Downtown Arena in Louisville

[seicer]

Ugh. Gone for a week and a half, and my inbox is filled up with C-J articles.

Louisville arena seeks 'green' label: Cost may be biggest barrier to eco-friendly designation

By Marcus Green, Courier-Journal [Louisville] August 5, 2007

Louisville's new arena could go "green", utilizing as many sustainable elements as possible so that it is energy efficient, keep costs down, and give them "bragging rights" that comes with LEED certification. It is patterned after the Washington Nationals' new baseball stadium, where there are reserved parking spots for fuel-efficient vehicles, and restrooms that save 3.6 million gallons of water per year, and a basketball arena in Brooklyn that has building materials that were recycled from older, demolished structures.

If constructed to the LEED certification, it would be part of more than 925 such buildings certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. To qualify, it must score a minimum number of points in areas such as site selection, efficiency in water and energy, construction materials, and indoor air quality.

For the Louisville arena, it may have a light-colored roof to reduce the heat-island effect that plague urbanized areas. Brick may be used from a power distribution station that will be razed at the project site, at Second and Main Streets. And other building materials may be obtained locally, thus avoiding pollution from transporting them long distances. But the only reason that the arena may not meet the LEED standard is cost: the construction estimate of $252 million does not factor in the "green" elements." The project's total cost, including property acquisition, a parking garage, and floodwall, is $371 million. The estimated cost to meet the LEED certification, however, is estimated to be less than 1% of the total project cost.

The design for the arena will be revealed later this month, and bonding will be issued in the fall. Construction will begin in 2008 and be open in 2010.

[seicer]

Arena design reflects Ohio River

By Marcus Green, The Courier-Journal [Louisville], August 20, 2007

URL includes renderings

The new Louisville arena design was unveiled today as a "iconic," "dynamic" and "contemporary" fabric of Louisville's future cityscape. The design features a curving, cascading roof that is intended to reflect the city's association with the Ohio River, as well as a cardinal wing. It will also feature walls of glass on three sides with a large window overlooking the Ohio River, and a two-level public plaza with fountains and an amphitheater off of Main Street.

Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher appointed a task force in 2005 to determine where the location of a new Louisville arena. The $252 million arena is expected to open in fall 2010, and construction could begin next year.

[Rural King]

Its a nice safe design and will be a great addition to downtown. However, while definitely impressive, it's not quite what I might expect such a high profile project.

Still it should have a very good positive impact of futhering the further development of downtown, no matter what opinions are about its design.

[seicer]

Arena maximum price $254 million

The Courier-Journal, September 17, 2007

The Louisville downtown arena will cost no more than $254 million, which has been guaranteed. The project's construction manager anounced this morning that the maximum price will be locked in, a step that arena officials say is needed so that bonds can be issued later this fall. Earlier estimates called for the project to cost $252 million.

The bonds will be issued in October or November, and no more than $360 million in bonds will be issued.