Your steps lead into Gratz Park, just north of downtown Lexington. This neighborhood and historic district takes its name from early Lexington businessman Benjamin Gratz; his home stands on the corner of Mill and New streets at the edge of the park. The Gratz Park Historic District includes 16 contributing buildings — among them the Hunt-Morgan House and the Bodley-Bullock House, and the original Carnegie Library, which now houses the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning, along with several private residences.
The park occupies a tract of land established in 1781 outside the original boundaries of Lexington. It was the original site of Transylvania College until that building was destroyed by fire in 1829; the campus was moved across Third Street to its present location. At the northern edge you can find the "Fountain of Youth," built in memory of Lexington author James Lane Allen using proceeds he willed to the city.
The park was deeded to the city of Lexington during the mid-20th century and is still used as a public park today. Notice the Fountain of Youth at the park's edge, built in memory of author James Lane Allen using proceeds he willed to the city.