How the developers of Hotel Genevieve worked with neighbors to create a NuLu destination
- Hotel Genevieve, located at 730 E. Market St. in Louisville, opened in May as a 122-room hotel.
- The project, with an estimated cost of $30 million, was a partnership between Mountain Shore Properties and Bunkhouse Hotels.
- The developers sought tax increment financing (TIF) to secure funding for the hotel, and they received up to $1.8 million in tax credits through a Local Property Tax TIF from Metro Council.
- In order to receive the TIF, the developers formed a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with the Phoenix Hill neighborhood.
- The CBA focuses on neighborhood hiring and training, community support, local programming, and combating food insecurity.
- Mountain Shore Properties conducted job fairs to hire locals and established a hospitality school for training.
- The hotel incorporates a 517-square-foot grocery store called Mini Marche, which stocks local produce and works with a local nonprofit to prevent food waste.
- The agreement also requires the sourcing of interior pieces and textiles from local and diverse retailers.
- Hotel Genevieve collaborated with Buy Black Lou, the Black Louisville Business Association, Anchal Project, Jeffrey Sincich, Black Soil Kentucky, Louisville Orchestra, and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy.
- The community is pleased with the hotel’s presence, as it adds to the mix of businesses and restaurants in the area.
Summery: Hotel Genevieve in Louisville: A Community-Centric Approach to Hospitality
Hotel Genevieve, a 122-room establishment located at 730 E. Market St. in Louisville, has recently opened its doors to both tourists and locals. This impressive $30 million project, a collaboration between Mountain Shore Properties and Bunkhouse Hotels, has not only brought a new and exciting addition to the city’s hospitality scene but has also embraced a community-centric approach that benefits the neighborhood. Let’s explore how Hotel Genevieve and the surrounding community came together to create a mutually beneficial partnership.
To secure funding for the hotel, the developers sought tax increment financing (TIF) and subsequently formed a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with the Phoenix Hill neighborhood. This agreement ensured that the community had a stake in the project and outlined specific benefits to be provided to the local residents.
One of the key aspects of the CBA was a focus on neighborhood hiring and training. Mountain Shore Properties hosted multiple job fairs to hire local individuals, actively engaging with the Phoenix Hill community. The hotel currently employs 124 people, with the majority of the staff consisting of Louisvillians. Furthermore, a hospitality school was established to provide training for careers in the hotel industry, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth for local residents.
Addressing food insecurity within the community was another important objective of the CBA. Hotel Genevieve opened Mini Marche, a 517-square-foot grocery store within the facility. The store is stocked with local produce and other essential items, ensuring reasonable prices for residents. Additionally, the developers partnered with a local nonprofit to ensure no food goes to waste through daily pickup donations, a weekly farmers market, and dedicated space for an annual fundraiser.
Hotel Genevieve’s commitment to the community extended beyond employment and food security initiatives. The CBA required the sourcing of interior pieces and textiles from local and diverse retailers. To fulfill this requirement, the hotel collaborated with organizations such as Buy Black Lou, the Black Louisville Business Association, and local designers such as the Anchal Project and Jeffrey Sincich. By embracing local talent and supporting diverse businesses, Hotel Genevieve further contributes to the economic growth of the region.
The partnership between Hotel Genevieve and the Phoenix Hill neighborhood demonstrates the importance of involving the community in development projects. By actively engaging with the local residents, the hotel not only brings economic benefits but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership within the community. The collaborative efforts have resulted in job opportunities, training programs, food accessibility, and support for local businesses, ultimately creating a positive impact on the neighborhood’s social and economic well-being.
Hotel Genevieve in Louisville stands as a shining example of a community-centric approach to hospitality. By embracing a Community Benefits Agreement, the developers have ensured that the hotel’s success is intertwined with the well-being of the Phoenix Hill neighborhood. Through initiatives such as local hiring, training programs, food accessibility, and support for local businesses, Hotel Genevieve has become a beacon of collaboration and positive change. This remarkable project exemplifies the power of partnerships in creating a thriving community and a vibrant hospitality experience.