In 2024, Louisville Downtown Partnership (LDP) released the Louisville Downtown Development Strategy ā a 10-year vision for how the city, businesses, and residents can ensure that Downtown Louisville continues to thrive as the economic, cultural, and creative center of the region. The Strategy outlines public and private led projects that will bring that vision to life, and focuses on three Strategic Initiatives: Activate Downtown, Reinforce Downtown as a Residential Neighborhood, and Enhance the Public Realm.
The projects outlined in the strategy encompass a mix of public, private, and public-private-partnership developments. In its first year, nearly half of the 65 projects are already underway or in the early stages of planning.
KEY
PUB – public sector
PRI – private sector
PPP – public-private-partnership
Action Item Status
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Last Updated: June 30, 2026
| Major Category | Projects | Public/Private | Plan Priority | LDP Role | Assigned To | Status | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activate Downtown | Highlight downtown arts and entertainment anchors and incentivize bringing arts and music into the public realm on a regular basis. | PPP | Short-term | Fund/Implement | LDP | Ongoing | Music added to Food Truck Wednesdays. New music program "Downtown Tunes" was rolled out in May 2025 with four public pianos. Additional pianos to be added in 2026. Planning underway for 2026 happy hour events. Louisville Tourism offers free LouGrass session in hotels/restaurants from April - October. LDP working with Whiskey Alley stakeholders on activations.LDP sends out regular event blasts to highlight ongoing activities in Downtown. |
| Activate Downtown | Encourage and incentivize non-traditional indoor/outdoor uses in downtown, including film venues, music, family entertainment, and recreation. | PPP | Short-term | Fund/Implement | LDP | Ongoing | LDP hosts and sponsors events in public spaces utilizing pop-up bars and food trucks, including movie nights with Downtown CineBus, Pickleball Street Fest, Steins on Main, etc. Dates set for LDP's 2026 event season. |
| Activate Downtown | Encourage more food, drink, and music opportunities in open spaces, including pop-ups and food trucks. (Re-Imagine the downtown Open Space Network) | PPP | Short-term | Fund/Implement | LDP Louisville Tourism | Ongoing | Action being taken to activate Whiskey Alley. A new Downtown Work Perks event rolled out in May 2025. Planning for new 2026 happy hour events, and working with Yum Center to program their plaza. Kentucky Performing Arts launched "Music on Main Street," a free concert series before a show at the Kentucky Center. |
| Activate Downtown | Support the redevelopment of Louisville Gardens as a hub for new creative uses. | PUB | Short-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Cabinet for Economic Development | In Progress | Construction to begin late 2025 for $70M multipurpose soundstage "The Louisville Studios at the Gardens." The city is planning exterior demolition around the entrance of the building to reveal the condition of the original facade underneath. |
| Activate Downtown | Establish a āLouisville Creativity Centerā downtown that highlights and celebrates the ābuzzā around local innovations in bourbon, food, music, and design. | PPP | Long-term | Transformational Initiative | LDP GE | Planning | LDP has received two proposals for concept renderings and interior programming. |
| Activate Downtown | Activate Muhammad Ali Boulevard from 5th Street west to 18th Street through the Old Walnut Street Corridor Plan celebrating its rich heritage as the African-American community's music and entertainment hub. | PPP | Mid-term | Advocate | Louisville Metro LDP UofL LCCC | In Progress | Construction is underway at Envirome Institute. Phase One of Trager MicroForest opened in May 2025. Construction to begin late 2025 for $70M multipurpose soundstage "The Louisville Studios at the Gardens." Construction is complete on New Walnut Street Park at 13th Street and Muhammad Ali Blvd. OneWest 526 building on 18th Street had its grand opening in June, 2025. The Grand Lyric Theater opened inside LCCC on April 17, 2026. |
| Activate Downtown | Promote and support the emerging downtown Education Corridor with emphasis on improved safety and security. | PPP | Mid-term | Convene | LDP | Ongoing | Downtown education and business leaders have convened to create the Education District concentrated around the Broadway and 4th St. corridors. A neighborhood profile has been produced and they are working together to advocate for city assistance. |
| Activate Downtown | Strengthen LOUMED as downtown's major economic development driver. | PPP | Mid-term | Steward | LOUMED | Ongoing | Phase One of LOUMED Commons completed in late 2025. Chestnut Street Improvement Plan kicked off march 2026. LOUMED is rolling out new branding and banners. LOUMED District will be highlighted on phase 2 of wayfinding signage. |
| Activate Downtown | Catalyze the development of underutilized Louisville Metro-owned properties in downtown districts lacking activity-generating anchors. | PUB | Mid-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Cabinet for Economic Development LDP | Planning | Mud Lot, Civic Center and former Museum Plaza site have been identified as potential redevelopment projects. Fiscal Court redevelopment was announced in Summer 2025. |
