A nearly 10-year-old battle over an historic home in the Clifton neighborhood may be nearing end with a new twist, the embattled owner is giving it away for free starting Tuesday.
The 100-year-old Victorian home is boarded up and falling apart. Frank Faris, who owns Genny's Diner Restaurant right next door, bought it for $100,000 in 2001.
He wanted to tear it down for extra parking. But the Clifton neighborhood launched a battle, and Faris was even thrown in jail by a judge for a few hours several years ago. Facing possible jail time again, a judge told Faris to give the home away and he agreed.
Louisville Metro's Landmark Commission has ruled that the house can't be torn down.
Faris says he been unable to sell it. He is also still facing hefty building code fines. He will go back before the judge on April 1st.
Patrica Fielding of the Clifton Community Council said the home was once beautiful. She'd like to see it restored for a home or business.
