Commissioned by Louisville Downtown Partnership (LDP), this scale model offers a detailed, ever-evolving view of Downtown Louisville.
Measuring 12 feet by 8 feet and designed at a scale of 1:70, with one inch equaling 70 feet, the model covers approximately two square miles of Downtown Louisville, stretching from 13th Street on the west to Shelby Street on the east and from Jacob Street on the south to the Ohio River. As new development projects are completed, individual buildings or entire city blocks will be reprinted and replaced, ensuring the model remains an accurate representation of the greater Downtown area and its continued growth.
Downtown’s first 3D model was created in 1983, when the Louisville Central Area (LCA), a predecessor organization of LDP, commissioned a hand-carved wooden model. The new 3D model expands the footprint of the Downtown area while allowing for greater architectural detail through 3D-printing.
From Concept to Reality
The Downtown 3D-printed model will be displayed in the lobby of 500W, located at 500 W. Jefferson Street, where it is available for public viewing during regular building hours.
Designed and 3D-printed by Work Architecture, with support from the University of Louisville J.B. Speed School of Engineering’s 2024 Capstone program. Display table crafted by Open Grain Woodwork.