18 Nov Terrazzo Preservation: Reviving Paducah’s Coca-Cola Plant
Terrazzo Preservation: Reviving Paducah’s Historic Coca-Cola Plant
Adaptive Reuse of a Historic Coca-Cola Plant
In Paducah, Kentucky, there stands an Art Deco wonder with a terrazzo floor that holds as much history as the building itself. When our owner visited the historic Coca-Cola bottling plant, he was captivated by the incredible craftsmanship of the terrazzo, preserved over decades. In this feature, we’ll delve into the fascinating story of the building’s historic restoration, the terrazzo preservation, and how its revitalization has transformed it into a thriving cultural hub for the community.
A Legacy Born: Coca-Cola
For over a century, Coca-Cola has grown into a global giant, distributed in over 200 countries worldwide. Renowned for its iconic taste, the brand has become a symbol of American culture and a beloved staple across the globe.
The first glass of Coca-Cola was served in 1886 at Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. By 1894, the first Coca-Cola bottling plant was established, enabling the beverage to be sold in bottles and expanding its availability on a much larger scale. This innovation sparked the rapid growth of bottling plants across the country.
Luther S. Carson – One of Coca-Cola’s earliest bottlers
Luther S. Carson, a pioneering entrepreneur from Kentucky, was among the first Coca-Cola bottlers in the world. In 1937, disaster struck when the Ohio River flooded downtown Paducah, destroying his bottling plans and sweeping him away. Determined to rebuild, Carson sought to place his plant on higher ground.
Completed in 1939, the new Coca-Cola plant featured elements of the Art Deco movement, including terrazzo flooring and a dramatic staircase, widely regarded as one of the finest examples of cast-in-place Art Deco staircases still in existence today—a lost art form in modern design.
Designed by architect Lester Daly of Metropolis, Illinois, the building is a modern masterpiece. Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by the beautiful terrazzo floor with a bottle cap motif, while Daly’s name is subtly inscribed along the edge of the sweeping staircase. Known for his work on large-scale projects like courthouses and schools in the area, Daly captured the essence of Art Deco in this building with clean lines and fine craftsmanship.
Origins of Art Deco
Art Deco emerged in the early 20th century with roots traced to France before World War I. The style was characterized by geometric forms, bold patterns, sleek lines, and a focus on modernity and luxury. It gained popularity during the 1920s, a time when economic growth was on the rise, and there was a desire for modernity, luxury, and innovation.
Terrazzo became a defining element of the Art Deco movement, perfectly complementing its emphasis on artistic expression and elegance. There are terrazzo floors from this period that remain intact today, a testament to the material’s longevity and craftsmanship. Notable landmarks in the United States include the terrazzo floors located in Miami’s Art Deco District and New York’s Rockefeller Center.
Years of Decline and Revival
The building operated as a bottling plant until 1986, then transitioned as a distribution center until Coca-Cola relocated to a new facility in 2005. Following the move, the building was vacated and neglected.
In 2013, entrepreneurs Ed and Meagan Musselmann purchased the Coca-Cola plant with a vision for its revival. The Coca-Cola plant was registered under the National Register of Historic Places. Soon after the building underwent a restoration process. This included the preservation of the terrazzo floors and the iconic staircase, along with other interior updates.
Today, the revitalized facility is a thriving mixed-use space, home to establishments like Mellow Mushroom, Dry Ground Brewing Company, and Piper’s Tea & Coffee, adding to Paducah’s cultural and business scene. The Musselmans were awarded the Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation Historic Preservation Award which honors their dedication to the rehabilitation or preservation of Kentucky’s historic landmarks.
Terrazzo Preservation Displays A Timeless Material
Terrazzo, a composite material made from marble, glass, or granite, originated in Italy during the 15th century and has long been celebrated as a cost-effective and longlasting flooring solution. During the 1920s-30s, terrazzo gained popularity for its combination of durability, beauty and longevity. Architects value the material’s design flexibility and resilience, making it possible to create remarkable building spaces.
The restoration of the Coca-Cola bottling plant’s terrazzo floors is a great example of the material’s longevity. Decades after its installation, the terrazzo was restored to its original brilliance, showcasing its capacity to withstand the passage of time. It remains a flooring choice that not only enhances the aesthetics of a building but can also last as long as the structure itself.
Terrazzo preservation of the original floors in 1939.
A Floor that Tells a Story
Today, the terrazzo floors at Paducah’s Coca-Cola plant do more than just provide a surface to walk on. From the moment guests step inside, they are immersed in the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, where the elegance of the Art Deco era is brought to life. These floors, along with other restored interior elements, create a tangible connection to the past, blending heritage with modern purpose.
For us, it is a privilege to witness how terrazzo stands as both timeless and transformative—a material that not only endures but continues to inspire, proving its relevance and beauty in every era.