LPM ‘A place that fits the people’: $90 million project aims to transform JCTC downtown
- Article Source: Louisville Public Media by Jacob Munoz, Published August 2, 2023.
- Project Overview:
- JCTC leaders are launching the Jefferson Rising project to revamp the college’s downtown Louisville campus.
- Plans include a new science building, parking garage, and green space between First and Second Streets.
- The first phase focuses on an area mainly occupied by a JCTC parking lot north of the Broadway corridor.
- Funding and Costs:
- The first phase is estimated to cost $50 million.
- JCTC will fund half, the Statewide Capital Improvements Plan will contribute $22 million, and private fundraising will cover the remainder.
- Construction Timeline:
- Parking garage construction begins this month.
- New science building construction starts in October.
- The new building will replace the old Hartford Hall Tower, which will be demolished.
- Statements from JCTC President Ty Handy:
- The investment aims to boost student pride.
- JCTC has made significant progress over the past decade, including tripling its graduate rate.
- The new facilities will better serve the community.
- About JCTC:
- JCTC has six campuses with approximately 12,000 students.
- It’s one of the largest postsecondary institutions in the commonwealth.
- Part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, established in 1997.
- Funding Breakdown for the Entire Project:
- Total cost: $90 million.
- State: $50 million.
- College: $30 million.
- Other sources will cover the remaining amount.
- Statements from Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg:
- The project aligns with city plans to rejuvenate downtown.
- He looks forward to the new green spaces and park areas.
- Additional Features:
- The commons will be the largest downtown green space outside of Waterfront Park.
- It will offer recreational activities like disc golf.
- Firms Involved:
- Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects, Omni Architects, and CARMAN Landscape Architecture are expected to work on the first phase.
- They are in the final planning stages with the state.