| Activate Downtown | Recognize a āGreater Downtownā approach ā broader than a Central Business District; highlight the character of each downtown district and prioritize connectivity between them through pedestrian, bicycle and transit enhancements; and establish a common nomenclature for downtown identity and promotional efforts. | PPP | Mid-term | Fund/Implement | LDP Louisville Metro - Dept of Planning DOT Louisville Tourism | In Progress | LDP and Tourism have identified funding and a vendor to redesign Phase Two of wayfinding district signage. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Streamline Downtown outdoor dining regulations to encourage more outdoor dining opportunities; utilize the Downtown Commercial Loan Fund to subsidize new or improved outdoor dining facilities. (Improve connectivity between Waterfront Park and Downtown Louisville) | PPP | Short-term | Advocate | LDP Louisville Metro - Dept of Planning | Planning | LDP has met with the Office of Planning to discuss a change in the Land Development Code, including a new sidewalk width standard. Regulations for outdoor dining are sufficient. Will need to wait until streets are redesigned or new sidewalks are built to change regulations around width of sidewalks. LDP researching parklet programs and incentives for businesses. |
| Activate Downtown | Highlight and support the University of Louisvilleās āFour Cornersā expanding downtown presence; enhance pedestrian connections between and among these nodes; develop the 515 West Market Building as the downtown campus anchor; strengthen transit connections between the Belknap and Downtown campuses. | PPP | Mid-term | Steward | UofL | - | 515 W. Market building part of new convention hotel. |
| Activate Downtown | Establish a Downtown Investment Fund to catalyze high-priority development initiatives with a greater degree of flexibility than traditional incentive programs, and to invest in āpilotā projects. Privately raised equity investment augmented by public funds. | PRI | Mid-term | Transformational Initiative | LDP | Planning | LDP and city lobbied for state support. $90M allocated from KY General Assembly in 2026. The investment fund is included as one of six projects. |
| Activate Downtown | Prioritize new activity-generating anchors in downtownās less robust districts. | PPP | Mid-term | Transformational Initiative | LDP | To be Developed | |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Undertake a bold redesign and reprogramming of the Belvedere in coordination with and as the crown jewel of the Open Space Network. (Re-Imagine the downtown Open Space Network) | PUB | Short-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Office of Mayor | In Progress | New website: www.louisvillebelvedere.com Received State funding in FY25 and FY27 and City funding in FY24. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Capitalize on and continue progress made under the CitySpots initiative. (Re-Imagine the downtown Open Space Network) | PPP | Short-term | Fund/Implement | LDP | Ongoing | CitySpot at 4th and Jefferson streets is complete; CitySpot at PNC Tower opened August 2025. Planning and fundraising underway for two new CitySpots. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Add pedestrian-oriented lighting, colors, banners, and āgatewayā visual elements from 3rd to 9th streets, river to Broadway. (Enhance the pedestrian crossings on River Rd. to 4th, 6th, 7th, and 8th streets). | PUB | Short-term | Fund/Implement | LDP | Ongoing | 750 banners in place throughout Downtown. District identifier signage going in on S. 4th St. and Main St. in 2025. Funding for string lighting specific to S. 4th St. was included in the Mayor's FY26 budget. River Rd. Multi-Modal project added colored lighting along River Rd. underneath I-64 from 3rd St. to 7th St. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Transform the former Louisville Metro correctional facility on Chestnut St. into a new LOUMED central Green. (Improve the LOUMED environment) | PPP | Short-term | Steward | LOUMED | COMPLETED November 2025 | LOUMED Commons opened November 2025. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Accelerate repair and maintenance of downtown infrastructure, including sidewalks, streetlights, benches, and trash receptacles. | PUB | Short-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Office of Mayor/Office of Transportation/Public Works | Ongoing | Continue monthly meetings with DOT/Public Works to bring projects needing repair and maintenance to light. A possible 10-year fund program for street/sidewalk improvements could help. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Implement a 10-year funding program for major street improvements and pedestrian enhancements, including a continuous bicycle network through downtown. (Refocus downtown streets with a pedestrian-friendly orientation) | PUB | Mid-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Office of Mayor/Office of Transportation/Public Works | To be Developed | LDP waiting on Public Works to implement asset management software. (Early 2026) Due to large backlog, PW is focusing on old priority projects and plans. