Bid Expansion

Publication Date: July 13, 2015


For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Jeanne Hilt
Director of Marketing
Louisville Downtown Partnership
(502) 614-4122 (Office)

LOUISVILLE’S BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT TO EXPAND WEST OF 9TH STREET

 

(Louisville, KY) –Mayor Greg Fischer, Metro Council President David Tandy, and Rebecca Matheny, Executive Director of the Louisville Downtown Partnership (LDP), announced today that after receiving the required petitions from property owners per city ordinance, Mayor Fischer will submit a formal request to Metro Council to expand the Business Improvement District (BID) west of 9th Street to 12th Street, and between Market Street, and Rowan Streets. The petitions far exceeded the required amount per state statute of 33% of property owners and 51% of total property value.

 

LDP is the organization responsible for administering the program, providing the many on street enhancements within the BID. The BID was established by ordinance in 1991 and became operational in April 1992, within a 61-block area of the Central Business District. Within the geographic boundaries of the BID, LDP’s mission is to promote, market and advance the economic development, business and residential vitality of Downtown Louisville. “Property and business owners recognize the tremendous benefits the BID can provide this area and really drove the support within the community for the expansion,” said Rebecca Matheny.

 

As the only active BID in the state, LDP’s ambassadors provide clean and safe assistance that enhance, but does not replace, services furnished by local government. In the past 22 years, the BID and its ambassador program has been widely recognized as being a key part of the success of Downtown. “The core benefits we provide are to boost commerce and provide an exceptional Downtown experience for businesses, residents and visitors; one that is clean, safe, fun and singular,” Matheny added. The expansion and on street services will become effective upon Metro Council final approval.

The west of 9th area is experiencing an exciting period of growth and opportunity. The Commission on Public Art has announced a temporary art installation that will be located on the western stretch of the Louisville Loop, along the Ohio River. It will highlight the future site of Waterfront Park Phase IV. When completed, Waterfront Park Phase IV will be a lynchpin in revitalizing the urban riverfront and will bring much needed greenspace to Portland and other west Louisville neighborhoods.

 

The expanded BID will serve new and well-established businesses in the eight block area that is experiencing significant growth and revitalization. For example, E & S Gallery, a nationally recognized gallery formerly on Main St. is now located on S. 10th St. In addition, Louisville’s iconic novelty and costume retailer Caufield’s, is a long-time business in the area. The neighborhood is also home to Mercer Transportation, as well as the Healing Place, which is undergoing a $20 million expansion. New developments in the area include Kentucky Peerless Distillery, recently opened in a former vacant warehouse on North 10th St., and Falls City/Old 502 Winery, located on South 10th St. The beverage companies have joined forces and will be opening their new “Over the 9” restaurant which will move into the former wine-tasting room. Zirmed, located nearby at 888 West Market Street, serves as a major anchor in the area, and well-known Louisville developer, Bill Weyland, is building a Holiday Inn Express at the corner of West Market Street and 8th Street which aims to provide accommodations for those visiting Museum Row.

 

“The ambassadors provide outstanding on street services, as well as countless community enhancements that will help this area continue to grow,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “They have proven to be one of the solid cornerstones of Downtown Louisville’s significant growth and positive momentum into the future. We are pleased that they will help boost the growth and economic vibrancy of this area of Downtown.”

 

“I commend the business owners who are joining with the Louisville Downtown Partnership in this expansion. Many of us have always known there is great potential for economic development and jobs past Ninth Street heading west. This expansion enhances a growing downtown business district which in turn benefits all of us in Metro Louisville,” said President Tandy.

LDP is a dynamic organization that drives economic growth in Downtown for the benefit of the entire region, as well as oversees multiple on-street enhancements that help establish Downtown Louisville’s distinctive character and widespread appeal. LDP believes the economic engine of any great city starts with a strong Downtown. For more information, go to: www.louisvilledowntown.org. LDP can be contacted at 556 S. Fourth Street; Louisville, KY 40202; (502)584-6000.

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