News and Highlights Around Downtown Louisville

WHAS 11 How the ‘Beyoncé bump’ impacted Louisville’s economy

Source: WHAS11

Bourbon City was thrilled to welcome her fans to town to experience Louisville’s unique brand of Southern hospitality. Beyoncé’s performance in Louisville during her Renaissance Tour on July 17 significantly boosted the city’s economy. After nearly a decade since her last performance in the Metro, the “Beyoncé bump” led to a 38% year-over-year increase in hotel occupancy on the concert night. The city maintained high occupancy rates throughout the week, further aided by Alicia Keys’ concert on July 20. Overall, Louisville’s weekday hotel occupancy surpassed the weekend rates. The city capitalized on the events, welcoming fans to experience its unique Southern hospitality and attractions.

LPM ‘A place that fits the people’: $90 million project aims to transform JCTC downtown

Source: LPM

The Jefferson Rising project aims to revamp Jefferson Community and Technical College’s (JCTC) downtown Louisville campus. Plans include a new science building, parking garage, and green space. The first phase, costing $50 million, will transform a primary parking area. Half of this cost will be funded by JCTC, with the Statewide Capital Improvements Plan contributing $22 million and the rest from private fundraising. Construction starts this month for the parking garage and in October for the science building. JCTC President Ty Handy emphasized the project’s role in boosting student pride and highlighted the college’s recent achievements. The entire project is estimated at $90 million, with the state covering $50 million. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg supports the project as part of the city’s downtown revitalization efforts. The new commons area will offer recreational activities, and three firms are set to work on the project’s first phase.

Business First Mayor Greenberg touts economic progress, $663 million new investment

Source: Business First

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg’s office says the city has made economic progress in his first months in office. Louisville, under Mayor Craig Greenberg’s leadership, has witnessed significant economic growth in the first half of 2023, with $663 million in new projects announced. This progress surpasses the city’s 2022 momentum. These projects are expected to introduce 1,042 new jobs, with major investments from companies like Congo Brands, WILA USA, and UniFirst Corp. Mayor Greenberg emphasized the city’s business-friendly environment and his commitment to enhancing economic opportunities. In 2022, the Louisville Metro Department of Economic Development secured projects worth $2.09 billion, creating 3,696 jobs. The department’s director, Benjamin Moore, is optimistic about maintaining this growth trajectory in 2023.

Courier Journal Whiskey Row was once ‘left behind.’ Now it’s the tourism jewel of downtown. How it’s changed

Source: Courier Journal

Downtown Louisville’s Whiskey Row, once a bustling hub of the bourbon industry in the 1800s, faced decades of stagnation and challenges, including fires, economic downturns, and the pandemic. However, in recent years, it has undergone a significant transformation. Today, it stands revitalized with new establishments like Hotel Distill, restaurants, shops, and the entertainment venue, social hall Number 15. This resurgence was fueled by both public and private investments, with developments like the KFC Yum Center playing pivotal roles. The area now serves as a major tourist attraction, exemplifying the city’s rich bourbon heritage and showcasing a successful model for urban redevelopment. The article was authored by Matthew Glowicki for the Louisville Courier Journal.

WDRB: Officials cut the ribbon on newly renovated 500W building in downtown Louisville 7/11/23

The grand opening of the 500W building, previously known as PNC Plaza, took place on Tuesday. The building, situated near Louisville Metro Hall and Jefferson Square Park, has been transformed into a ‘Re-imagined Downtown Office Building.’ It now boasts a lounge, bar, rooftop terrace, meeting spaces, indoor golf simulators, and a fitness center equipped with Peloton bikes, among other amenities. The first floor is home to the first Barista Parlor coffee shop in Louisville.