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Accelerate two-way conversions of north-south streets. (Refocus downtown streets with a pedestrian-friendly orientation) | PUB | Short-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Office of Transportation/Public Works | Planning | Two-way conversions for 7th and 8th streets are in planning. Construction to begin in FY26. Implementation of the Downtown and NuLu Walkabilty Study needs to be funded. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Convert Market and Jefferson Streets from one-way to two-way traffic. (Refocus downtown streets with a pedestrian-friendly orientation) | PUB | Short-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Office of Transportation/Public Works | Planning | Jefferson St. from Baxter Avenue to Brook St. was converted into a two-way street in October 2024. DOT to revist conversation with the State regarding Market St. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Reduce vehicular travel lanes on major east-west streets like Market Main Jefferson and Chestnut. | PUB | Short-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Office of Transportation/Public Works | In Progress | Main Remade expected to be complete in 2026. Parts of Jefferson have been converted to two-way. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Refresh the western portion of Waterfront Park - including Festival Plaza and the water feature - and improve connections south via 1st, Brook, and Floyd streets; consider relocating riverboats to this area. (Improve the LOUMED environment). | PUB | Short-term | Steward | Waterfront Park | In Progress | Waterfront Park went through master planning process for a refresh of Festival Plaza; now working on doing it in pieces. Waterfront recommended $1M for new playground. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Develop more neighborhood-oriented open spaces in the SoBro area including the redesign of Library Plaza Memorial Park and Ben Washer Park. | PUB | Short-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Dept of Planning/Metro Parks/Library | Planning | Urban Design Studio is in planning phase of a refresh of Memorial Park. |
| Short-term Implementation Actions | Establish a dedicated Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) division for downtown; increase LMPD visibility and coverage with a full complement of foot bicycle and horseback patrols. | PUB | Short-term | Advocate | Louisville Metro - LMPD | In Progress | LMPD has added OT hours and positions to the Downtown Area Patrol with increased patrols including on foot, UTV and horseback. Downtown Division to be considered after staffing is back to normal levels. |
| Short-term Implementation Actions | Maintain the enhanced Downtown Ambassador team permanently. | PRI | Short-term | Fund/Implement | LDP | Planning | BID expansion was approved by Metro Council on May 15, 2025 and services went into effect June 1, 2025. New revenue sources for 2025 include: Downtown Beer, postcards, Downtown Day at Slugger Field, digital kiosk network. |
| Short-term Implementation Actions | Provide financial assistance to property owners and tenants to reconfigure Class-A office space based on the needs of today's office users. | PUB | Short-term | Fund/Implement | LDP | N/A | Mayor funded incentive in FY24 but was not utilized in a timely manner. No additional funding allocated. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Establish as Louisville Metro policy a commitment to the transformation of downtown's streets prioritized for pedestrians. (Refocus downtown streets with a pedestrian-friendly orientation) | PUB | Short-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Office of Transportation/Public Works | In Progress | Implementation of the Downtown and NuLu Walkabilty Study needs to be funded. |
| Short-term Implementation Actions | Create a Transitional Housing Investment Fund, led by the private sector and matched by Louisville Metro, to fund the construction and operations of 200-300 additional transitional housing units available for the unhoused population. | PPP | Short-term | Convene | LDP Louisville Metro | In Progress | "Home for Good" permanent supportive housing campaign launched in November 2025. Major donation announced March 2026; press conference April 2026. |
| Short-term Implementation Actions | Continue annual Metro fund allocations to address downtown infrastructure repair and maintenance backlog. | PUB | Short-term | Fund/Implement | LDP Louisville Metro | Ongoing | LDP to develop a 10-year funding plan for major street improvements in coordination with Metro Public Works. LDP received Metro allocations for repair of lighting under 2nd Street bridge and for reinstallation of landscaping on 500 & 500 blocks of S. 4th St. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Implement transformation of the 100 block of Washington St. into the pedestrian and entertainment-focused āWhiskey Alley." (Refocus downtown St.s with a pedestrian-friendly orientation). | PPP | Short-term | Convene | LDP | In Progress | String lighting is in development. LDP is working with businesses to establish an activation calendar and working on a trash compactor solution for the 2nd St. garbage corral. Lighting under the 2nd Street Bridge is underway. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Add bright and decorative lighting. (Improve the pedestrian environment under and through the I-65 overpasses) | PUB | Short-term | Fund/Implement | LDP | In Progress | Underpass lighting complete on Main and Market; Jefferson and Liberty streets are in planning. River Rd. Multi-Modal project added colored lighting along River Rd. underneath I-64 from 3rd St. to 7th St. Funding for 2nd St. bridge lighting was included in the Mayor's FY26 budget and is underway. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Convene a group of key stakeholdersāincluding those involved in the Breonna Taylor protests and the public safety communityāto collaboratively discuss and determine the most appropriate redesign of Jefferson Square given the significance of the space for both groups. (Re-Imagine the downtown Open Space Network) | PUB | Long-term | Convene | Louisville Metro - Mayor's Office/LMPD | To be Developed | - |
