be careful what you are spending your money on here."
Faris has not said how he will choose the new owner. He goes back to court April 1st.
