The road closes today: to make way for the delivery of a ‘massive’ dome heading to the Downs of Nicholson

A building dome being delivered early Saturday morning to 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 transported to Independence.

The building, which contains 400 tons of steel, will be adorned by a massive dome sitting atop the signature building at The Downs at Nicholson, a 50-acre mixed-use development at the intersection of KY routes 16 and 17. A Hollandthe Taylor Mill restaurant operator founded by Independence native Gary Holland.

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

“We wanted to pay tribute to him Manchester Barnbecause he holds such an iconic place in thoroughbred racing and breeding history,” said Barleycorn General Manager Jay Shelton. “So many of the people at Barleycorn’s, along with those involved in making the dome, are from Independence that we wanted 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 real sight to behold.”

The steel dome was manufactured at Field weldingwhich is located at 149 Mullen Drive in Walton.

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

“It’s basically so big that we had to get the Kenton County Police to close the road while we moved it,” said Bernie Fields, General Manager of Fields Welding. “This is a big problem for us. My wife and I have our three sons who all went to Simon Kenton High School, as do the three executives at Evers Steel Construction who erected the structure. We will all feel the pride every time we see her.”

Simon Kenton/Independence’s connections to the project run even deeper.

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

“Our city on a hill has long been known for its domes, 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 dome that will shine above the Downs of Nicholson will serve as a beacon for this incredible, unique destination.”

Barleycorn’s Brewhouse will feature a 10-barrel, three-pot 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 production arm of the Barleycorn brand, complementing existing production at Barleycorn’s Brewhouse in Wilder. Barleycorn’s craft beer is Crazy Norse.

The building will also include two other restaurants, both slated to open in the spring.

The Limestone, The Downs fine dining restaurant, will have an outdoor terrace overlooking 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 include two other restaurants – First Watch and Spear Ridge – The Grande Nicholson, an event center and a residential community.