| Reinforce Downtown as a Residential Neighborhood | Advocate for Louisville Metro property redevelopment plans to include residential components. (Encourage development of residential clusters at the edges of downtown) | PUB | Short-term | Advocate | Louisville Metro - Cabinet for Economic Development/Dept of Planning | Ongoing | $250M mixed-use development planned for parking lot adjacent to Louisville Slugger Field. LDP advocating for Civic Center, Mud Lot and former Museum Plaza site to include residential components. Weyland Ventures received $3M in building conversion funds to redevelop the former Fiscal Court building into residential (106 units); project expected to be complete in 2027. Hubbuch Building (320-324 W. Main St.) has received $1.5M from the Downtown Louisville Building Conversion Program for its conversion into14 residential units. Conversion Program prioritized residential. |
| Reinforce Downtown as a Residential Neighborhood | Streamline zoning and land use regulations to prioritize and expedite residential development including revisions to the Land Development Code that specifically encourage the development of "missing middle housing. " (Encourage development of residential clusters at the edge of downtown) | PUB | Short-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Dept of Planning | Planning | - |
| Reinforce Downtown as a Residential Neighborhood | Provide grants and technical assistance to property owners who wish to investigate potential conversions. (Support and incentivize the conversion of appropriate Class-B and Class-C office buildings to residential use) | PPP | Short-term | Transformational Initiative | LDP | To be Developed | LDP to look at new internal processes for redevelopment. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Develop and implement a unique signature streetscape program along 4th and 5th streets, connecting nodes of the Open Space network. (Re-Imagine the downtown Open Space Network) | PPP | Short-term | Fund/Implement | LDP | Planning | LDP to hire consultant to develop improvement program in concert with Jeff Speck's findings. Use Urban Design Studios capstone project to help inform a consultant plan. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Develop a coordinated improvement program for public and private open spaces between 4th and 6th streets, including Founders Square, Garvin Brown Garden, Cathedral Alley, Courthouse Square, the KCA steps, Muhammad Ali Plaza, PNC Park, and Aegon Plaza. (Re-Imagine the downtown Open Space Network). | PPP | Short-term | Fund/Implement | LDP | Planning | LDP to hire consultant to develop improvement program. Use Urban Design Studios capstone project to help inform plan. |
| Activate Downtown | Revise the Arena TIF to provide additional incentives to downtown projects that are within the Arena TIF boundaries but currently excluded from its benefits. | PUB | Short-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Cabinet for Economic Development | COMPLETED March 2025 | HB 775 passed in March 2025 by the Kentucky General Assembly and includes Arena TIF carve outs for publicly owned parking lots. It supports major new downtown projects, primarily focused on transforming surface parking lots into new housing, retail and restaurants. New bill filed in 2026. |
| Activate Downtown | Revisit long-term transit from the south (Airport KFEC UofL Spalding Simmons etc.) to downtown Louisville including light rail/bus rapid transit. | PUB | Long-term | Steward | Office of Transportation/Public Works Louisville Tourism | To be Developed | - |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Prioritize the redesign of West Market St. in conjunction with Louisville Metro property redevelopment and the Open Space Network program. (Refocus downtown streets with a pedestrian-friendly orientation) | PUB | Long-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Office of Transportation/Public WorksKYTC | To be Developed | Will happen in conjunction with development of Louisville Metro Civic Center property. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Create a Public Art Trail within the network of open spaces and consider a public artist Creative Corps program similar to the Louisville Orchestra program for music. (Re-Imagine the downtown Open Space Network) | PPP | Long-term | Advocate | Louisville Metro - Office of Arts & Creative IndustriesLDP | Planning | LDP talking to Office of Arts + Creative Industries to create/brand a walking map and audio tour of Downtown public art. