Mayor Greenberg invests $10 million into Louisville Gardens redevelopment project
Construction on the $70 million multipurpose soundstage development expected to begin later this year
LOUISVILLE, KY (February 20, 2025) – Louisville’s first ever dedicated soundstage for film and television production is one step closer to becoming reality, as Mayor Craig Greenberg officially approved a new contract with the development group behind the groundbreaking project at the Historic Louisville Gardens.
As part of the development agreement, Mayor Greenberg is allocating $10 million of Kentucky General Assembly funding towards the project, with construction expected to begin later in 2025. The redevelopment includes two indoor sound stages to accommodate feature length film productions, commercials, and short-term shoots. In addition to 40,000 square feet of production space, the project also calls for 40,000 square feet of offices that will be leased to production companies using the venue. Once completed, the Louisville Gardens Sound Stages will create more than 50 full-time jobs paying an hourly wage of $58.
“As Louisville’s burgeoning film industry continues to grow, the Louisville Gardens Sound Stages will be the perfect venue for production companies looking for a new, world-class space to make films, tv shows, commercials, and more,” said Mayor Greenberg. “This project creates jobs, repurposes an historic vacant building, and adds to the great momentum we’re experiencing in Downtown Louisville.”
Last year, Mayor Greenberg announced the Kentucky General Assembly allocated $100 million for six major development projects in Downtown Louisville. In addition to the Louisville Gardens Sound Stages, the funding will also be used to support the Community Care Campus, LOUMED, a reimagined Belvedere, the Downtown Vacant Building Conversion Program, and the Butchertown Sports & Entertainment District. “Louisville is the economic engine of Kentucky, and we’re incredibly excited to see these six projects come to life with help from the General Assembly,” said State Senator Julie Raque Adams of Louisville.
The Louisville Gardens Sound Stages is a partnership between Unbridled Films, Sylmar Studios, and Poe Companies, each of which has decades of experience in film production and real estate development.
“Infrastructure such as the Louisville Gardens Sound Stages enables more and larger productions to consider Kentucky as their filming location, creating more jobs in the creative and technical sectors, as well as supporting businesses.” said Merry-Kay Poe, Unbridled Films. “We are thrilled to repurpose this iconic piece of Louisville history as a state-of-the-art facility for film and media production.”
“Sylmar Studios is looking forward to being part of this growing industry in Kentucky.” added Tony Guanci, CEO Sylmar Studios.
An official ceremony to announce the new development agreement will be held at the Louisville Gardens in the coming weeks.
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About Unbridled Films
Unbridled Films has produced DON’T TELL A SOUL, written and directed by Alex McAulay and starring Rainn Wilson, Jack Dylan Grazer, Fionn Whitehead, and Mena Suvari and WHAT WE DO NEXT, written and directed by Stephen Belber (The Laramie Project) stars Corey Stoll (Billions) and Karen Pittman (The Morning Show). Both had theatrical releases and are now available on VOD. Current projects include CORNBREAD MAFIA, a scripted series based on the true story of Kentucky farmers who built the largest marijuana enterprise in North American history. Merry-Kay Poe worked with state officials to establish the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive, which has resulted in the growth of the film industry in Kentucky.
About Sylmar Studios
SYLMAR STUDIOS is a world class independent-for-rent production facility that features six 16,000 sq. foot purpose-built foot sound stages. The facility includes adjacent production support amenities including make-up / hair space, dressing rooms, wardrobe, green rooms and production offices, a full service set lighting and grip department and a 600-space covered parking structure. SYLMAR STUDIOS is located within the thirty-mile zone and was recently selected as the recipient of the Community Impact Award at the Los Angeles Business Council’s Architectural Awards.
The studio is a member of the Motion Picture Association’s Trusted Partner Network’s and operates as a “green studio”. SYLMAR STUDIOS has an unsurpassed technology backbone that offers private state-of-the-art IDF rooms, a fully customizable high-speed network and redundant fiber connectivity.
SYLMAR STUDIOS a world-class resource for an unparalleled filmmaking experience.
About the Poe Companies
Poe Companies is a premier real estate development firm with over 37 years of experience in creating high-quality properties across the United States. Specializing in multifamily, industrial, and hospitality developments, Poe Companies has delivered over $2 billion in real estate projects, consistently setting the standard for innovative, high-barrier-to-entry developments in growing downtowns and affluent suburban markets. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Poe Companies is known for its dedication to excellence, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to building vibrant communities. Visit poecompanies.com.