About

The West End Neighborhoods Tour was organized to share

the rich history, places, people culture, and vibrancy of the

West End community. Library and Internet research, resident

engagements (current and former), community meetings and

forums, and social media were utilized to gain the past and

current insights shared throughout the tour.

The West End community is a fascinating place – to live, to

learn, to worship, to work, to visit and enjoy. A community

comprising of nine unique and vibrant neighborhoods:

Russell, Portland, Shawnee, Chickasaw, Parkland, Park

DuValle, Algonquin, California, and Park Hill.

West End neighborhoods feature an aesthetically assortment

of structures, buildings and housing stock. Scenic parks and

public spaces. An area richly connected to Civil Rights icons

and sports greats. A community of supportive churches and

businesses.

Donovan C. Taylor is a West End community native, growing up in the Hallmark neighborhood and spending much time in Chickasaw, where he now resides.  He enjoys exploring urban and diverse communities to gain a deeper knowledge of the area and closer insight on local life.  A self-titled urban explorer and avid traveler.   A local history and culture enthusiast.      

In 2023, Donovan was awarded the Filson History Society Community Fellowship that helped to expand tour offerings from a neighborhood walking tour to include community-wide bus tours.  

Donovan currently serves as President of the Central High School Alumni Association and former President of the Chickasaw Neighborhood, that inspried the start of the neighborhood history tour.  A member of the Goodwill West Louisville Advisory Council, Coalition of West Louisville Neighborhood Associations, and other professional and community groups. 

 Donovan currently serves as the Director of The Plan Room, a OneWest, Corp. non-profit business accelerator program for diverse and small businesses in construction.  A graduate of Central High School, Florida A&M University (BS, MBA), and University of Kentucky College of Law (JD).