Director's Take

All Kinds of Kind

07-06-2023

I read an article by an urban analyst who said that we can’t forget that Downtowns got their natural start because of businesses and office workers, and that trying to replace excess office now with residential development will actually hurt our downtowns. This made my ears perk since, in Louisville, we are indeed hopeful that we can see new residential development provide increased housing options to the 20 and 30 somethings who seek an urban life and like the nearby amenities of entertainment and work. 

This isn’t bad, but the writer cautions a city should keep commercial and residential development in balance. This is because the densest concentrations of businesses and people – often in downtowns – is what makes them the center of production (tax revenue) and value creation (talent and business clusters) for their regions. If we build too much housing, downtown becomes just like any other neighborhood. 

This got me thinking how lucky we are to have a walkable downtown, rich in architecture and history, that is a cool neighborhood with so much to do. I’ve been lucky enough to work in Downtown for 25 years, but the attractions are HOT and there is so much fun to be had too. Just this month, the number of events that you have had the ability to attend would fill up this page. Literally. And all of these events are being carried out at or near capacity… and people are having a good time! We have photos (and lack of police reports) to prove it.  

Downtowns are called central business districts for a reason, and I have faith that more and more people will come back to work 3 or 4 days a week. As new attractions and venues open, such as Derby City Gaming, Country Boy Brewing, Havana Nights, Bardstown Bourbon Co., and more, we are betting you will want to come see what all the noise is about. Nobody wants FOMO.  

In the meanwhile, if you haven’t been in Downtown for awhile, we are programming public spaces and sharing other attractions’ events so that you can dip your toe in and see what feels good for you. Join us! 

See you on the streets soon.