Road closing today: Making way for delivery of ‘massive’ cupola going to Downs of Nicholson


A building cupola being delivered early Saturday morning to the Barleycorn’s Brewhouse and The Limestone restaurant building under construction at The Downs of Nicholson development is so massive that KY 16 will be closed to traffic while the structure is being transported to Independence.

The building, containing 400 tons of steel, will be adorned by a massive cupola sitting on the top of the signature building at The Downs at Nicholson, a 50-acre mixed use development at the crossroads of KY Routes 16 and 17 by One Holland, the Taylor Mill-based restaurant operator founded by Independence native Gary Holland.

Manchester Farm in Lexington — barn on which the Manchester Barn at the Downs of Nicholson is modeled. (Website photo)

The 36,000-square-foot building is modeled after the world-renowned Manchester Barn, a picturesque thoroughbred horse barn near the Keeneland race track in Lexington.

“We wanted to pay tribute to the Manchester Barn, because it holds such an iconic place in thoroughbred racing and breeding history,” said Barleycorn’s CEO Jay Shelton. “So many of the people at Barleycorn’s, along with those involved in the making of the cupola, are from Independence that we wanted to something special for the community. People will see for themselves that this is a spectacular structure. The structure is so massive that it contains 400 tons of steel. This will be a true sight to behold.”

The steel cupola was fabricated at Fields Welding, which is located at 149 Mullen Drive in Walton.

At 4 a.m. this morning, the cupola is to be transported from Fields Welding on KY 16 approximately five miles east to The Downs of Nicholson. KY 16 will be closed to traffic while the cupola – which is approximately 20 feet tall and 20 feet wide – is en route from Walton.

“Basically, it is so large that we had to get with the Kenton County Police to close the road while we move it,” said Fields Welding CEO Bernie Fields. “This is a big deal for us. My wife and I have our three sons that all went to Simon Kenton High School, and so did the three principals of Evers Steel Construction, who erected the structure. We will all feel the pride every time we see it.”

The Simon Kenton/Independence ties to the project run even deeper.

Barleycorn’s CEO Jay Shelton, One Holland CEO Gary Holland, HSH Holland CEO Dave Meenach, and Barleycorn’s Brewmaster Shane Trego, also all graduated from Simon Kenton.

The Downs of Nicholson — concept drawing (Provided)

“Our city on a hill has long been known for its cupolas, the most prominent of which is the Historic Kenton County Courthouse,” said Independence Mayor Chris Reinersman. “Well, there’s a new kid in town. This massive cupola that will shine above The Downs of Nicholson will serve as a beacon to this incredible, one-of-a-kind destination.”

Barleycorn’s Brewhouse will feature a 10-barrel, three vessel brewing system. Set to produce an initial capacity of 1,500 barrels of craft beer annually, the Brewhouse can expand as demand grows.

The Brewhouse serves as the brewing arm of the Barleycorn’s brand, complementing its existing production at the Barleycorn’s Brewhouse in Wilder. Barleycorn’s craft beer is Crazy Norse.

The building will also feature two other restaurants, both scheduled to open in the spring.

The Limestone, The Downs fine dining restaurant, will feature outdoor patio space offering views of a beautifully landscaped pond. Limestone’s will serve southern cuisine alongside an expansive bourbon bar, reflecting the Commonwealth’s bourbon-making tradition.

Barleycorn’s, Northern Kentucky’s favorite local bar and grill, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year by building a fifth location at The Downs.

The Downs will also feature two other restaurants – First Watch and Spear Ridge – The Grande Nicholson, an event center and a residential community.


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