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Encourage more commercial development adjacent to Waterfront Park along River Road. (Improve connectivity between Waterfront Park and Downtown Louisville) | PPP | Long-term | Advocate | Waterfront Park | To be Developed | - |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Create enhanced and welcoming pedestrian crossings at 4th, 6th, 7th, and 8th streets. (Enhance the pedestrian environment of River Rd.) | PUB | Long-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Office of Transportation/Public Works | In Progress | River Road Multi-Modal project completed Winter 2025, includes enhanced lighting, pedestrian imporvements and shorter distance crossing over River Rd. 7th and 8th streets will be part of River Rd. extension project. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Complement the new police headquarters relocation by redesigning the park fronting the building on Chestnut Street between 6th and 7th Streets. (Re-Imagine the downtown Open Space Network) | PUB | Long-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Dept of Facilities/Metro Parks | To be Developed | Urban Design Studio is working on a concept plan for MLK Jr. Park. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Improve sidewalks and streetscape elements on both sides of the underpass. (Improve the pedestrian environment under and through the I-65 underpass) | PUB | Long-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Office of Transportation/Public Works | In Progress | Being addressed on E. Market St. streetscape project, LOUMED on Chestnut St., Main Remade on Main St. Mural design underway for wall on 65 underpass at Main Street that will enhance new LED lighting. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Provide signature entranceways at Brook/Chestnut Street and at Preston Street/Muhammad Ali Boulevard. (Improve the LOUMED environment) | PUB | Long-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Public Works LOUMED | To be Developed | Pedestrian infrastructure impovement to happen with Chestnut Street Improvement Plan. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Develop the Waterfront Development Corporation properties south of Witherspoon St. (Improve connectivity between Waterfront Park and Downtown Louisville) | PUB | Long-term | Steward | Waterfront Park | To be Developed | This property is the grassy strip and is too small. Will be better to develop with whatever happens on parking lot. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Prioritize a pedestrian bridge over the rail tracks at 15th St. to facilitate a neighborhood connection and spur residential development in Portland and Shippingport. (Improve connectivity between Waterfront Park and Downtown Louisville) | PUB | Long-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Public Works | To be Developed | - |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Install wayfinding signage. (Improve the pedestrian environment under and through the I-65 underpasses) | PPP | Mid-term | Advocate | LDP Louisville Tourism LOUMED | Planning | LOUMED to pull together city/state partners to talk about types of signs, where they should be placed, and directions. Conversations to begin around pedestrian improvements following the completion of the I-65 project. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Implement the proposed public realm network enhancement program within LOUMED, including Chestnut St., Brook St., and Abraham Flexner Way. (Improve the LOUMED environment) | PPP | Mid-term | Steward | LOUMED | In Progress | Construction kicked off March 2026. Gresham Smith to lead project design of Chestnut St. Improvement Plan. FY24 city budget included $1.75M for Chestnut St. Plan. FY25 state budget included funds for LOUMED infrastructure through city allocation. LOUMED has requested additional funding to complete the 3 remaining blocks. Conversations are underway to determine the next streetscape scope. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Enhance connections to both downtown and the Russell/Portland neighborhoods as part of the West Waterfront Park expansion, including improvements from Market Street to the Park along 10th through 13th streets. Consider implementing a mural program along the Rowan Street flood wall. (Improve connectivity between Waterfront Park and Downtown Louisville). | PUB | Mid-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Public Works and Arts & Creative Industries | In Progress | Waterfront Park PlayPort opened March 2025. Artist Laurie Blayney selected for the large-scale floodwall mural located at 10th and Rowan St. Installation is in process. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Prioritize improved connectivity between downtown and the Ohio River in the River Road extension and Belvedere redesign plans. (Improve connectivity between Waterfront Park and Downtown Louisville) | PUB | Mid-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Office of Transportation/Public Works | In Progress | River Rd. Multi-Modal Project (3rd - 7th streets) completed in Winter 2025. LDP to manage lighting calendar. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Provide a pedestrian connection between Washington Street and 10th Street. (Improve connectivity between Waterfront Park and Downtown Louisville) | PUB | Mid-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Office of Transportation/Public Works | To be Developed | LDP will work with Louisville Metro Public Works. |
