LPM: This week ‘In Conversation’: What brings tourists to Louisville? 7/6/23

This week ‘In Conversation’: What brings tourists to Louisville?

  • Louisville’s tourism extends beyond Derby Week, as it offers a variety of attractions and experiences that entice visitors throughout the year.
  • The city ranked among The New York Times’ top 52 destination spots, surpassing some renowned international locations.
  • The tourism industry in Louisville is significant, and efforts are underway to sustain its growth and appeal.
  • “In Conversation” explores downtown tourism, initiatives to encourage local residents to explore their own city, and the outlook for the hospitality industry in 2023 as it recovers from the impact of COVID-19.

Downtown Louisville: A Vibrant Destination Beyond Derby Week

Downtown Louisville, renowned for its flashy hats and mint juleps during Derby Week, offers much more than a single event. Recently, the city garnered attention by securing a spot on The New York Times’ prestigious list of top 52 destination spots for the year. Positioned among cities in Greece and Brazil, Louisville even outshone certain locations in Italy and Spain.

Tourism plays a pivotal role in Louisville’s economy, and efforts are underway to ensure its sustained growth. This week’s episode of “In Conversation” highlights the dedicated individuals working to keep the city’s tourism industry booming. The show explores downtown tourism, focusing on initiatives aimed at enticing Louisvillians from the surrounding areas to rediscover their city’s museums, restaurants, and shows.

With the hospitality industry still recovering from the initial impact of COVID-19, the outlook for the rest of 2023 is a topic of discussion. The resilience and adaptability of Louisville’s tourism sector are being tested as it strives to rebound and welcome visitors back with open arms.

Downtown Louisville is a vibrant and enticing destination throughout the year, offering diverse attractions and experiences beyond the excitement of Derby Week. From cultural landmarks to culinary delights, the city’s downtown area has much to offer both visitors and locals alike. As Louisville continues to evolve and recover, its downtown remains a compelling hub of activity, ready to captivate the hearts of tourists and residents alike.

Link

Downtown News and Highlight Map

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

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

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

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

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.

LPM: This week ‘In Conversation’: What brings tourists to Louisville? 7/6/23

Downtown Louisville, renowned for its flashy hats and mint juleps during Derby Week, offers much more than a single event. Recently, the city garnered attention by securing a spot on The New York Times’ prestigious list of top 52 destination spots for the year. Positioned among cities in Greece and Brazil, Louisville even outshone certain locations in Italy and Spain.

Courier Journal: A local housing developer is buying this well-known downtown Louisville office building 7/5/23

Downtown Louisville’s well-known office building on Broadway is undergoing a change in ownership. The developer purchased the property for around $6.5 million and plans to construct nearly 200 market-rate apartments on the 5-acre site.

WHAS 11: Louisville Metro dedicates $22.2 million to affordable housing in new budget 6/30/23

Louisville Metro Government has earmarked $22.2 million in its latest budget to support affordable housing initiatives. The funding will facilitate the creation of over 700 new housing units, with at least 272 units designated as affordable.

Business First: How the developers of Hotel Genevieve worked with neighbors to create a NuLu destination 6/29/23

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.

Business First: Current360 to move from Butchertown to new Downtown office 6/27/23

A Louisville-based company is preparing to relocate from its long-standing office space to a newly acquired building in Downtown.

‘SOCIAL HALL’ OPENS ON WHISKEY ROW IN DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE 7/10/23

This historic site is also notable for being the location where Pappy Van Winkle, the legendary bourbon enthusiast, started his professional journey post-college.

To commemorate this grand unveiling, Number 15 has planned four nights of free live music performances on the main stage, in addition to serving drinks from local Kentucky craft breweries and distilleries.

Baird Urban Sports Park

Repurposed on Main is a gravel park seated in the heart of the Bourbon District. The space can function as a park or event venue. Repurposed is part of the first wave initiative of resurfaced and still features a local mural “Neat or on the Rocks” on one of its 2 brick walls. Repurposed is and open air space fronted by the preserved historic facade so famous of Louisville Main Street area.