From the moment you step inside Kye's, you know your event will become a CHERISHED MEMORY.  The unique 19th century architecture of these two special event facilities provides the perfect setting for your gathering, no matter what it might be. Nothing has been spared in creating an atmosphere of DISTINCTION.

For your wedding, anniversary celebration, reunion, family gathering, or business meeting, Kye's and Kye's II offer two beautiful and unique settings with all of the features and services to make your event a memorable one.

Meet Kye…

After 14 years as an elementary school teacher, ending with a stint teaching kindergarten at Jeffersonville’s Bridgepoint Elementary School, Kye Hoehn realized she was ready for a change.  The Louisville-Southern Indiana area needed additional event facilities because “when planning large affairs, there weren’t a lot of location choices”.  Kye began traveling to cities including Philadelphia, Chicago and Indianapolis to teach three-week graduate courses for teachers, and she took advantage of the opportunity to investigate facilities in those cities before opening her own business.

Renovations for KYE’S began in April 1994, and Kye stopped teaching the following January.  KYE’S opened in late February 1995.  From the planning stages to it’s opening, renovations took about a year.  By opening day, sixty-nine events were already booked by clients who had seen only the original buildings and architectural renderings of the promised renovations, giving those clients who shared Kye Hoehn’s vision a special place in her heart.  Two and a half years later, in November 1997, she opened KYE’S II.  Now, Kye says, “I love what I do.  I love working with people, planning what they dream and having it turn out better than they ever imagined.” 

With its 40-foot ceilings, exposed brick, skylights and expansive glass, KYE’S and KYE’S II, are used for special events such as wedding receptions, proms, class reunions, fund-raising events, and business meetings.  KYE’S II, which can accommodate up to 500 guests, is a mirror image of KYE’S, which holds up to 350.  A tent-covered Courtyard between the two buildings serves as an extended area for events.

“We are committed to sharing with each guest the very best of Kye’s - the finest in event planning, fabulous cuisine, good value, spectacular atmosphere and warm, friendly hospitality.  We are indebted to you, our valued clients, the community and the guests that have supported us, and not only welcome but encourage your involvement and feedback.  We strive to continually improve and to earn your patronage each and every visit.”

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History of the Buildings

The history of KYE’S at Water Tower Square dates back to the 1800’s beginning with the Ohio Falls Car and Locomotive Company.  In 1872 passenger and freight cars began to be built.  In 1899 the company's name was changed to the American Car and Foundry Company after merging with 12 other rail car manufacturing companies.  The company prospered through the early twentieth century, bolstered by World War I, and was a component of the Dow Jones Industrial average.  During the war, the company manufactured a variety of military items including helmets, wagons, baking pans, tables, tent poles, and cots. However, with the decline of the rail industry, orders decreased and the company never regained its former prominence. In 1933 the Car Works closed, a victim of the nationwide depression and the country's growing reliance on automobile transportation.  Unfortunately, the company suffered a serious setback when fire destroyed nearly the entire complex later that same year. With the help of insurance money, the company was able to rebuild. The new brick "fireproof" buildings were built at a distance from one another and had slate tile roofs to discourage the spread of fire even further.

During the following years, the site had a variety of uses. The US Government used it for storage during World War II. Then, Bridge City (a discount store), then Rambler City (a car dealership owned by Walt Bales), and finally a warehouse for the Falls City Transfer & Storage Company. The Hoehn family became involved with the property in the early 1970’s, and have transformed it into an office complex and business park.

Each building was built for a specific use.  KYE’S I was the paint shop, and KYE’S II was the truck shop and paint storage. Each building was built by a separate foreman, which lends to their unique architecture.  The buildings were designed and constructed to allow a maximum amount of natural light and ventilation.