| Enhance the Public Realm | Reduce travel lanes/expand sidewalks on 5th and 6th Streets. (Refocus downtown streets with a pedestrian-friendly orientation). | PUB | Mid-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Office of Transportation/Public Works | To be Developed | Findings from Downtown and Nulu Walkability Study will help inform this project and it needs to be funded. It won't happen on 5th St. if it goes two-way; already a small street. |
| Reinforce Downtown as a Residential Neighborhood | Collaborate with property owners in the Butchertown/East Main Street area on redevelopment programs to create new residential clusters on undeveloped parcels. (Encourage development of residential clusters at the edges of downtown Louisville) | PPP | Long-term | Convene | Louisville Metro - Cabinet for Economic Development LDP | In Progress | Butchertown Apartments project, featuring 200 upscale apartments, is planned for the site next to Lynn Family Stadium (announced March 2025). Construction started in Fall 2025 on NuLu Crossing (525 residential units). |
| Reinforce Downtown as a Residential Neighborhood | Secure special property tax relief legislation for office-to-residential conversions including reduced assessments and/or property tax moratoria. (Support and incentivize the conversion of appropriate Class-B and Class-C office buildings to residential use) | PUB | Long-term | Fund/Implement | LDP | In Progress | Bill field by Rep. Bauman in 2025 and 2026 for constitutional amendment. Bill filed by Sen. Mills in 2026 for new property tax rebate program. HB869 appoved in 2026: new tac credit to help convert/redevelop modern vacant or underutilized office towers ($50M annual cap). |
| Reinforce Downtown as a Residential Neighborhood | Invest in pilot residential developments in targeted areas: SoBro Russell/Shippingport and east downtown. (Encourage development of residential clusters at the edges of downtown Louisville) | PPP | Long-term | Convene/Steward | LDP | To be Developed | LDP's Downtown Housing Assistance loan fund closed on a $1.5M loan to 1416 Lytle Development LLC for development of the Liminal building, located at 1416-1426 Lytle Street. The $35.6M adaptive re-use project will convert a warehouse into 138 apartments and provide 18,000+ square feet of commercial space. LDG Development's "Motorworks" affordable housing development in SoBro expected to be complete December 2027. Affordable housing planned for former Greyhound bus station (LDG Development). |
| Reinforce Downtown as a Residential Neighborhood | Expand assistance offered for office-to-residential conversions to include the development of surface parking lots with a strong residential component. | PUB | Long-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Cabinet for Economic DevelopmentLDP | In Progress | Mayor announced residential conversion fund December 2024. 531 Court Place (Jefferson County Fiscal Court Building) will undergo a transformation from a former government office building into 106 apartment units. LDP and the city lobbying for more funding in 2026. ā¢ Hubbuch Building (320-324 W. Main St.) has received $1.5M from the Downtown Louisville Building Conversion Program for its conversion into14 residential units. |
| Reinforce Downtown as a Residential Neighborhood | Assist with needed ancillary improvements such as parking streetscape enhancements and alley closures. (Support and incentivize the conversion of appropriate Class-B and Class-C office buildings to residential use) | PUB | Long-term | Steward | Louisville Metro - Office of Transportation/Public Works | Ongoing | Addressed project by project. |
| Reinforce Downtown as a Residential Neighborhood | Investigate property valuation assessment policy changes designed to catalyze vacant property redevelopment. | PPP | Mid-term | Convene | LDP (with PVA) | Planning | HB607 filed in 2026 to revalue properties with split-rate tax structure -- increasing percentage in land. |
| Reinforce Downtown as a Residential Neighborhood | Proactively assemble properties for missing middle neighborhood housing developments. (Encourage development of residential clusters at the edges of downtown Louisville). | PPP | Long-term | Transformational Initiative | LDP | To be Developed | Could be done with Downtown Investment Fund. |
| Reinforce Downtown as a Residential Neighborhood | Advocate for prioritizationāand streamlining of the regulatory review processāof the State Historic Tax Credit Program for office-to-residential conversions. (Support and incentivize the conversion of appropriate Class-B and Class-C office buildings to residential). | PPP | Mid-term | Steward | LDP | In Progress | HB757 passed in 2026: Expansion of Historic Tax Credit. New 30% credit for projects with at least 50% affordable units. (80% AMI or less for 5 years). |
| Reinforce Downtown as a Residential Neighborhood | Invest in high-priority residential conversions utilizing local or state capital infusions the Downtown Investment Fund and a recapitalized Downtown Housing Fundāparticularly those conversions offering a range of affordability. (Support and incentivize the conversion of appropriate Class-B and Class-C office buildings to residential use) | PPP | Mid-term | Transformational Initiative | Louisville Metro - Mayor's Office LDP | To be Developed | Could be done with Downtown Investment Fund. |