Catalytic Fund takes first steps toward redeveloping Covington’s historic Bradford Building

The 15,000-square-foot Bradford Building is named for Bradford Shinkle, Covington’s wealthiest man, who died in 1909. He was the son of Amos Shinkle, a businessman and philanthropist who played a large role in developing the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky and Roebling Suspension Bridge.
 
The building has been abandoned for years, and its most recent tenants included a strip club and a restaurant. It was recently deemed a historically significant property, which prompted The Catalytic Fund to purchase it.
 
Purchasing the Bradford is the first step toward restoring and redeveloping the space. The Catalytic Fund’s initial plans include stabilizing and securing the building to help prevent further deterioration.
 
Although details aren’t official, proposed plans include five condos on the upper floors that will be available for sale, as well as street-level commercial space.
 
The Catalytic Fund is known for spearheading, planning and helping finance some of Northern Kentucky’s most important urban redevelopment projects, including the Boone Block and Hotel Covington.